How to throw a mug isn’t just about flinging an object across the room in a fit of rage – though I understand the temptation. As a lifelong collector of ceramics, I’ve spent many hours practicing the fine art of mug throwing, from selecting the proper clay to shaping each vessel by hand. There is something profoundly gratifying about taking a blob of wet mud and transforming it into a functional work of art.
In this post, I’ll share the basic steps I’ve learned over the years to help you unleash your inner potter and create beautiful thrown mugs right in your own home.
By the time you finish reading, you’ll be ready to toss that store-bought coffee mug in the trash and make your own masterpieces instead. Let’s get throwing!
What Will You Need?
Before we dive into the actual throwing process, let’s make sure you have all the necessary materials. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
- Clay: Choose a clay that is specifically formulated for wheel throwing. This will make it easier to work with and help prevent cracking during firing.
- Pottery Wheel: You can purchase an electric or kick-wheel pottery wheel, or try your hand at hand-building techniques. If you’re just starting, a basic electric wheel is recommended.
- Water: You’ll need plenty of water to keep your clay moist and malleable throughout the throwing process.
- Throwing Tools: These include a sponge, trimming tools, needle tools, and ribs. Your local pottery supply store can help you choose which tools are best for your needs.
- Glaze and Kiln: Once your mugs are thrown, trimmed, and dried to a leather-hard state, you’ll need to glaze them and fire them in a kiln. If you need access to a kiln, many community centers offer pottery classes where they will fire your pieces for you.
Now that you have all the necessary materials, it’s time to get your hands dirty and start throwing!
10 Easy Steps on How to Throw a Mug
Step 1: Prepare Your Clay
To begin throwing your mug, start by preparing your clay. This process, known as wedging, helps to remove any air bubbles and create a uniform consistency in the clay – both vital for successful throwing.
To wedge your clay, slam it down onto a clean, non-stick surface and then knead it like dough, using the heels of your hands to push and fold the clay onto itself. This process also aligns the clay particles, making the clay more pliable and easy to shape on the wheel.
Continue wedging until your clay feels smooth and pliable, with no hard lumps or sticky spots. The amount of time this takes can vary, but it’s generally about 5 to 10 minutes.
Step 2: Center Your Clay
Next, you need to center your clay on the wheel. This is a key step in throwing a mug, as it ensures that your piece will be symmetrical and balanced. Start by slamming your clay ball down onto the center of the wheel. Then, with the wheel spinning, use your hands to shape the clay into a cone and push it back down into a dome shape. Repeat this process several times – this is called coming up and down, and it helps to align the clay particles and ensure the clay is completely centered. When perfectly centered, your clay will feel stable and won’t wobble as the wheel spins.
Step 3: Open the Clay
To start shaping your mug, you need first to open the clay. With the wheel spinning, place the thumb of your dominant hand in the center of the clay and push down, creating a hole or well. Be mindful not to push through the clay; leave a thickness of about 1/4 inch at the base. This will serve as the bottom of your mug. Use your other hand on the outside to support the clay and maintain its centered position. The opening process should be done slowly and steadily to ensure the clay is not thrown off-center.
Step 4: Pull the Walls
After opening the clay, the next step is to pull the walls. This is where you start to define the shape of your mug. Keep the wheel spinning and position your hands on either side of the clay. With your fingers on the inside and thumb on the outside, slowly and gently squeeze the clay and lift it upwards, allowing the clay to slip between your fingers. This will begin to form the walls of your mug. Be mindful to keep the thickness of the walls consistent, which will ensure an even heat distribution during firing. Also, keep your movements steady and fluid to avoid introducing any wobbles.
Step 5: Shape the Mug
Now that you’ve pulled the walls to your desired height and thickness, it’s time to shape your mug. e, gently push out from the inside to create your mug’s shape. Start from the bottom and work your way up. Remember, the top should be slightly wider than the bottom to create that classic mug shape. You can also use a rib tool to refine the form and smooth out any imperfections.
Step 6: Create the Lip
The lip of the mug is where your mouth will touch when you drink from it, so it’s important that it’s comfortable and not too thin. To create the lip, gently slow the wheel down and use your fingers to curve the mug’s top edge outwards gently. Be sure to smooth out any sharp edges.
Step 7: Cut Off the Excess Clay
Once you’re happy with the shape of your mug, use a wire tool to cut off any excess clay from the bottom. Hold the wire taut and drag it under the mug from one side to the other. This helps to separate your mug from the bat (the flat disc on the wheel head).
Step 8: Let Your Mug Dry
Allow your mug to dry to a leather-hard state. This is when the clay has lost most of its moisture but is still somewhat pliable. It’s the perfect stage for trimming and adding a handle. If needed, you can use a heat gun or hairdryer to speed up the drying process.
Step 9: Trim Your Mug
Trimming is done to refine your mug’s shape and remove any excess clay from the bottom. Place your mug upside down on the wheel, center it, and then use a trimming tool to shave off the excess clay. You can also use the trimming tool to add a foot ring to your mug, making it more stable and aesthetically pleasing.
Step 10: Attach a Handle
Finally, it’s time to attach a handle to your mug. Roll a piece of clay into a long, thin coil, then score (scratch up) both the area on your mug where you’ll attach the handle and the ends of the coil. Apply some slip (a mixture of clay and water), then firmly press the ring onto the mug. Use a smoothing tool or your fingers to blend the coil into the mug and shape it into a handle. Remember to consider the balance and proportion of your mug when attaching the handle.
Congratulations! You’ve now thrown your first mug. All left is to let it dry completely, bisque fire it, apply glaze, and then glaze fire it.
5 Additional Tips and Tricks
- Start with the Right Clay: Ensure you’re working with the right type of clay suitable for mugs. Stoneware clays are often the best choice due to their durability and versatility.
- Master the Centering Technique: Having your clay perfectly centered on the wheel is crucial. This removes any unevenness and makes the shaping process more effortless.
- Mind your Speed: Keep the wheel’s speed moderate when shaping the mug. Too fast can cause the clay to collapse, while too slow may result in uneven thickness.
- Keep the Clay Wet: Keep your clay well-lubricated with water while working. Dry clay can lead to cracks and wrinkles, disrupting your mug’s shape.
- Use a Template: If you plan to make multiple mugs of the same size and shape, consider using a template. This can help ensure consistency and save you a lot of time.
With these additional tips and tricks, you’ll be well on your way to mastering the art of throwing mugs. Remember to practice and experiment with different techniques to find what works best for you.
Conclusion
In conclusion, how to throw a mug may seem like a simple task, but it takes time and practice to master truly. Remember to start with the basics – grip, stance, and posture – before moving on to more advanced techniques. Feel free to experiment and find your unique style. Embrace the imperfections and embrace the beauty of handmade mugs. Incorporating some personal touches can add more meaning to your creations.
And remember to share your creations with others – whether selling them at local markets or simply giving them as gifts to loved ones. Let’s spread the joy and appreciation for this craft together. You may inspire someone else to take up pottery, too! Remember that practice makes perfect; anyone can become a skilled mug thrower with determination.
So go out there, get creative, and keep on throwing! And if you ever feel stuck or need inspiration, return to this post for a refresher. Happy potting!