Making Another Large Mug

Todays video is on throwing cups on the pottery wheel 😊

These are turning into one of my favourite things to throw on the wheel. While it may look huge atm once it’s been bisqued and glazed fired it will shrink down quite a lot!

Few Tips On How I Made This:

Start with well-wedged clay that’s at the right moisture level, you want it to be wedged quite easily, making it ideal for throwing. Create an opening in the center of the clay to form the cup. Gradually widen the opening while applying gentle pressure to lift the walls. Control the thickness of the walls as you pull them up to the desired height.

Pay special attention to the lip of the cup. Use your fingers or tools to shape it to your desired style, whether it’s flared, curved, or straight. Allow the cup to dry to a “leather-hard” stage. It should be firm but still slightly flexible. This usually takes a few hours to a day, depending on the clay and environment.

While the cup is drying, create or prepare the handle. Ensure it’s the right size and shape for the cup. When both the cup and handle are at a similar moisture level (leather-hard), score the areas where you’ll attach the handle. Use a serrated rib or a needle tool to create shallow, cross-hatched marks. Then apply slip to both the scored areas on the cup and the handle. This acts as a bonding agent.

Gently press the handle onto the scored and slipped area of the cup. Ensure it’s securely attached and properly aligned with the cup’s body. Use a wet finger or a tool to smooth and blend the seams where the handle attaches to the cup. This creates a seamless and visually pleasing connection. Allow the cup to dry slowly to avoid cracking. Cover it with plastic or a damp cloth to control the drying rate and prevent the handle from cracking.

Once again hope you enjoyed this post and as always Happy Potting!!! 🥳🥳

We will be back tomorrow with some more tips and ideas ❤️