How to Pull Handles Pottery
To pull handles in pottery, start by smoothing a roll of clay using water.
Gradually make the clay longer and thinner.
Handles can be pulled off the pot or pulled separately and attached later.
When attaching the handle, use a scoring and slipping process.
Practice adjusting the shape of the handle to achieve desired curves.
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Did You Know?
1. The process of pulling handles in pottery is called “strap and pull,” wherein a strip of clay is attached and pulled to create a functional handle.
2. The oldest known hand-pulled handles in pottery date back over 5,000 years and were found in ancient Mesopotamian artifacts.
3. Some potters use a technique called “courting” to create intricate handle designs by joining multiple pulled handles together in a decorative pattern.
4. In Japanese pottery, there is a specific handle-pulling technique called “ichidai-daki,” where two handles are pulled simultaneously and then twisted to create a unique shape.
5. While it is most commonly associated with pottery, the process of pulling handles is also used in other crafts like glassblowing, where a molten glass rod is stretched and shaped to create a handle-like structure.
Placing The Mug And Handle Correctly
When attaching a handle to pottery, follow these steps for optimal results:
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Place the mug on its opposite side. This provides better access for attaching the handle without any obstructions.
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Make sure the handle is long enough to comfortably hold the mug.
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Gently rest the handle on the mug right above the attachment point. This prevents the handle from stretching further and helps maintain its intended length. This step is particularly vital if the handle was pulled separately instead of being directly attached to the pot.
Trimming And Adjusting The Handle Length
After placing the handle on the mug, take a needle tool and carefully trim the bottom of the handle if it appears too long. This step helps achieve the desired proportions and ensures that the handle doesn’t overpower the overall look of the pottery.
When trimming, be mindful not to remove too much clay, as this can weaken the handle’s structure. It’s always better to trim a little at a time and re-evaluate until the desired length is achieved.
Scoring And Slipping The Attachment Point
To securely attach the handle to the mug, a scoring and slipping technique is necessary. This technique involves creating texture on both the mug and the bottom of the handle to be joined. The scoring process roughens the surface, while slipping involves applying a liquid clay called slip to create a sticky surface.
To begin, use a scoring tool to make shallow marks on both the mug and the handle. It is important to create enough texture for the slip to adhere to, but avoid making deep grooves that may weaken the attachment point.
Once both areas are scored, apply the slip to them. Then, gently press the handle onto the mug. It is crucial to press firmly enough to secure the attachment, but be careful not to accidentally thin out any area.
Improvements:
- Use a scoring tool to make shallow marks on both the mug and the handle.
- Apply slip to both scored areas.
- Gently press the handle onto the mug, ensuring a firm attachment without thinning out any area accidentally.
Firmly Attaching The Handle Without Thinning
When attaching the handle to the mug, it is crucial to ensure that the attachment is secure without unintentionally thinning the clay out. Gradually press the handle onto the mug while maintaining an even distribution of pressure.
By using controlled force, you can avoid pushing the clay too much and inadvertently thinning out any section of the pottery. This step requires patience and attention to detail to achieve a successful attachment.
Cleaning The Seam For A Neat Finish
Once the handle is securely attached, it’s important to clean the seam for a polished and professional finish. To ensure a seamless blend and enhance the overall aesthetic of the pottery, follow these steps:
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Smooth rough edges: Use a finger or a small paintbrush lightly dampened with water to gently smooth out any rough edges or excess slip along the seam.
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Take your time: Avoid rushing this step to prevent accidental smears or bumps that could mar the final result. Give careful attention to brushing along the seam, using gentle strokes.
By following these guidelines, you can achieve a virtually invisible seam that seamlessly blends the handle with the mug, creating a polished and visually appealing result.
Shaping And Adjusting The Handle Curve
After attaching the handle to the pottery, it may require some adjustments to achieve the desired curves. To shape and adjust the handle, glide a moist finger or a moist paintbrush handle on the inside of the clay handle. This helps the handle regain a curvature that best suits the design and ergonomics of the pottery piece.
It is important to be cautious not to apply too much pressure or moisture while adjusting the handle’s curve, as this can cause deformations or weak spots. Take your time and gradually work on shaping the handle until it aligns with your artistic vision.
Attaching a handle to pottery requires careful attention to detail and a series of precise steps. Correctly placing the mug and handle, trimming and adjusting the length, scoring and slipping the attachment point, firmly attaching the handle without thinning, cleaning the seam, and shaping and adjusting the handle curve are all crucial steps in achieving a well-crafted and visually appealing pottery piece.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do potters pull handles?
Potters pull handles to transform a simple roll of clay into a functional and aesthetically pleasing component for pottery. Through the repetitive process of smoothing the clay with water, the handle gradually becomes longer and thinner, resulting in a more refined and elegant form. This technique adds both visual appeal and functionality to the pottery, offering a comfortable grip for users while enhancing the overall design of the piece. By pulling handles, potters elevate their creations from basic vessels to intricate works of art that exhibit craftsmanship and attention to detail.
What is a pull handle?
A pull handle is a versatile type of handle designed to facilitate a pulling action. It is usually grasped with one or both hands, allowing individuals to exert force and create movement. Whether it is applied to a drawer, door, or any other object, a pull handle intuitively assists in moving and manipulating items by pulling them closer or opening them from a closed position. With its straightforward design and practical use, the pull handle proves to be an essential tool in various settings, making it easier for individuals to interact with and manipulate objects.
What is a push pull handle?
A push-pull handle is a device commonly found on high-traffic doors such as those in auxiliary vestibules or large restrooms. Its function is quite simple yet effective. When the handle is pushed or pulled, it engages individual leverage and causes the axis to rotate, thereby unlocking the door. Once released, the handle is returned to its original position by the lock’s spring. This mechanism allows for easy and convenient access while ensuring the door remains securely locked when not in use.
How can I achieve consistent and even pulls on pottery handles?
To achieve consistent and even pulls on pottery handles, there are a few key techniques to keep in mind. Firstly, it is important to ensure that your clay is properly wedged and has an even consistency throughout. This will help maintain uniformity in the handle pulls. Additionally, practicing a steady and controlled hand movement while pulling the handles is crucial.
Start by rolling the clay into a long snake-like coil, making sure it is smooth and well kneaded. Place your fingers evenly and comfortably along the length of the coil, maintaining a consistent pressure as you pull towards you. Keep your motion steady and deliberate, using your fingers to guide and shape the handle to the desired thickness.
It may also be helpful to use a ruler or similar tool to measure and mark the desired width and length of the handle, ensuring uniformity across multiple pieces. Regular practice and patience will help refine your technique, resulting in consistent and even pulls on your pottery handles.
