How to make a Mug: Design your perfect handle

In one of our previous videos, we discussed how to create the base for a mug. Today, we will add a handle to it. There are three main ways to make a handle. The first method is slab built. Using a rolling pin, roll out a piece of clay into an even slab about five to seven millimeters thick. Cut out a rectangle from the slab. Smooth the edges with a damp sponge and roll it into the shape of the future handle, ensuring to form attachment points. The larger the attachment area, the better the handle will hold. The second method is coil built. Roll a sausage-like shape of clay of the desired thickness and bend it into the shape of a handle. The third method is pulling. Hold the clay with one hand at the top. Moisten the fingers of the other hand with water and gently pull and shape the free edge of the clay into an elongated form. Trim off the part that was held and twist the remaining part into the handle shape. On both the handle and the mug, apply notches or scratches at the attachment points in one direction and then perpendicular to it. This will ensure a stronger bond. Apply slip of more liquid clay acting as glue to these notches. Press the handle firmly onto the mug, removing excess clay. For better adhesion, create thin coils of soft clay and apply them around the attachment points. Use a rib tool to press these coils firmly and smooth them out, blending the handle into the mug seamlessly. And there you have it. Our mug is ready. Join us for pottery classes at Pottery Studio One. Create your first clay masterpiece with our expert guidance.