Wednesday, March 1, 2017

Handbuilt Mug

Here is a pictorial on how I make mugs using slabs with a form.


Materials: form, (Be sure it's cylinder or the bottom is smaller than the top.),slab rolled to even thickness, newspaper to cover form and make template, various tools and items for decoration.


Cover form with two layers of paper, leave enough overhang to cover the bottom Tape in place on side and bottom.  DO NOT tape paper to the form.  Using measured template cut slab for walls; allow for overlap of about 1/4 - 1/2 inch.
 
 Roll slab carefully around the form.


Overlap and attach edges.  The seam can be blended in or left as part of the decoration.  Trim edges at the seam to even out.


Cut circle slightly larger than the form for the bottom of the mug.


Fold edges of circle onto wall of mug and attach firmly.  Again this edge can be blended in or left as part of the decoration.


Roll a coil for the handle.  Drop coil gently to form flat side. Tap ends against work surface to make them fatter. Curve so the flat side is the inside of the handle.  It may take several tries to get one that works with the mug form.


Score clay on mug and handle and attach firmly.

Decorate the mug as desired.  Remove the form when the clay is set up enough to support itself.  Any extra paper at the top should be damp and tear away easily. When the clay is the consistency of firm leather and can be handled with distorting it, clean the rim and any other areas.  Remove the paper when the mug is completely dry.

Because I used wetter than usual clay for this project I did not need any slip to attach edges and bottom.  A good slip is a mix of vinegar and water.  Score and slip edges before attaching.

If there are any questions please respond below or PM me on FaceBook at Suzi Caswell.

Oh and because it is March 4........HARES AND RABBITS!

As always thanks for stopping by.............*s*

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