How to Throw and Handle an Angular Stoneware Mug - Narrated

In this video I'm throwing, trimming, handling and finally carving the handles on these simple angled stoneware mugs. A new form from a whole batch of testing I did to find a different shape. I also discuss some of my making philosophies and discuss cleaning my studio towards the end. Not necessarily an interesting bonus but it's strangely a subject I get asked about a lot.
If you'd like to see what I'm up to everyday, make sure you follow my Instagram: / floriangadsby
Spinners made by Richard Carter: / richardcarter6952 (If you get in touch with him he should be able to make and send you one, although they do look a little different now as compared to the one in then video, which was a prototype).
Timecodes:
0:00 - Introduction
0:18 - Preparing and wedging clay
1:58 - Throwing the clay batt, onto which I attach my MDF batts
3:45 - Cross section of angled mug
4:15 - Throwing the mug
8:54 - Trimming the mug
15:41 - Preparing handling area and pulling blanks
18:09 - Handling then mug
22:07 - Carving the handle
24:39 - Quality control/tidying the base
26:24 - Discussing my cleaning routine in the studio
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TikTok - / floriangadsby
Website - www.floriangadsby.com

[@DKarkarov]

Fantastic work as always. I feel like the difference in the handles was immediately obvious, the extra effort made a much more refined shape with a cleaner look. Also I am sure I do not speak for myself when I say the background info about shop cleaning, storage, layout, etc is very appreciated. I am not a potter, but there is always more to the story with any craft than the simple making of a thing. Those details are just as integral as any other.

[@floriangadsby]

Thank you so much, comments like yours really make the effort spent filming, editing and narrating these films so worth while. 🙌🏻

[@jaredlodico]

I really appreciate when you show the little things like the reclaim bucket stuff in your videos. It really does help me when in the studio or learning how to do something more efficiently.

[@travisspunaugle7180]

I agree. The procedures and studio care tidbits are great. It really gives insight on how you work in your studio.

[@vikina248]

Watching your videos makes me want to start doing pottery, you're an amazing inspiration. Thank you for putting such amazing and educational content out for us to see.

[@gossymer.]

Love seeing this take shape, thankyou! Desperately want to see those 30 mugs - of you ever want to do a vid like your recent glaze video, discussing what you were looking for in a mug and how you narrowed down your choices, that would be amazing. Or just pics on insta of your other top faves that you might have chosen in a parallel universe lol 🥰

[@embvrry]

I got a little emotional because my family has a stoneware mug that looks just like that, and I have memories from when I was little of my dad using it for his morning coffee every day. It’s very special to me, but I’m sure the person who made it had no idea it would become that valuable. It’s kinda neat to think that any one of your mugs, as simple as they might be, could become priceless to someone one day ! Fantastic work 💕

[@marktaylor865]

Well that was worth the extra day. Awesome video Florian.

[@claram3132]

Wonderful! Just today I received my first thrown pieces, after waiting almost a year, but it was worth the wait. Your videos are always so inspiring, thanks for all you do!

[@cathybriggs8725]

Thank you for taking the time to make the these amazing instructional videos. They are informative and instrumental in my, as well as others pottery journey. Your attention to detail and the kind tone in your voice separate your videos from all of the rest.

[@teifan6674]

I feel like these mugs are the "yes" answer to the "how much do you like angular forms?" question

[@whisperingeaglelanders2339]

These cups are adorable 😁

[@neilahalter9663]

Thank you for sharing your work and your experience with us. You can tell how much you care about your work and the experience you give your viewers . Thanks again belated new year.

[@sillycorner8178]

Hello florian sir i was just suffering on youtube and i got your video on top and i love making pottery also your pottery making is like proffestionals i like that because it needs so much patients to make it and you make it so easily really really appreciate from india

[@vikibobula8930]

It is interesting to see different studios as a hobby-potter and both sides of a potter life: The nice-creative parts & the dirt-cleaning-healthy parts! The carving work of the handles, it is for me a new way. Thank you very much to introduce your new work way and sharing it!

[@floriangadsby]

Thanks for taking the time to watch Viki, so pleased you found it interesting and I entirely agree. It’s fascinating to see different potters studios, they’re such personal spaces and tend to reflect the maker in so many ways.

[@lazylaurablue]

I love your videos so much I could watch them all day. In fact I have done! 🙂

[@miguelromero3256]

Yess i can't wait for the video about your porcelain approach

[@Pipsqwak]

Really exquisite work! Love the carved handles. They are so fine.

[@jefffoggymountainworkshop5021]

Love the details and explanation of your process. Great looking mugs!

