#100Mugs100Ways

Day 58 

Here is #Mug #58 - Making and attaching a handle

There are different ways to create a handle. 

1. Pulling a handle

2. Using an extruder

3. Cut a handle from a slap

4. To roll out a coil 

5. To cut a handle out of clay

I will only talk about the method I currently prefer to use, which is pulling a handle.

Here are the benefits I find in pulling a handle:

1. When pulling a handle, I prefer to go for a more organic look, and, for me, I find it to be a better quality to handle. 

2. Pulling a handle allows to align all the clay particles, which strengthens the clay. 

What exactly does pulling a handle mean?

1. It requires a gentle pulling to create a smooth shape that will look perfect on my mug.

2. When I pull a handle, I always use the same type of clay I used to make my mug.

3. Before starting, I always wedge the clay to ensure all of the air bubbles have been pushed out. 

4. The next step is very important; I form a thick carrot shape from a chunk of clay to pull several handles from it. 

5. I take the chunk of clay (carrot) into my left hand, with a bucket of water underneath; I use my right hand to smooth down the clay, by wetting my hands, I pull down as I go, with my fingers and thumb. It is similar to milking a cow. :-). I repeat this step until I have the length I desire.

6. I often pull the handle out a bit longer than I need, to ensure I have enough when it comes to attaching it to my mug.

7. Once I have made my handle, I hang it over the edge of a wooden bat, so the air can get to both sides and dry it a little before I attach it. 

8. I need to be sure my mug is at a leather hard stage, and the handle is dry enough to form a gentle curve when it's held. 

9. Next, I use my knife to cut the handle to the exact right length; I score the handle ends with a little water and place the handle onto the mug where I want to attach it. Then I remove the handle, and the points (wet clay residue) will show me where the handle should go.

10. Then I score the mug at those points.

11. I will then score the handle a little more and attach it to the mug, I can also use a little slip on my scored points and then carefully attach the handle, applying gentle pressure at the parts it joins. I clean the surrounded area where the handle is attached to the mug and make sure it looks nice and even.

12. Lastly, I carefully let the pot dry. If I choose to carve it, I will do so now, let it dry, then apply underglazes or let it rest until it is completely dry, and then it will be send off to be fired.

Here is a video from Simon Leach explaining the process:

The next video shows Simon attaching the handle, he does some extra steps I don’t do.