SNOW LEOPARDS
January 2026
This collection was meant to be created with my holiday end of year batch. But I got horribly sick, so I did not have the energy to make as much as I wanted. I moved the snow leopards to January. Which kind of worked out because we got a ton of snow. I am always inspired by my surroundings. At first, I was not as excited about this collection because it is during the hardest time of year for me mentally. Winter blues really take a toll on me. Which is why I usually create very bright colorful work during this time. Even though outside and my studio was snowy, I am very happy with the final product. Once these mugs were glazed I felt so much better about the work.
These handmade snow leopard mugs evoke the essence of winter. The snow-like glazes, icicles hanging from tree branch handles, and snowflake appliques. The handles are sculpted trees creating a sense of perspective for the snow leopard’s environment. Some trees have slip trailed icicles hanging from the branch while other trees are decorated with pinecones and lush green pine needle branches. The glazes are colorful renditions of the tones of winter- from blues, whites, and purples flowing down the surface surrounding the snow leopard paintings. Rendered in meticulous details, each snow leopard has its own personality. Either laying down, climbing, or posed profiles, the snow leopards represent royalty of winter. The paintings are not clear glazed, giving them a matte texture contrasted against the glossy glazes. This aspect gives a push and pulls of the surface, creating atmospheric perspective, as if the leopard is front and center.
Fun facts about snow leopards-
These endangered cats are nearly impossible to see—they’ve even earned the nickname “ghost of the mountains.” Their spotted coats act as cloaks of invisibility by blending into the rocky mountains of the 12 Central Asian countries where the cats live.
The mountains the snow leopards call home are rugged and extremely cold in the winter. But these cats have some amazing body parts that make living in the area no big deal.
In addition to camouflaging them, a snow leopard’s soft, dense fur keeps it warm in the bitter cold. Their large paws work like snowshoes, letting the cat walk on snow without sinking.
Their long, heavy tail helps them keep their balance while they’re chasing prey. At night, the cats curl their tails around their bodies like a cozy scarf to keep warm—and to stay hidden while sleeping.
Researchers think only 3,500 to 7,000 snow leopards exist in the wild, but no one knows for sure.
• The snow leopard’s wide nose warms cold air before it enters its lungs.
• Snow leopards can mew, growl, and puff but they can’t roar.
• Adult snow leopards are solitary, but young siblings will cuddle and play.
• Snow leopards have powerful legs and can jump as far as 50 feet.
People pose the biggest threat to their survival. Poachers can sell a snow leopard’s hide and bones for thousands of dollars. Herders often kill any snow leopard that attacks their livestock.