Making Pottery Mugs - My Thoughts Explained

Here's a slightly different video. It's all about making mugs, yet with each step I explain why I do certain things and how they relate to the finished, glazed fired mug.
You can find Masaki Dejima's work here: / masakidejima , it's his mug I use every morning.
Timecodes:
0:00 - Introduction
0:30 - Throwing setup
0:51 - Throwing a medium mug from approximately 290 grams
3:20 - The importance of the rim
6:13 - Discussing drying to leather hard
8:53 - Trimming the mugs on a chuck
9:57 - All about the bases of mugs
13:35 - Pulling the handles
16:50 - Discussing the shape of my handles
17:40 - How to dry pots so they don't crack
18:44 - Final clean up of the handle
19:50 - THANKS!
Thanks for watching, especially if you made it all the way to the end!
____
Instagram - / floriangadsby
TikTok - / floriangadsby
Website - www.floriangadsby.com

[@bradtorville5526]

While I'm not a potter, I do feel the need to state something here and now. I greatly appreciate what you are doing with your channel. Not only are you sharing your work and demonstrating your skills and techniques but you are providing a value service to both would-be potters and professionals by offering step-by-step explanation of how and why you do what you do and I find that incredibly useful. Too often experts tend to forget that not everyone is on the same page as they are and they assume that so much of what they do is common knowledge to even those in the same profession and that is definitely not the case. People come from all walks of life and have all sorts of experiences but they also tend to miss a lot of ideas or methods simply because they weren't fortunate to have the right teacher or mentor to share their ideas and practices with others. It may not seem like a big deal but I can almost guarantee that plenty benefit from your videos because of it. So, for myself and anyone else who hasn't had the chance to say it lately: thank you.

[@jacobbroe5279]

We have a potter in the famely. It is astounding how much difference there is in the work, product, shaping, etc. etc... from one potter to the next. To us ‘common folk’. No matter what, it is a sheer relaxing joy to see your work. :)

[@emilyh4998]

I started pottery a few months ago and you have really helped me get a good footing under me as I figure out what kind of work I want to create. It’s been a dream come true and I don’t think I’ve ever enjoyed something more than these past few months. My husband enjoyed watching your videos with me and asked me to teach him as well which has been very fun. We both love the quality and awesome information you provide. Thank you!! P.S I always make it to the end 😁😁😁

[@floriangadsby]

Very pleased to hear that, comments like yours make all the time and effort spent producing KZbin videos feel very worthwhile. Good luck potting to you both!

[@gracenevitt]

I'm sure you hear this all the time, but the wealth if knowledge that your channel brings to potters who are just starting out is absolutely incredible. You have made me so much more confident in my ability to understand my progress and skills while starting pottery recently and I'm so so grateful.

[@floriangadsby]

So glad to read that Grace. Thank you for watching, it really does mean such a lot and hearing the videos have had an impact puts a smile on my face!

[@melsyoutube]

"his handprints still on it, marks that remain in stone forever" 🥺🥺🥺

[@Persican1]

Your narration is truly phenomenal. Thank you for all of your time and for sharing your craft. “Mugs are the gateway drug to potters” ☺️ so true!!

[@christinecook5547]

I've just started potting. I've invested in a cheap wheel and a wee kiln and will be creating a potting studio in the shed with a little money my parents left me. It's a nice way to remember them fondly. When I hit on a problem in potting, my husband invariably asks 'what does Florian say about that?'. You're a guru in our house!

[@acacia_alexander]

Thank you for sharing your old mug next to your new mug. I love seeing a potters progress.

[@kimmassey-hz4ho]

Thank you. I am a very much a beginner. But I currently watching all your videos. I have learned so much from you and I wanted to thank you for your time and dedication to making the videos.

[@penelopecruz9054]

Thank you for sharing your work and thoughts-inspirational and aspirational for me! I’d also love to see the mugs YOU use that you mentioned.

[@AxelGage]

I just want to say that your cinematography skills are really nice - you always have beautiful colors in every shot.

[@floriangadsby]

Cheers Axel, that means a lot, I try! And I'm glad you noticed because I thought this video was a bit more cinematographic.

[@kathypowell8892]

I was thinking this very thing.

