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Soup Tureen and Ladle: Getting Started Creating a Soup Tureen and Ladle, Part 1 of 4 From "Throwing Clay" episode DTHC-212

(Continued from page 1)

8. Bill measures the diameter of the rim and stretches it out another 1/2" until it's 9" from inside rim to inside rim (figure F).

9. Next, he uses the long outside edge of a rib tool to smooth the outside of the bowl and give the bowl its final form. As he works, he keeps his left hand inside the clay to support the light pressure on the outside. The wheel speed is kept very slow at this stage; if the wheel speed is too fast, the clay will collapse (figure G).

Figure F

Figure G

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10. A wooden stick is used to inscribe two lines around the pot's shoulder. An additional line made 1" lower will later be used to guide the placement of the handles (figure H).

11. Bill softens all the edges with a damp sponge. This step also strengthens the edges, which is crucial along the edge where the ladle repeatedly makes contact as it rests in the tureen (figure I).

Figure H

Figure I

	Figure J
	Figure K
	Figure L

12. He cuts a bevel at the foot of the tureen to guide the cut-off wire. After cutting the bowl free from the bat, he sets it aside to dry.

13. Next, he throws the lid, which is basically a very shallow bowl. It will be 2-1/2" high and exactly 9" across.

14. Bill opens the lid to a curve shape, drawing his fingertips outward. As he draws them outward, he releases and relaxes the pressure on the clay; this allows the clay to go into a natural curve (figure J).

15. As he shapes the clay, he pulls outward and upward at the same time, measuring often to ensure a perfect fit.

16. Bill widens the lid a bit at a time. Again, he measures the lid often; if it opens too wide, it will be very difficult to push back to the required 9". He also leaves the lid heavy and rounded, a requirement to keep the lid strong (figure K).

17. The wheel speed is kept slow; he doesn't want the clay to accidentally fall onto the bat. He doesn't worry about the shape underneath the lid at this point; it will be trimmed later when the clay is leather hard.

18. When the lid is exactly 9" in diameter, Bill cleans the rough edges with a damp sponge and cuts it free from the bat (figure L).

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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

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