I like the suggestion of letting the slip dry down a little before cleaning it up. I think that will help my occasional cracking. Brushing on a little liquid wax around the attachment sight can also be helpful, especially on delicate attachments. Further, if you make a very long handle, for example on a teapot, waxing the entire handle will often allow a long thin handle to dry without cracking.
Thanks for this- I'm going to go try it today. I haven't had much practice with handles and it's quite intimidating at first. You did a great job going step by step.
I was attaching a handle as I was watching this and was just starting to wipe the slip when you said not to. You may have saved my mug! Thank you for this! 😀😀
You can also wax around the handle joints and let dry. Forces the water to evaporate out slower through the thicker parts of the mug, making it dry more evenly. Cracking when drying is a result of thinner parts (wall) drying faster than thicker parts (handle lug). Eliminated cracking for me, as long as the handle's well-attached.
This is the best explanation and demonstration I have seen for attaching handles. I'm definitely going to use this method on the mugs I have that I will be attaching handles to this week. Thank you!
Thank you so much. I’ve been making pottery for about 18 months and my forms are starting to be reliably nice but I have made a monster out of handles because there are so many little tricks I just don’t know. Ive had little success with avoiding cracking but this tutorial is absolutely what I needed.
Excellent tutorial. I love the subtle undercut you have at the base. Gives the piece a good stance when sitting in a table. Beautiful wax resist pattern on the dark clay bodied mug!!! (I'm assuming wax resist? or maybe a stencil like tape resist) Keep these videos coming Krytal!
Thank you for this wonderful video! I have been trying to do handles and have been watching many videos. Yours was simple in the explanation and you went slowly and purposefully and all of it made sense. I can't wait to try this method! Thank you so much!!
Thanks so much! I learnt a lot and will try your methods next time I make a mug. I love making mugs with handles, now my success rate will improve because of your great video. ❤
Thank you for this video! I love to make mugs, but cracked handles are such a pain! I always wipe away the slip, but I will try this method now. I think you are also right about letting things dry slowly. Getting impatient has caused me to crack so many nice pieces or end up with warped plates etc.
Hope this helps!! Having extra slip on there will help add more moisture on the joint as well- which is ideal bc then both parts can dry together -if that makes sense
This is great Krystal! I subscribed and I am now following you on Instagram as well. Wonderful tips and I love how you let the handles dry in a nice curved shape under their own weight! I will watch this videos or parts of it again as I pull some more handles, thank you and happy new year!!!
I pulled a handle the other night on a that kept showing the crack at the top as I was futzing with it. I kept smoojing more slip into it and sponging it off. I should have just left it to sit.
I use cone 6 clay. My clay has a very low absorption rate- totally fine with leaving clay exposed. --it doesn't absorb liquid they way a low fire/terracotta clay does
@@krystalosmanceramics I was thinking about vitrification. I think that's the first time I've actually written that word. I've listened to other TH-camrs talking about vitrification. I wondered what happens when part of a mug is glazed and part isn't. Seems like the glaze provides more waterproofing, or something.
@@catwoolf11 yes- when people are talking about vitrification they are typically talking about how porous their clay is and how much water it can absorb with normal usage. Typically low temperature clay like terracotta is porous- but it’s still totally fine to eat off of if glazed-just can’t put it in the dishwasher. Most mid-temp clay like the one I use, have a very low absorption rate and will not be harmed in the dishwasher- even with a lot of exposed clay
This is great! Approximately how long do you wait between sticking the curved handle on the table to dry a little and attaching it to the mug? I def waited too long on my first attempt lol.
The length of time depends a lot! I work in my basement where is very damp so it takes over an hour- but in a dry location (or if the heat is on) it can be quite fast! You do have to check it often to see if it’s ready- firm enough to hold its shape, but soft enough to be able to bend a little.
I think your method is very wise, but I often do quite detailed texture on my mugs.... I think using so much slip and leaving it will destroy the pattern 😣 any suggestions?
Hm- I find the crease is an area where glaze tends to pool anyway, I wonder if it wouldn’t make too much of a difference. Also, try playing the amount you use- just enough to allow a tiny line should be enough- it will shrink down to basically nothing as it dries
Use soft-ish AGED clay.- it stretches better. WEDGE the clay. Pulling should not take that long. Handles can be hung off the edge of a table to stiffen a bit; this creates the curve. A mug that is as stiff as yours is a bad idea for adding a handle even if the handle is the same stiffness. It is also nice to make the handle an integral part of the mug, i.e. it should look as if the handle GREW out of the mug, rather than stuck on- more aesthetic and a way stronger bond to the mug. Why do I know this, you ask. Because I am 71 years old and have been throwing since I was 26.
I struggled with handles but I tried your methods for pulling and attaching handles. It made a world of difference🥰
@@cindybarowsky9068 yay!!!🎉 I’m SO happy to hear that!! Thanks for reporting back
I like the suggestion of letting the slip dry down a little before cleaning it up. I think that will help my occasional cracking. Brushing on a little liquid wax around the attachment sight can also be helpful, especially on delicate attachments. Further, if you make a very long handle, for example on a teapot, waxing the entire handle will often allow a long thin handle to dry without cracking.
