DIY Network

Soup Tureen and Ladle: Throwing the Ladle Creating a Soup Tureen and Ladle, Part 2 of 4 From "Throwing Clay" episode DTHC-212

Master potter Bill Van Gilder is making a soup tureen and ladle. So far, he's thrown a large bowl with a wide gallery, or ledge, which will support the lid. Next, he threw a shallow bowl for the lid, measuring frequently to make sure of the fit. Now, he's ready to make the bowl for the ladle (figures A and B).

The ladle is literally a small bowl that's thrown very even in shape. It will be 4-1/2" wide and 2-1/4" tall.

Figure A

Figure B

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1. Bill throws the ladle cup directly on the wheel head after centering it with one hand. He centers by pressing his right hand against the side of the clay while pushing down with his thumb. As he works, his left hand supports his right wrist. This is a good way to center a small piece of clay (figures C and D).

Figure C

Figure D

2. He starts the bowl from a very small base. As he gets to the top of the bowl, he slows the wheel slightly. The rim of the bowl is important because it is the part of the ladle that pours. He puts a bevel on the rim edge by pressing the inside edge with a fingertip while supporting the rim on both sides (figure E).

3. He cuts the cup loose from the wheel head and sets it aside to dry. When all three pieces are leather hard, he'll trim them and attach handles (figure F).

Figure E

Figure F

	Figure G
	Figure H
	Figure I

4. The tureen is the first piece to be trimmed. Bill trims it on a soft pad to protect the rim from dents. He begins trimming midbelly and works toward the foot. As he trims, creating the final shape to the form, he pays close attention to the curve of the tureen (figure G).

5. He makes the width of the foot between 4-1/2" and 5" wide (any narrower and the tureen could tip over). He bevels the edge of the foot, then dampens and burnishes the surface of the tureen.

6. Next, he trims the lid and softens the edge using slight finger pressure. As he did with the tureen, he burnishes the lid with a soft rubber rib (figure H).

7. Bill leaves the top of the lid flat; the flat surface will highlight the pattern left from the wiggle wire when it was cut loose from the bat. A flat top will also allow plenty of room to accommodate the strap handle that will attach by the sides of the top (figure I).

8. The ladle bowl base will be trimmed to a point; this creates a uniform wall thickness across the bowl. He centers the bowl on a soft pad and presses lightly from the top to keep it in place as he trims and burnishes the clay (figures J and K).

Figure J

Figure K

	Figure L
	Figure M

9. The handle for the ladle is made from soft clay that is first formed into the shape of a fat carrot. From this shape, Bill will pull and shape three straps. One strap will become the two handles for the tureen. The second strap will be the handle for the lid, and the third will be the handle for the ladle.

10. He dips the clay in water and lightly stretches it as he elongates the shape, turning the clay as he pulls to avoid sharp edges.

11. The first strap becomes the side handles on the tureen. They will need to come from the same piece of clay because of the groove pattern Bill creates in the clay with his thumb (figure L).

12. He pulls a thick piece of clay for the lid handle and an even heavier piece for the ladle handle. He sets the pieces aside to dry for a few minutes so he can continue to work on them without ruining their shape (figure M).

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