[@juanQuedo]

Now you know that my peeping Tom nature needs a sneaky peek to those 30 mug shapes discarded 😅

[@floriangadsby]

I do have footage of all of them, trimming half of them too. I was planning on making a video but I never got around to it. It would be interesting though to see what you guys think of them all.. maybe I’ll add it to my list.

[@juanQuedo]

@@floriangadsby It is hard for me to even imagine of 30 different mug's shapes

[@gossymer.]

@@floriangadsby we'd be so happy if you do! My kitty likes to knock stuff down, so my collection is limited to mugs and would love to see these so much!!!

[@alayna4233]

Amazing content as always! Thanks for making such informative content; it really helps. Keep up the great work!

[@kennethstensrud669]

Very nice cup, I wish I lived closer to you, so that I could visit and see how your potters shop is like. I did go to school learning about ceramics and pottery, but haven't been able to make anything in clay for years, but do miss it.

[@tomtac98]

Going to be looking out for these on your next shop opening 😉

[@alexb..]

i hope you're doing well florian, i took up wheel throwing recently within my junior year of highschool and have made such a large amount of growth from your videos. thank you for all the effort you put in! i hope to have an apprenticeship with you some day in the future:)

[@potatopotatoeOG]

Aww, that would be some full circle type shit☺️💚 Sorry for my language

[@zaxmyth7]

Such a beautiful and relaxing video

[@adriftinmidgard]

I love this shape. Very well made video.

[@jasonchadney7850]

Yes for smaller more delicate mugs! You can always refill it. Ensures you're drinking fresher beverages if you actually finish what's in a cup.

[@NickLashinsky0]

I love this new form. I’ve been practicing trying to consistently get 300g of stoneware clay up to 11cm by 8.5cm wide! It’s been difficult, getting closer each day. I do it because it seems like a worthy practice to be able to move the clay and throw that thin. Plus I’m attracted to a lighter thinner mug aesthetic, at least currently. I find some clays, like soldate, or other clays with grog seem extraordinarily difficult to get that thin, and I end up using lots of water. Wondering if something about the earth stone clay you use makes it more accommodating to throwing that thin? Love your work, it’s inspiring!

[@alaskangirl7675]

That is a lot of work. Looks great.

[@tannerpace3703]

I'm a little late to this but I'd be really interested to see your ideation process; the one in which you threw a large number of different forms. I've done similar exercises- mostly for fun and practice- but I always find your commentary insightful, particularly with regards to your philosophy towards your own style.

[@greenclouds1558]

Interesting shape!!! love it

[@jcomm120]

Lovely finishing!♡ Nice 50’s-60's design echo ◇

[@Aunarky]

loving it

[@ragnkja]

By making pottery that you like yourself, you can be 100% certain that there exists at least one human who likes what you make.

[@lazylaurablue]

In my pottery workshop we have on the wall a quote which says "I work slowly and deliberately and when I have finished I stop". I recently suggested this should read "it isn't quite what I'd planned, but I'm going to love it anyway". Works for me! 😆

[@ragnkja]

@@lazylaurablue Is there room to add your motto somewhere on the same wall?

[@lazylaurablue]

@@ragnkja Haha no! It was only a throwaway comment; a joke, because I don't have any discernible talent in pottery, I just love it. However, I am inspired by Florian's videos and firmly believe I will be able to become much better.

[@kerenberrio5018]

Me encanta tú arte! 👏

[@IngletonPottery]

Think you need to get yourself a pug mill. 👍

[@floriangadsby]

Tell me about it! I keep telling myself I will but then I put it off. Perhaps I should finally get one as a Christmas present for myself.

[@AizaPlayzz]

Btw I love to make anything with mud🤩🤩

[@AizaPlayzz]

Thanks for heart😁

[@Nataliarod77]

Beautiful

[@o0KugelkaktuS0o]

thank you for your detailed explanations! i find your videos thr perfect mix of relaxing and informative with a great end product too! i love the green glaze. question: if cleaning out the hose from your wheel is such a hassle, is there a possibility that you could have two hoses? one for porcelain and one for stoneware and you then reattach the one you need?

[@floriangadsby]

Thanks for watching! And that isn't a bad idea whatsoever, I'll see if I can get ahold of another one.

[@slkermik2184]

Wow!!!

[@floboisseau497]

Great work. Beautiful, simple and well proportioned shapes. I love your work. It seems hose cleaning between different colors is a big issue for you. Buy one hose for each reclaim bucket...

[@FFSS60]

Your mugs upside down (before handles)resemble top hats. 🎩

[@MYWork_Production]

Добрый день! Интересно, доступно и познавательно. Если возможно, то расскажите пожалуйста о персонализации изделий, на своем опыте и что можете посоветовать начинающим мастерам!? Заранее благодарю. Удачи Вам.

