Uploaded August 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Some people think I use specific rims to create my stepped forms, the types that have the exterior shape cut into them, so they can be used like a template almost, pressed against the soft spinning clay. Instead, the way I really do it, is simply by throwing a straight-sided form that’s then indented like so, with the sharp edge of a metal rib pressed into the wall, a crisp little ledge created. It’s not the easiest technique, especially if the walls are wafer thin, and much of what allows this to work is supporting the indentation from behind, from inside the pot, as pressure is exerted on the outside.
Beyond that, there are two other important factors to making a successful mug, (in my opinion), the first tip will help you to throw a shape without any trapped, ‘useless’ clay in the bottom, and that’s simply throwing an internal form that has a distinct flat base with walls that jut upwards vertically, without any gradual curve connecting the two. If you leave the floor curved in a shape like this, the raised portion closer to the walls will keep the vessel bottom heavy as you can’t trim it away easily thereafter.
The second tip is more ergonomic and that’s to create a lip that fits the shape of your mouth. I see so many cups that resolve in a thick, blocky rim, a form that simply doesn’t nestle into the corners of your lips. Instead, I throw the rim with a bevelled edge that comes to a sharp point on the outer portion of the wall, the sharpness is then softened with a chamois leather, yet it’s crisp enough to snuggle into the corners of your mouth. Think of a stool made with a shape that mimics your behind, comfortable, right? Well, the same can be said for a properly thrown lip.
#pottery #howto #potterytutorial #clay #ceramics #maker #wheelthrownpottery
Some people think I use specific rims to create my stepped forms, the types that have the exterior shape cut into them, so they can be used like a template almost, pressed against the soft spinning clay. Instead, the way I really do it, is simply by throwing a straight-sided form that’s then indented like so, with the sharp edge of a metal rib pressed into the wall, a crisp little ledge created. It’s not the easiest technique, especially if the walls are wafer thin, and much of what allows this to work is supporting the indentation from behind, from inside the pot, as pressure is exerted on the outside.
Beyond that, there are two other important factors to making a successful mug, (in my opinion), the first tip will help you to throw a shape without any trapped, ‘useless’ clay in the bottom, and that’s simply throwing an internal form that has a distinct flat base with walls that jut upwards vertically, without any gradual curve connecting the two. If you leave the floor curved in a shape like this, the raised portion closer to the walls will keep the vessel bottom heavy as you can’t trim it away easily thereafter.
The second tip is more ergonomic and that’s to create a lip that fits the shape of your mouth. I see so many cups that resolve in a thick, blocky rim, a form that simply doesn’t nestle into the corners of your lips. Instead, I throw the rim with a bevelled edge that comes to a sharp point on the outer portion of the wall, the sharpness is then softened with a chamois leather, yet it’s crisp enough to snuggle into the corners of your mouth. Think of a stool made with a shape that mimics your behind, comfortable, right? Well, the same can be said for a properly thrown lip.
#pottery #howto #potterytutorial #clay #ceramics #maker #wheelthrownpottery
