#Mug #56 - Throwing and turning a mug
Mug #56
Throwing and turning a mug
#100Mugs100Ways
Day 56
Here is #Mug #56 - Throwing and turning a mug
Before throwing a mug, I determine how much clay I need.
I choose anywhere from 14 oz to 1 lb. 5 oz. I like a have plenty to start with, and it also depends on what size of mug I am planning to make. The amount of clay will change depending on how tall I am planning the mug's foot to be and how much trimming it requires.
The larger the mug, the more clay I will need per cubic inch due to thicker walls to proportionately reflect the mug's size.
I also need to factor in the shrinkage of the clay. Because it is high fire, I need to remember to factor in the shrinkage. In this case, the clay I am working with here, which is Speckled Buff, shrinks about 12% through the full process of drying, bisque firing, and glaze firing.
Now I like to talk about the step-by-step making of a mug:
Make sure the clay is well wedged, as I explained yesterday in my post.
Place a bat onto the wheel (some ceramists work directly on the wheel head, but most use a bat) and then place the well-formed ball of clay at the center of the wheel.
I give the ball an extra few smacks to make sure it sticks well to the bat.
Now it's time to center the clay on the potter's wheel, which requires speed and lubrication. Begin by splashing the clay with a little water or slurry. I don't want the clay to begin to dry or catch on my hands and go off-center.
The wheel should be rotating at a steady speed as I center the clay. I don't want to feel any movement under my hands; my hands should rest steadily on top, and the sides as the clay rotate; when that is achieved, the clay is centered.
I push the clay down with the side of my right hand to center to the size of the mug I am planning on making.
Next, I press my thumbs or finger down into the center to make a hole, push down and out all the way to open up the clay.
Next, I pull the wall to dimensions.
Immediately, I pull the clay wall up to the size of the mug I want to make.
Now I shape the walls to the desired form I want.
I prefer to smooth the inside and outside with a metal rib, this allows me to clean the mug as much as I can, and I won't have too much cleaning and sanding to do later.
For a visual example, go to today's blog (link in bio) and watch the video I included from Jon the Potter. I realize I don't have a video of myself throwing a mug, which I must change.
