Pulling handles for a rather tricky batch of mugs, tricky, as each cup’s shape is different, meaning I have to assess where’s best for the handle to go, (or at least, which I prefer most), for each form, as I go.

My handles are made from a much larger block of clay that’s pulled thinner and thinner with a wet hand. If my hand dries out too much during this process it’ll stick to the length and tear it away. Essentially, I’m acting like a human-extruder, with the gap between one hand being the die plate. I can adjust it as I pull, making it smaller and smaller, and by doing so the soft clay that passes through my hand must abide.

Once long enough, the longer strap handle is separated into individual blanks, which are then attached to the mug bodies, pulled again, by essentially the same method, only this time I work with a lot more finesse. The pulled handle is then looped down and joined back onto the mug and I spend a few moments tidying up any smears. That being said. It’s always easier to fix a pulled handle if it is a bit messy, a few hours later, once the clay has firmed up.

I can’t say I like all the forms you see on the board at the end, but I enjoy the process to no end.

#handles #pottery #oddlysatisfying #craft #ceramics

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