Get ready to make a mug.
Hi, Marie here. Welcome to Pottery Crafters. You found
video number 6 in our Beginner Pottery Wheel Series. Today you'll learn how to
Throw Decorate and Glaze a mug, and yes you'll See the Finished Piece. If you
like what you see please like the video. If you want to support me or see new
videos feel free to subscribe and hit the bell icon next to the subscribe
button to get a notification whenever I upload a video. Before we get started
here's a list of tools and supplies I use to make the mug, which will also be
down below in the show notes along with any other important information I may
talk about throughout the video. The tools and supplies listed are only
recommendations and items I use on a daily basis. I'll be starting with the
clay already centered, so if you're having any problems with centering your
clay you can check out the video up above. With that said, enjoy the video and
make sure you stay until the end to see the finished piece. Let's get started. For
this project I'm using a pound and a half of Amaco stoneware 46 Buff Clay.
Check the thickness with your needle tool. This mug is going to be trimmed on
the bottom so you want to leave at least a half an inch of clay.
Bring the bottom out to the size that you want the base of your mug to be
before pulling up the walls. Don't forget to compress the bottom.
Anchoring your left thumb against your right-hand helps to keep the pressure of
your fingers stay consistent to keep the thickness of the sides even throughout
your piece. Don't forget to get the water out with your sponge from time to
time. If the water sits too long it can start to weaken the clay. Slow and even
pressure with your fingers is the key.
Get the extra slip off to keep the sides stronger longer.
Smooth out the clay with the metal scraper and get rid of any water.
Then make a foot with the Ultimate Edger.
I'm using the Giffin Grip a Double-Edged Trimmer and the Ribbon Tool.
After making my handle with the handheld extruder and my mug and handle are
leather hard it's time to attach them.
Check out my video on making handles with the handheld Extruder.
To ensure your handle doesn't crack it's important to score both the handle and
the Mug.
Smooth out the clay and wait. Once the mug is bone-dry it's time to
bisque fire in the Skutt Kiln at cone 04. Wiping down your mug with the damp
sponge gets any dust or particles off and helps the glaze bond to the mug.
Apply a little wax resist to easily get any extra Glaze off the bottom. Once your
mug is dry it's time to glaze. I'm pouring Amaco Obsidian Glaze on the
inside and brushing the outside with a Hake Brush. Mix your glaze well before
applying. I always put the glaze through a strainer. it catches the clumps of
glaze and debris that may be lurking in the glaze. Load up your brush and let the
glaze float across your piece.
After the first coat is dry I'm applying a second coat on the outside only. If
you're new to glazing check out my article on 27 Glazing Tips for Beginners.
I left a link in the description below.
For the third coat I'm pouring Amaco Indigo Float on the
inside and outside as well.
after the third coat is dry pour Amaco Smokey Merlot on the top half of the
outside.
Once the glaze is all dry it's time for Amaco Textured Turquoise Rim Dip.
I'm also glazing the bottom with an Artist's Fan Brush and the Textured
Turquoise.
Let the glaze dry and make sure the bottom is glazed free before it goes
back in the Kiln for the final firing at cone 5 Let's see how the mug turned out.
Here's the finished mug.
The glaze turned out pretty good. I like how nicely it flowed down the handle and
the side of the mug. There are no cracks in the handle and no cracks in the
bottom. I think it turned out pretty cool. What do you think? Feel free to post any
questions comments or even ideas for future videos in the comment section
below. Some of the best tips and feedback come
from you. Also in the comment section are more show notes and pottery-making info.
I hope you've learned a thing or two to make your own mug. Check out my other
videos from Pottery Crafters and don't forget to Like Subscribe and hit the
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video.