@@mudminder love that tip!
Thanks for this- I'm going to go try it today. I haven't had much practice with handles and it's quite intimidating at first. You did a great job going step by step.
@@lethaeller8459 keep in mind it takes a lot of practice too! Your handles will improve over time! ❤️
Excellent Demo Krystal 😀🙌💯
I was attaching a handle as I was watching this and was just starting to wipe the slip when you said not to. You may have saved my mug! Thank you for this! 😀😀
Hopefully will help a little!! Let me know how it goes!
Amazing video, thank you so much for your teachings and for sharing your techniques.
You can also wax around the handle joints and let dry. Forces the water to evaporate out slower through the thicker parts of the mug, making it dry more evenly. Cracking when drying is a result of thinner parts (wall) drying faster than thicker parts (handle lug). Eliminated cracking for me, as long as the handle's well-attached.
This was really helpful. Appreciate you explaining WHY at every stage. I'm totally gonna start hanging my handles off the edge of the table like that.
Very VERY good tutorial. Great work on the clarity and quality of your vid. Easy to listen to and watch.
I appreciate the feedback- thanks for the kind words 😃
Oh my gosh!!! Best mug handle attachment advice!!! Thank you!
You’re welcome! It has worked for my students in the past- best of luck!!
Eeeek! I just found your channel and im so excited! New Sub and new potter.
Aw, thanks so much!! I'm just getting started here- but plan on making tutorials and the like! Happy making to you!!
This is the best explanation and demonstration I have seen for attaching handles. I'm definitely going to use this method on the mugs I have that I will be attaching handles to this week. Thank you!
Great tutorial, very easy to follow and fabulous videography. Thanks.
Thanks for the feedback!
Wow! Great tip! Can't wait to try it! I definitely spend way too much time fussing with my handles.
Beautiful feminine handle
Great video 👍
Good job teaching.
you're too kind! thanks so much!!
A fabulous video. Thanks and good job!
I'm looking forward to trying this method of waiting to wipe away the slip.
Great tip
Best of luck!
great video. always good to learn a new technique to stop handle cracks. Thank you.
I just bought a Pacifica wheel and I really need to find some beginner videos, you are a great teacher I pray you do some beginner videos.😊
Aw, so sweet! Thank you! I’ve been wanting to make more videos - are there any specific topics you’d like to see??
Thank you so much. I’ve been making pottery for about 18 months and my forms are starting to be reliably nice but I have made a monster out of handles because there are so many little tricks I just don’t know. Ive had little success with avoiding cracking but this tutorial is absolutely what I needed.
It takes time and practice- keep going! Happy making to you!
Great, very useful video, thank you for sharing what you have found works. 😊
Hopefully it will help someone else down the road!
VERY helpful!! Thank you so much!! GREAT TIPS!👏👏👏
Excellent tutorial.
I love the subtle undercut you have at the base. Gives the piece a good stance when sitting in a table.
Beautiful wax resist pattern on the dark clay bodied mug!!! (I'm assuming wax resist? or maybe a stencil like tape resist)
Keep these videos coming Krytal!
Thank you for this video! You are explaining and showing so well it is really useful for newbies like me, I will be back 😊
Yay! Happy making!
Great video. Excellent tips that I have not heard before. I think this will fix a lot of my handles from cracking. Thank you.
Best of luck making handles!
Very informative
Great first video! I just came across it and can’t wait to watch others you’ve made.
very helpful...I was fussing and adding too much water
its easy to fuss too much!
Awesome tip! Can’t wait to give this try. Pretty relaxed too! ❤
Best of luck to you! Let me know if this makes a difference! 🤞
Going to give it a try! I always clean away when attaching... so I'll keep you posted :-) Thanks for the tutorial!
Best of luck!!
Great video thank you!
This is an excellent tutorial! Thank you!
Sure thing!!
Your handles are elegant.
You're a natural. Enjoyed the video & learned something new. Thank you!
So glad! Happy potting! 🥰
I'm new to pottery and I have done 3 handles so far this is a huge help thank you!
😁Welcome to the handle community! I’m so glad you found it useful!! Keep going-And remember it takes a lot of practice!!
Thank you! You are a beautiful person, and easy to listen to. Super helpful and thorough
❤️❤️
Thank you for this wonderful video! I have been trying to do handles and have been watching many videos. Yours was simple in the explanation and you went slowly and purposefully and all of it made sense. I can't wait to try this method! Thank you so much!!
Such kind feedback- Im so glad you found this helpful! I hope your handle journey is going well-best of luck!
Congrats on your new channel.
Great tip about not overworking the joints! Thanks
Thank you!