[@jessicasanders8925]

My daughter and I have appreciated your channel so much! We are new to the pottery world and it seems my daughter (12yrs) is naturally comfortable at the wheel, it's stunning to watch her throwing pieces...almost like a dance, she can practice for hours. If she needs step by step inspirations we head straight for your videos. True craftsmanship. Thank you.

[@4nyNoob]

even tough mugs are mostly practical objects there's so much that a potter can do to be unique, the detail that i notice the most is the handle, the thickness and shape, even tough yours are minimalistic, and delicate the serve their function, I'm so used to thicker mug handles, i would love to try a mug that's completely different in philosophy to the ones I'm used to

[@brunomarcil68]

Watching you work and hearing your comments is so addictive. I’m a beginner and you were all the way in my thoughts during my first throw. I must say, you made a big difference for me and my first pieces are clearly inspired by your work. You really are an inspiration an not just for pottery. There is a quest of perfection, harmony and simplicity that is breathtaking. Thanks!

[@UkuleleLauren]

A potter and a poet ❤️ Thank you for sharing your art with the world.

[@knightclan4]

I’m working on my first hundred mugs. Amazing the quality progression I’ve experienced, yet far from the wareboard of uniformity I desire. Thanks for sharing your experience and knowledge Florian!

[@floriangadsby]

Thanks Rick! It does take time but you can create very usable mugs very quickly. Appreciate you taking the time to watch.

[@TealCheetah]

Your channel is filling in an awful lot of blanks left by pottery teachers, years ago. Its really nice to see solutions to problems I had, and answers to questions I didn't know I had at the time.

[@CD-kg9by]

This was very interesting. I'm one of those weird "one day"-wannabe-hobbyist-potters, but I already enjoy these calm and relaxing videos. Especially all the different approaches of different people, when it comes to different tasks. I've never seen anyone make a handle like this, this looks very delicate and at 16:40 I thought "What the hell is he doing?" - it looked so thin and long at first, but then really blended in perfectly. Well done video, good explanation with lots of details. Congratulations.

[@jerseyannie1268]

If you want to do pottery, just do it! Find a class. You won’t regret it!!! I love these videos as well. I’ve learned a lot and they’ve really helped me with my skills.

[@clairecarberry4439]

Finding your channel has been both a relaxing way to unwind and incredibly informative. I just started throwing two months ago and your videos have helped me progress from 1.5 lb to 3.5 lb pieces. I learn so much from you and really appreciate your time and talents.

[@Wishq]

I found my way back to pottery a few weeks ago - 15 yrs since I last did ceramics. Embracing being a beginner again and the joy and possibility of clay. Your videos have been such a gift - not just deeply informative but also so thoughtful and thought provoking. Thank you so much for doing all these videos and sharing your craft and framework and design process. Hugely helpful and inspiring. I can’t wait until my next class!

[@richardbackes]

I've just learned to use a potters wheel for the first time a few months ago, and your videos are so helpful in giving me some direction in the improvements I want to make. Thanks for giving such thoughtful advice, your videos are a joy to watch!

[@XDproductionsXD]

The mug made by your friend Masaki is much like my favorite coffee mugs/cups. Each one has a story or a person linked to it. As you said, even for me, every time I use a certain cup it brings back memories of how I aquired it.

[@shaunhall960]

Just wanted to say patience is something we should all strive for. We live in a world that wants everything yesterday but we all know that doesn't bring any happiness. Patience brings fulfillment with our own existence.

[@beardedpaddler3927]

That’s a fantastic video. Thank you I love you see the processes of creators

[@floriangadsby]

Many thanks! 🙌🏼

[@buckleypottery]

How could someone not make it to the end! As always incredibly soothing, informative, and inspiring.

[@vzeimen]

This was an absolutely excellent video. I love how you so thoroughly talk about what you are doing and why. So much of what you accomplish are things I strive for already, but many things you do are things I should add to my regimen and think about more. Thanks for sharing your complete process of making mugs. They're beautiful!

[@rhondacox7908]

Perfect timing! I needed a refresher on pulling/attaching handles. Learned a few drying tips, also. Thanks for the lesson 😊

[@georgecarter1124]

I always enjoy watching your videos! I found your channel about 2 years ago when I started pottery in high school, and I must say I'm never disappointed in any of your videos. Keep up the good work!

[@sommelierofstench]

always amazed by your skill dude. thanks for putting up these videos. i will probably never make any pottery, but it’s super interesting to hear anyone as knowledgeable as yourself speak in depth about a subject i know so little about.

