DIY Network

Loop and Lug Bowl Handles Loop and Lug Bowl Handles From "Throwing Clay" episode DTHC-101

Figure A

Master potter Bill Van Gilder has thrown two batter bowls from two 2-1/2-pound lumps of clay. He created spouts by wetting the rims and gently stretching the clay. After the bowls dried leather hard, he trimmed the bottoms and, using a rubber rib, smoothed the sides to a silky finish. He gently pushed in the bases of the bowls to create functional, flat bases. Now it's time to pull loop and lug handles for the bowls (figure A).

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1. Place a 1-1/2-pound lump of clay placed on a clean, flat surface and form it into a carrot shape. Next, wet the clay and begin to draw it downward. To create grooves in the loop handle, tilt your thumb upward and pull it down through the clay while supporting the back of the clay with the fingers and fingertips of your right hand (figure B).

2. The balance of the bowl has to be considered as the loop handle is designed. For this bowl, the handle is approximately 1-1/4" wide, about the same width as the spout.

3. A lug handle is shaped following the same steps, except one side of the handle is sharpened with the thumb, pulling and revolving the clay simultaneously. Again, the handle width approximately matches the spout width (figure C).

Figure B

Figure C

4. Use your fingernail to etch a small groove in the clay directly across from the spout.

5. To attach the loop handle, rub water over the top edge of the loop and gently push against the etched mark on the rim of the bowl (figure D). Approximately 10 seconds later, the wet clay will be sticky enough to support itself. With the top of the handle securely in place directly across from the spout, shape the rest of the handle downward, using the thumb of your right hand (figure E), and secure it to the bowl after making sure the handle opening will allow at least two fingers to slide into the handle loop (figure F).

Figure D

Figure E

Figure F

6. Rough clay edges, which could become razor sharp when glazed, are sponged smooth.

7. The profile, or negative space, inside the handle is important when lifting the bowl. Place an index finger inside the space and stretch the handle upward, giving the handle lift (figure G).

8. To attach the lug handle, which lets bowls of different sizes nest together for convenient storage, invert the bowl on a table, making sure not to apply downward pressure on the spout. After wetting the surface, place the thin part of the handle against the bowl. Remove the extra clay after bending the ends in and gently pressing the handle onto the bowl (figure H). This isn't a fussy, precise step; the handles should look organic and spontaneous. Use a wet fingertip to pull the handle upward for ease of pouring (figure I). Remove burrs or sharp edges on the handle with a soft wet sponge.

Figure G

Figure H

Figure I

9. With the handles in place, Bill signs his piece with his identifying stamp (figure J) and leaves the pots until they are bone dry. When they're dry, they will be placed in the kiln for their first firing (figure K).

Figure J

Figure K

RESOURCES :

Kilns
L & L Kilns
Website: www.hotkilns.com

Clay
Highwater Clays
Website: www.highwaterclays.com

Extruders
American Art Clay Co. Inc. (AMACO)
Website: www.amaco.com