[@ushasrinivasan7309]

Thanks!

[@floriangadsby]

THANK YOU!

[@user-bf6bt9vi5h]

A very complex but correct, almost ideal shape of the mug. Only a level 80 master can produce 11 of the same replica in a commercially viable time. How much do you estimate 11 pieces? ➖Too large chamfer has been removed from the bottom ➖Small volume 😑

[@krstkim]

Do you have a video on tap centering? Would love to hear any tips you have. Seems like second nature for you

[@padmadeepanathan7518]

Nice video

[@anyluckypenny]

Wonderful work as usual! Something that I've been wondering about... If you've thrown a batch of cups, then change to something else and come back to mugs again, how do you know where to set your throwing gauge?

[@floriangadsby]

I write down the thrown dimensions of the cup, then, when it comes to make them again I throw the pot to my noted down dimensions and then set my throwing gauges pointer to the rim of the vessel.

[@seelengefaehrtin1]

just beautiful, Florian! I appriciate your work sooo much! Would you like to know me which materials you use, whats your clay and the fantastic glaze? Thank you so much!

[@roguetune03]

Man, I keep going to your site trying to get a mug as you make them the style I like and use. Always sold out. The mug on the landing page is exactly what I'm looking for...and can't find. :(

[@sabrinaschriftman4467]

Thanks Florian. Does the thin handle lose strength ? It seems so small area in the joint between the handle and the mug...

[@carinacalvin4127]

I have a question, you use some kind of wax to prevent the glaze from touching certain areas, would you mind telling me what kind of wax is that?

[@ClownWhisper]

Hey do you know what might look really good. If you took this shape which is very angular and retro industrial looking which I think gives it it's appeal and added back finger marks I replicate this on some pottery by using a round loop trimming tool and just lightly touching it to add back in finger marks it would be a nice contrast natural to angular features I bet it would look phenomenal

[@nechojs]

this glace is very beautiful! where can i buy it? Or what are the ingredients?

[@ijheller]

How do you achieve the "cracked" look in the glaze?

[@BARBITURICI00]

Congratulations for your abilities. Make a ceramic pipe or a japanese teapot

[@Jsmith1611]

How do you deal with fluctuating humidity overall such as on rainy days?

[@floriangadsby]

I’ve just learnt to deal with it. Lots of covering and uncovering work, delaying and sometimes rushing drying. It’s a skill in itself really.

[@bremontgomery8372]

Is this a repost? I could swear i saw it a few days ago and then it was just gone...🤔

[@floriangadsby]

I posted it accidentally at 5:00am rather than at 5:00pm and I’m my panic I just thought rescheduling it would be good enough and that it would release again at the normal time. But no, it just killed any traction the video had as it was appearing in peoples subscriptions as if it was posted 12 hours previously. So yes, I just deleted it quickly and uploaded it again!

[@mariacristinahalabimachado7243]

Olá, tem como colocar tradução em português? Seria mais fácil para os brasileiros. Obrigada

[@justkelsye]

Will you be selling your experimental mugs that brought you to this one?? I would buy one!!

[@floriangadsby]

I had the idea of having them be like a lucky dip… so there’d be say, 25 units on the website and basically as I pack them I just give each person a different one of the experimental mugs. Or does that sound crazy…?

[@justkelsye]

@@floriangadsby I think that's a lovely idea!!!!

[@raysville7256]

Like the form it a subtle elegance. Can you tell me why mug handles are thicker at the top as opposed to the bottom.

[@ragnkja]

The top join of the handle takes most of the strain, so it needs to be stronger.

[@raysville7256]

@@ragnkja Where did you get this information?

[@ragnkja]

@@raysville7256 Using jugs and mugs, especially plastic jugs where you can see the plastic deform slightly due to the weight of the contents.

[@raysville7256]

@@ragnkja I have a collection of Jugs by potters of some renown and have not noticed any stress on any part of any handle.

[@ragnkja]

@@raysville7256 The deformation is really only noticeable when the handle is made of something soft like plastic. There’s also the fact that you can use a mug or jug handle where the bottom is detached, whereas one where the top is detached is basically unusable, as evidenced by the fact that all jugs and mugs where the handle only attaches to the body in one spot curve downwards, meaning that it’s the lower attachment that was “unused”.

[@AizaPlayzz]

1st like, 1st view, 1st comment😁

[@kasiaa8897]

I think that the prices in your shop are insane. 65 pound for a mug!!!

[@mattmcgrath9061]

Beautiful