[@KoltronZer0]

Goodness man, I am new to your channel but your videos and their composition and organization are like a treasure trove of golden knowledge. Thanks so much.

[@buddyneher9359]

I loved every moment of this video. Thank you for all the valuable details about your process!

[@xbaczewska4197]

Mug-o-rama! Really really good. I so appreciate your in-depth approach to EVERYTHING! And i loooove, at the end, the musical 'clink' of the glazed mugs when they tap against each other! (I wear armloads of vintage Bakelite bangles for their musical clink [as well as for their visual appeal]).

[@GuardiansGuide]

I’ve always appreciated your narrated films. I find the greenware chuck and using kiln stilts to make a greenhouse of sorts, total game changers. Your process is aspirational and makes me want to become a better potter.

[@tanial.williamson8082]

I liked the noise at the end of the video. Musical mugs! I never thought about mugs becoming oval during the pulling of the handle. I’ve never made a chuck. I now have a new project to look forward to! Thanks. :) P.S. It was nice to get an email from KZbin that you liked my comment. It brightened my day.

[@stephaniebart-horvath1382]

Thank you so much again for such an interesting video. You have a wonderful, engaging way about you. I’ve never seen this method of making handles and look forward to trying it.

[@chrisdotdash5154]

I love this type of video! As an intermediate potter, you have helped me tremendously with my own skills, workflow, and inspiration.

[@sarahm9103]

Thank you for sharing! I love the insight of the ‘how’s’ and ‘why’s’ and it’s so informative and helpful. 🙏🏼😍 I’m just a beginner and I’m really passionate about pottery and ceramic’s. Your work is amazing!! 🏺

[@STAIND12300]

Florian, you are an absolute inspiration. I've learned so much from you that what you've taught me is invaluable at this point. Thank you so much. I've also implemented your handling method into my own work and it is the most efficient way to do my once least favorite portion of mug making. I now love it. Again, thank you sir. Jacob S.

[@eth_fish]

Love this format for your videos!

[@amandas8775]

Your videos are my favorite. I’m new to pottery and I appreciate so much the information you provide and the quality of your content. I hope to one day produce work of this caliber. And I hope to one day own one of your beautiful pieces 🖤

[@steph_m]

Thank you for all your videos. I just stumbled across them recently. I started doing pottery in 2018. in 2020 our studio shut down for a while and between then and just the other day I only went into the studio 2 times. Needless to say I'm very rusty and not very self-assured. Your How-to videos really helped me remember the process and also gave me good tips on things I didn't know about or things I have totally forgotten. The idea of trimming a mug on a leather hard chuck like that is fantastic. I cant wait to try! Thanks again!!

[@abittwisted]

It is your dedication and focus on quality that has fully intrigued me and given me some hope I can do some fine work when I start making some simple pottery. Mugs, Bowles, and Plates are what I want to learn to make. Im ready but still focused on finishing a bit of wool fabric on the loom.

[@lunabigglesworth6387]

I think the most tense moments are when you move an entire board of items. Love your craft.

[@jlmcgrael]

I found your videos right around the time I started learning pottery on the wheel a month or two ago, and I’ve devoured them. I’ve gotten to the point that I’ve rewatched many of your instructional videos on the basics several times over, and I eagerly await your new video each week! I soak up everything you have to say, which is always astonishingly clear, and when I show up in my beginning pottery class every week everyone thinks I’m such a natural! I’m absolutely hooked on throwing pottery, and I do believe I’ll be a potter for life, and every pot I make has a little bit of Florian Gadsby in it.

[@Ibceramics]

I always make it all the way through 😊 Your work is amazing and your information is valuable!

[@natashaf.8597]

Ummmmmm the skill in pulling those handles down while attached to the form is wild. I love the depth you go into explaining the why behind your techniques.

[@nathanoutdoors1229]

An awesome insight into the nuances of your personal taste and preference. As a fairly new ceramic artist I recieved so much from this. Thank you

[@emryspaperart]

i teared up listening to you talk about the mug your friend made. this was lovely

[@BellydancerMaliha]

I have never thrown pottery but I find your videos fascinating and love to hear your methods of working. I am subscribing, thank you!

