5 Tips for Making Functional Pottery Handles
Making handles for pottery plays a key role in many of the designs you'll bring to life in your studio.
From sleek, modern slab handles to the quirky charm of coil handles, the options for adding that perfect finishing touch are endless.
1. Slab Handles
While they may seem simple at first glance, slab handles perfectly balance structure and style. This technique uses clean, straightforward forms while offering endless possibilities for creativity.
Slab handles are an excellent choice for modern designs since they maintain a sense of timelessness that looks great with most projects.
Steps to Make Slab Handles
-
Prepare the Clay: Roll out a slab of clay to an even thickness, typically about 1/4 inch.
-
Cut the Shape: Use our Bird of Paradise Pottery Multi-Tool to cut and create the desired handle shape — rectangular strips work well for most designs.
-
Refine the Edges: Smooth the slab's edges with a damp sponge or your fingers to remove roughness.
-
Shape the Handle: Gently bend the slab into a handle form, considering the shape and size of your ceramic project.
-
Score and Slip: Score the attachment points on both the handle and the vessel, then apply the slip for a secure bond.
-
Attach to the Vessel: Press the handle firmly onto the vessel, smoothing the joins to ensure strength.
-
Let It Set: Allow the handle to firm up slightly before refining its shape further. This typically takes a few hours for optimal strength.
-
Dry Slowly: Let the piece dry evenly to avoid cracks in the handle or attachment points.
2. Extruder Handles
Handheld clay extruders are an excellent pottery tool for precision and efficiency, offering clean, consistent shapes you can customize for many designs. When using DiamondCore’s handheld clay extruder tool, you’ll usually slice a handle from slabs or bags of clay.
This method is ideal for quickly producing uniform handles for mugs, pitchers, or vases, especially when working on larger batches.
Steps to Make Extruded Handles
-
Prepare the Clay: Wedge the clay to remove air bubbles and ensure an even consistency.
-
Glide the Handheld Extruder Through the Clay: Pull the tool through the clay block at a low angle to avoid gaps or inconsistencies.
-
Cut to Length: Trim the extruded handle to the desired length using a knife, wire tool or metal rib.
-
Shape the Handle: Bend or curve the handle gently, considering what it will be used for and the design. Don’t forget to hold the shape of the handle as it sets with our handle forms.
-
Score and Slip: Score the attachment points on the handle and your ceramic project, then apply slip.
-
Attach the Handle: Press the ends of the handle of your ceramic project.
-
Add Personal Touches: Enhance the handle with textures, carvings, or shaped edges for a unique look. The opposite, stylus end of many DiamondCore® wood tools can be used to add details to your ceramic work.
-
Dry Evenly: Allow the piece to dry slowly and evenly to prevent cracking or warping.
3. Coil Handles
Coil handles offer a rustic and organic charm, making them a unique choice for handmade pottery. This pottery handle technique is created by rolling clay into long, even coils.
You can shape the coil into curves, spirals, or intricate braided patterns based on how you’d like your project to look. The key to a durable coil handle is securing it firmly to your ceramic project with proper scoring, slipping, and blending it seamlessly for added strength.
Steps to Make Coil Handles
-
Prepare the Clay: Wedge the clay to ensure an even texture and remove air bubbles.
-
Roll the Coil: Roll a piece of clay into a long, even coil, adjusting the thickness based on the desired handle size.
-
Shape the Handle: Curve or twist the coil into your desired handle shape, such as a simple arc, spiral, or braid.
-
Score and Slip: Score the attachment points with the scoring tool on both the coil ends and the vessel, then apply slip for a secure connection.
-
Attach to the Vessel: Press the coil ends firmly onto the vessel, ensuring they are evenly placed and aligned.
-
Blend the Joins: Smooth the connection points with a tool or your fingers to maintain durability and a seamless appearance.
-
Refine the Shape: Make final adjustments to the handle’s shape for balance and ergonomics.
-
Dry Slowly: Let the piece dry evenly to prevent cracking or distortion in the handle.
4. Knob and Loop Handles
Knob handles are often seen on lids, providing a sturdy grip while adding a focal point to the piece. Loop handles are commonly used on small vessels or decorative items, creating a delicate and refined shape.
These handles can be formed by hand or with the help of tools. Whether you want to enhance the functionality of a teapot lid or add a stylish accent to a decorative piece, knob and loop handles are versatile and timeless options.
Steps to Make Knob and Loop Handles
Knob Handles
-
Prepare the Clay: Roll a small ball or shape for the knob, keeping it proportional to the vessel’s size.
-
Shape the Knob: Refine the knob’s shape into a sphere, cylinder, or custom design using your fingers or the help of DiamondCore® trimming tools.
-
Score and Slip: Score the bottom of the knob and the attachment point on the vessel or lid, then apply slip.
-
Attach the Knob: Press the knob firmly onto the lid, ensuring it is centered and securely attached.
-
Refine the Connection: Smooth the edges of the attachment point to blend the knob seamlessly with the lid.
-
Dry Evenly: Allow the lid and knob to dry together slowly to prevent cracks or misalignment.
Loop Handles
-
Prepare the Clay: Roll a coil or slab of clay to create the loop. Adjust the size and thickness for the vessel’s design.
-
Shape the Loop: Form the coil or slab into a curved or decorative loop, double-checking that it fits comfortably with the vessel’s proportions.
-
Score and Slip: Score the ends of the loop and the vessel’s attachment points, then apply slip.
-
Attach the Loop: Press the loop ends onto the vessel, ensuring they are symmetrical and firmly secured.
-
Smooth and Refine: Blend the attachment points and refine the loop’s shape for balance and aesthetics.
-
Dry Carefully: Let the piece dry evenly to avoid cracking or warping in the loop.
5. Integrated Handles
Unlike traditional handles you add after making your pottery project, integrated handles are sculpted directly from the vessel itself, creating a smooth, continuous line that can be created for both functionality and visual appeal.
Integrated handles work well for minimalist or contemporary pottery, where the focus is on clean lines and a unified form. Whether shaped as part of a pitcher, mug, or bowl, integrated handles provide a unique, sturdy grip that looks beautiful.
Steps to Make Integrated Handles
-
Prepare the Clay: Start with a well-wedged piece of clay, ensuring it’s smooth and free of air bubbles.
-
Form the Project: Shape the vessel’s body, leaving extra clay at the points where you’ll integrate the handle.
-
Plan the Handle Placement: Mark the areas where the handle will connect to the vessel, considering ergonomics and balance.
-
Shape the Handle: Using the extra clay, sculpt the handle directly from the vessel's body, blending it into the form. Depending on your design, you can shape it as a simple loop, curved extension, or angular form.
-
Score and Slip: Score the areas where the handle connects to ensure a secure bond and apply slip for a better attachment.
-
Smooth the Join: Carefully blend the edges where the handle meets the vessel, ensuring a seamless transition that feels like a natural extension of the piece.
-
Refine the Shape: Continue shaping and refining the handle for balance, making sure it’s ergonomic and comfortable to hold.
-
Dry Evenly: Allow the piece to dry slowly and evenly to prevent cracks, ensuring the integrated handle sets correctly without stress.
Recommended DiamondCore® Tools
Hinterlassen Sie einen Kommentar