Transforming last week’s thrown cylinders into coffee mugs took longer than it used to. First the cylinders were trimmed, then the handles fitted and attached. I score and slip both the body and the handle in the places where they connect. I add a little extra wad of clay where the base of the handle meets the body of the mug. That way the bottom of the handle doesn’t merge into the body. By doing so, the eye is led down one side of the handle, around the bottom and up the other in an uninterrupted line. This creates a better flow visually.
My trimming tools are fashioned from old saw blades. I started making and using them in 1983 and never looked back. They suit my needs better and last much longer than the store bought variety. Cheaper too.
The silicone “Colour Shapers” I use to smooth the joins between the handle and the body are a more recent discovery. They do a better job than their rigid counterparts. An inexpensive online purchase I highly recommend.
Back to throwing mugs this coming week. Looking to pick up the pace now that I’ve had my refresher.