[@lillypace156]

thank you for sharing your processes in depth. i'm just starting out and i have found your videos so helpful! it's also very fascinating to learn about this handle pulling technique.

[@crimblelunt7990]

I missed out on purchasing a mug in your recent sale - watching the process has made me more determined to set my alarm next time. Thank for these videos, as an embryonic potter they really do help enormously.

[@mamiesmith1089]

I just started pottery lessons (quite late in life) and have not yet aspired to making an actual mug. Someday though. Your videos are incredibly inspiring.

[@brokenredflag]

This videos are a work of art.

[@suide3275]

This is honestly the video i've longed for most.

[@floriangadsby]

Yeah? I'm pleased to hear so. Thanks for taking your time to watch, it means a lot.

[@suide3275]

@@floriangadsby definetly, it helps me to understand ceramics better, and makes me consider my "actions" more when throwing and making potts. I also value the thought behind the proccess very much, which is more apparent in a video like this.

[@ilias4156]

Lovely video. Feeling inspired

[@jeffersonarchibald4437]

Really enjoyed this. Lots of info I’ll use in my pottery

[@gaetanproductions]

next level, amazing !

[@wirehunter86]

Regarding making handles, i always prefer hand pulled ones, it just feels so much more organic and personal. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and concept of your mugs. Even the simplest of form can be given so much consideration, you have inspired me to look at my own wares more closely.

[@flynnpotter]

Beautiful video and wonderful talk. Thank You

[@kerryholscher8356]

Love your videos, your voice is very calming too.

[@jks3943]

Im in the learning stage. Throwing for about 2 months. Im learning well. Im retired and only doing this for relaxation and maybe sell a few. Have no intention to make a profit just make some extra to fund my new hobby/ addiction 😄. Love watching you and others throw. Interesting how every potter has his/her style. There is no wrong way - im learning what works best for me. Take care and thanks for all the helpful videos. Keith

[@BethScofield]

I tried so hard to snap up a pair of mugs for our twentieth wedding anniversary this autumn. They were all gone within three minutes, while I struggled with redirects. One day, maybe. 🥺

[@FunkyPhish]

Wow! You are very skilled. I think my mugs need some work! Thanks for sharing.

[@keithlightminder3005]

I have a fellow potter here who does her rims like yours, and I do mine like an even and rounded edge, It is good to know the benefit of this choice. Thanks for this and I will recommend it to folks who complain handthrown costs more than IKEA.

[@melissareid640]

Their is nothing more beautiful than the mug that is just right it sets the time for the day.. Coffee\tea\ Hot Water.. The makers of the world. Thank You. 💝🙏💝

[@ChuckCeramics]

Still 2 month until my 6 week starter course after years away from the wheel. I love watching your process and listening to your provided reasonings. I’m trying to download as many tips as I can before I get started. Very excited to be a beginner though, can’t wait to see what clay wants me to make.

[@FinnEwins]

Very insightful, would love some similar videos on other forms eg. bowls or vases

[@floriangadsby]

I certainly will do - so pleased you liked it.

[@lilledilorenzo1341]

Great video ! Thanks much !

[@leodegas7731]

Again, how can a person who loves pottery not watch your videos to the end.😊 Thanks for the handle lesson. Just starting again. Relearning everything.🤣🤣🤣

[@plwashakhann521]

Beautiful..... Amazing..... Love love Ur work.... 👍👍👍

[@Atliermia]

No Nonsense demonstration And ❤️ your video ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@tracyairth8625]

So inspiring!

[@pamdemonia]

Very interesting. Would love to know more about glazing.

[@singinggardener]

wonderful video, thank you!

[@floriangadsby]

Thank you so much!

[@juanQuedo]

like a lot the more conical mugs you do, very unique and different

[@saraabasi1187]

The videos are really great and give me a good feeling Whenever I see your videos, I want to do pottery😍

[@joheeb]

impeccable work. :-)

[@Laface]

Love this video so much, so informative! I was wondering if you had any tips on making your own makers mark or if you were going to release a video on it?

[@floriangadsby]

Thanks! And yes, editing that video as we speak for relearn next Sunday! :)

[@h2k6]

For makers it must be important to feel and touch a handle if they want to understand how it fits and feels which can only improve their understanding and their own making of handles.

[@paladinahmadi3783]

Good tips for mugs , especially about base of mugs and drying attached handles of mugs ,I'm very armature Potter and drying process of your work scares me. thanks for your videos, I don't know how you make the time to make this videos , but I'm sure it help others.

