In this “Step 2” mug tutorial, I’m trimming the bottom of a leather-hard mug on the pottery wheel. This is the part where I slow down, get everything centered, and clean up the form so it feels finished in your hand—not just “good enough.” I’ll show you how I approach trimming in a practical, show-and-tell way, like I would with students, so you can see what I’m looking for as I take clay away and refine the shape. My favorite detail is trimming a foot ring. I like a defined foot because it lifts the mug visually, makes it feel lighter, and gives me a nice clean area to decorate later. Since I make cat mugs, this is also where I plan ahead for underglaze and carving cute lil’ paws into the bottom. If you’re learning mugs, trimming is one of those steps that can feel intimidating at first, but once you understand the goal—clean lines, an even base, and a foot that fits your style—it becomes such a satisfying part of the process.