Thanks so much! I learnt a lot and will try your methods next time I make a mug. I love making mugs with handles, now my success rate will improve because of your great video. ❤
Thank you for this info Very helpful to this new potter :)
Sure thing! Happy making!!
Krystal! This was very helpful! Thank you!
Happy to help!
Very helpful and informative video!🤓thank you!❤️
Thanks
Continue sharing. Your explanations are so clear and helpful. Best wishes.
Thank you for this video! I love to make mugs, but cracked handles are such a pain! I always wipe away the slip, but I will try this method now. I think you are also right about letting things dry slowly. Getting impatient has caused me to crack so many nice pieces or end up with warped plates etc.
Hope this helps!! Having extra slip on there will help add more moisture on the joint as well- which is ideal bc then both parts can dry together -if that makes sense
You are a great pedagogue!
you're too kind!
Very good advice, I have been struggling with this, and I learned a few things here. Thanks for posting!
You are a great teacher ! Thanks
Thank you so much! Absolutely great tips, great explanation and everything is visible! It’s like “everything you wanted to know about handles” 🤩🤩
Immediate sub, I checked out your other videos and this channel will help me out a lot! 👍🏻
Aw, thanks! I’ve been behind at posting, but will hopefully have more to share soon!
Great job! Very helpful tutorial.
I really enjoyed watching your video. It was totally helpful to improve my handles. 🎉😊
Very well done video. Pro all the way. And very helpful too. 😊👍👏👏👏
learning handles. will give this a try.
Nice pulling handle technique😀🔥
👍
This is great Krystal! I subscribed and I am now following you on Instagram as well. Wonderful tips and I love how you let the handles dry in a nice curved shape under their own weight! I will watch this videos or parts of it again as I pull some more handles, thank you and happy new year!!!
So happy to help! Happy New Year!
Thank you. Great tips!
Your mugs are beautiful! Do you have an online shop link that you can add to the description?
Such a great technique, thank you!
Great tutorial!
Glad to hear that!
I pulled a handle the other night on a that kept showing the crack at the top as I was futzing with it. I kept smoojing more slip into it and sponging it off. I should have just left it to sit.
Now you know for next time! Good luck!
Nice demonstration! What temperature did you fire the mug to? If you leave some clay exposed, does that mean you have to fire to a higher temperature?
I use cone 6 clay. My clay has a very low absorption rate- totally fine with leaving clay exposed. --it doesn't absorb liquid they way a low fire/terracotta clay does
@@krystalosmanceramics I was thinking about vitrification. I think that's the first time I've actually written that word. I've listened to other TH-camrs talking about vitrification. I wondered what happens when part of a mug is glazed and part isn't. Seems like the glaze provides more waterproofing, or something.
@@catwoolf11 yes- when people are talking about vitrification they are typically talking about how porous their clay is and how much water it can absorb with normal usage. Typically low temperature clay like terracotta is porous- but it’s still totally fine to eat off of if glazed-just can’t put it in the dishwasher. Most mid-temp clay like the one I use, have a very low absorption rate and will not be harmed in the dishwasher- even with a lot of exposed clay
This is great! Approximately how long do you wait between sticking the curved handle on the table to dry a little and attaching it to the mug? I def waited too long on my first attempt lol.
The length of time depends a lot! I work in my basement where is very damp so it takes over an hour- but in a dry location (or if the heat is on) it can be quite fast! You do have to check it often to see if it’s ready- firm enough to hold its shape, but soft enough to be able to bend a little.
Please do some beginner tutorials🙏💖
Can you please share the link where you got the tool with the rubber tip?
Thanx. What clay are you using?
Here I’m using Standard 710 (same as 266 but with grog) I also like Standard Brooklyn Red
Tried this… still failed on a few handles. Next I tried drying a lot slower under plastic and that worked 100% for me.
Yes- slow drying is also a huge factor! Always cover with plastic with making handles
How do I get the kiln pottery, any apps I can find that on sell?
I think your method is very wise, but I often do quite detailed texture on my mugs.... I think using so much slip and leaving it will destroy the pattern 😣 any suggestions?
Hm- I find the crease is an area where glaze tends to pool anyway, I wonder if it wouldn’t make too much of a difference. Also, try playing the amount you use- just enough to allow a tiny line should be enough- it will shrink down to basically nothing as it dries
@@krystalosmanceramics thanks for the feedback ☺️
btw What clay body is that? Tia
In this video, Im using Standard 266
😁 'Promo sm'
Use soft-ish AGED clay.- it stretches better. WEDGE the clay. Pulling should not take that long. Handles can be hung off the edge of a table to stiffen a bit; this creates the curve. A mug that is as stiff as yours is a bad idea for adding a handle even if the handle is the same stiffness. It is also nice to make the handle an integral part of the mug, i.e. it should look as if the handle GREW out of the mug, rather than stuck on- more aesthetic and a way stronger bond to the mug. Why do I know this, you ask. Because I am 71 years old and have been throwing since I was 26.
Great video thank you !!!!