[@floriangadsby]

So glad to hear that. Thanks for taking your time to watch!

[@pumpkinpyeboutique]

Beautiful!

[@paulhunter8915]

Thanks for the very helpful videos. Please tell me a bit more about the "spinner" you use for trimming.

[@0956y]

Amazing art and I hope to get one Espresso cup from Tonight’ Shop update!

[@floriangadsby]

🙌🏼🙌🏼

[@joannepaek]

Always enjoy your process & words Florian, thank you for sharing :) I was wondering if your cups are thrown to 10.8cm x 8.5cm, or if those are the measurements after they are glazed & finished? Also, I do remember you mentioning where your spinner tool was from a long while ago but can't seem to recall who makes them...

[@rebeccacresswell6753]

Love a good musing 💭

[@donodc]

Hi Florian, I am a long time subscriber and thoroughly enjoy your videos and narrations. I fire to cone 5 and use a speckled buff clay with a pseudo-celadon glaze to achieve a similar aesthetic, however there is no crackling in the glaze. are you aware of any ^5 iron glazes that crackle?

[@GreenDayFanMT]

Which piece is the most efficient in terms of work per piece and monetary value for you?

[@floriangadsby]

Medium/small bowls, they're the pieces I can make the quickest and are the easiest to glaze neatly. Or mugs, for the same reason, they have a smaller footprint in the kiln too so I can squeeze more in.

[@lLadyAszneth]

Made it all-the-way, Darlin' Rock on! 😀🤘 Aszneth "Asz" (Tallahassee FL)

[@ivovanroij]

Must be a lot of work setting up all the camera's, editing all the videos... Good job mate!

[@elizahorsten4436]

Thanks I love op de info👌

[@sarahisabella1745]

Informative and well- explained as always. Thank you Do you know the feeling of a day that is made for making a specific type of form? And all the other forms you try just turn out awful until you found out it’s just a mug day or bowl-day or jar day I believe you‘re right about the personal mug-thing. As my sister and me started to make mugs and bowls for the family, all of us stopped using industrial mugs (although these were expensive) There’s something personal when I hold a handle made by my sister or me My first set of plates came completely destroyed out of the kiln today, but my small bowls are such perfect I’m not even sad about the loss of my plates 🤔 I may have a bowl-Problem 😂 But you have to take a bowl-day when it comes to you.

[@Alex_0Z]

wasn’t able to buy a mug today here’s to hoping i can get one next time!

[@melanied4663]

Love this video as always ! I can’t remember the brand of the metal kidney with the two holes you use … can you help me 😞 thanks !

[@EuniceVillalobos1]

Hello thank you very much for these videos. I mostly hand build because I struggle with uniformity but I understand now I need to just practice. I was wondering if you have the link to the rib? I like that it’s long and straight. And also the gauge tool?

[@abzurdo]

do you choose the size with a volume after fired in mind? or do you go for a visual size? thanks for sharing your process so in depth

[@abeingspace5952]

Have you ever experimented with putting more of a foot on a mug? If so, is there a reason you didn’t go with that form? Great video, as always!

[@yanuar1420]

Hi Florian, I just watched you video with Tom Scott (I have known your channel before that). I am curious about the thickness on pottery. Tom's cup is a bit bulky, but yours is thin, and your other products are thin too. what's your consideration on thickness? Thank you

[@sureshsundaram3631]

Hello, thank you for the meticulous description. I had a couple of questions if you don’t mind: (1) I think in a prior video you had said from where you got the spinner. Wondered if you could refresh us on that, and (2) the dimensions you stated - 10.8cm x 8.5cm - are they thrown dimensions or finished dimensions. If the latter how much does your clay shrink? Thanks again!

[@floriangadsby]

Thank you! The spinner is made by Richard Carter: instagram.com/richardcarter6952?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y= Those are indeed the thrown dimensions and this clay shrinks by about 12%.

[@Nikkiwiththelashes]

Inspired

[@micheledawsonhaber9362]

great video, thank you! I've been nervous to try pulling off the mug, but you make it look possible. I will try. Question: where can I get the spinner tool you use to hold down the mug while on the chuck?

[@poodlemom7774]

Michele let me know too if you find it. Sharon.