Dancing Mugs: A Quirky Approach to Adding Feet to Your Pottery

There’s something truly special about cradling a handmade mug, its unique imperfections whispering stories of the artisan who brought it to life. As a potter, I’m always searching for ways to infuse my personality into each piece, and lately, I’ve been captivated by the magic of adding characterful feet to my mugs.

While the traditional method of trimming a foot ring is a classic for a reason, I’m smitten with the whimsical charm of sculpted feet. Imagine a mug not just resting on a shelf, but seemingly poised for a jig! This playful approach, inspired by the talented ceramic artist Sarah Anderson, involves pulling clay feet in a way that echoes the graceful curve of a handle.

Traditional vs. Unconventional Foot Techniques

Before we dive into the fun part, let’s quickly touch upon the conventional method. Typically, potters leave extra clay at the base of a thrown piece and then trim away the excess to create a smooth, even foot ring. It’s a reliable technique, but sometimes, our creative spirits yearn for a touch of the unexpected.

That’s where Sarah Anderson’s pulled-foot technique comes in. Instead of trimming away clay, we’ll be adding it, sculpting each foot individually and attaching them to the mug’s base. This method allows for greater creative freedom, resulting in mugs that are bursting with personality.

Step-by-Step Guide to Pulled-Foot Mugs

Ready to make some mugs dance? Let’s gather our tools and get started!

Materials You’ll Need:

• Pottery wheel
• Clay (your preferred type for mugs)
• Metal rib
• Wooden modeling tool
• Sponge
• Small container of water
• Wire tool or needle tool

Step 1: Throwing the Mug Base

Begin by throwing a basic mug shape on the wheel. Aim for a slightly flared base to provide a stable platform for the feet. I like to leave a subtle indentation just below the rim using a metal rib, adding a touch of visual interest.

Step 2: Creating the Indentations for Feet

Once your mug base is leather hard, it’s time to mark the spots for our charming feet. Using a right-angled wooden tool, gently score four equidistant lines vertically down the sides of the mug. These lines will guide you in attaching the feet later.

Step 3: Preparing and Attaching the Clay Feet

Now for the fun part – sculpting the feet! Roll out three small, evenly sized balls of clay. The size will depend on your desired foot thickness, but aim for something proportional to your mug.

Score the top of each foot and the corresponding section on the mug base. Add a touch of slip for extra adhesion and gently press the feet into place, aligning them with the scored lines.

Step 4: Pulling and Shaping the Feet

Dip your fingers in water and begin pulling each foot gently upward, using your thumb, index, and middle fingers to create a tapered point. It’s like pulling a miniature handle! Ensure all three feet are relatively even in height and thickness.

Once you’re happy with the shape, use a metal rib to slice off the pointed tips of the feet, creating a flat surface for the mug to stand on.

Enhancing the Narrative

Remember, these aren’t just feet; they’re an extension of your artistic voice. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different shapes and sizes. Maybe your mugs are inspired by woodland creatures and need tiny paw-like feet. Or perhaps they’re sleek and modern, calling for minimalist, geometric feet.

Tips for Success:

• Clay Consistency: Ensure your clay is at the ideal leather-hard stage—firm enough to hold its shape but still pliable enough to sculpt.
• Even Placement: Use a ruler or a compass to mark the foot placements accurately for a balanced look.
• Troubleshooting: If your feet crack during drying, try adding a small amount of paper fiber to the clay for extra strength.

Conclusion:

Adding pulled feet to your mugs is a delightful way to infuse them with personality and charm. This technique, while simple, opens up a world of creative possibilities. So, grab your clay, embrace your inner sculptor, and let those mugs dance!