Wheel-thrown pottery is a beautiful and ancient art form that has been around for thousands of years. There's nothing quite like a handmade mug, crafted with care and skill, to add a touch of warmth and personality to your morning coffee or tea. In this post, we will walk you through the process of creating your own wheel-thrown mug, from start to finish.
Step 1: Gather Your Materials
To make a wheel-thrown mug, you will need a pottery wheel, clay, a wire tool, a rib tool, a sponge, and a needle tool. There are different kinds of clay. If you are a beginner, you can choose red clay. Iron gives that clay its colour. Its plasticity is less than other types of clay. It is less sensitive to the wrong movements of your hands. White clay is easier to shape, however it could sag and lose its form.
Step 2: Prepare the Clay
Before you begin throwing your mug, you will need to prepare the clay. Start by wedging the clay to remove any air bubbles. This will ensure that your mug will be strong and even. Once the clay is wedged, center it on the wheel and begin shaping it into a cylinder.
Step 3: Throw the Mug
With the clay centered on the wheel, use your hands and the wheel to shape the clay into a mug. As you shape the clay, use the wire tool to cut off any excess clay. Once you have the basic shape of the mug, use the rib tool to smooth and refine the walls.
Step 4: Add the Handle
Once the mug is shaped, it's time to add the handle. To do this, roll out a small amount of clay into a long, thin strip. Attach the strip to the mug by pressing it onto the side of the mug and smoothing it out with your fingers. Use the needle tool to create a small hole in the handle, which will allow any air bubbles to escape as the mug dries.
Step 5: Trim the Bottom
Before the mug can be dried, it needs to be trimmed on the bottom. Use the wire tool to cut off any excess clay and shape the bottom of the mug.
Step 6: Dry and Bisque-fire
Once the mug is trimmed, it will need to dry for several days before it can be fired. Once dry, it will need to be bisque-fired in a kiln to harden the clay. The temperature and time will depend on the type of clay you're using, so be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions.
Step 7: Glaze and Glaze-fire
After the mug has been bisque-fired, it's time to glaze it. Apply the glaze with a brush and make sure it's evenly coated. Once the glaze is applied, the mug will need to be glaze-fired in the kiln. Again, the temperature and time will depend on the type of glaze you're using, so be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions.
Step 8: Enjoy!
Once the mug has been glaze-fired, it's ready to use! Enjoy your new handmade wheel-thrown mug, and be sure to show it off to your friends and family.
Making a wheel-thrown mug is a fun and rewarding experience. It may take some time and practice to get the hang of it, but with a little patience and persistence, you'll be creating beautiful, one-of-a-kind mugs in no time.
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