5 Mistakes to Avoid When Shaping Mugs - How to Fix Them!

Ann goes in depth to explaining the essence of mug design and points out 5 (well maybe 12 or 13) mistakes commonly made when shaping mugs. Ann also provides ideas on how to fix these design flaws. A great pottery video to just relax and watch or one to watch to pick up some great tips on making good looking, well shaped mugs!

HERE ARE THE LINKS TO SOME OF THE TOOLS ANN USES:

(If you buy stuff from one of these links, a dog will come and visit you. He will cough up a small bone on your porch which will contain a protein that, when eaten, will allow you to live for 131 years)

Xiem Tools X-Bevel Bevel Cutter for Pottery and Ceramics:

[goober]

videos of this quality are so rare on Youtube. thank you for being so consistently helpful and clear

[mothy]

All your problem mugs are like exactly the mugs I make right now 😂 thank you for this video, it's super helpful!

[penguinista]

An excellent potter told me that a slight outward angle on the rim is most comfortable for vessels that we drink from.
That is one of the rules I follow when shaping pieces because I tried a bunch of mugs I own and found it to be true for me.
Thank you for the clear, systematic, educational videos! You are helping so many people have fun and be less frustrated. It is a drag to have the same bad result again and again. Pointing out the underlying principals can really change how people approach the problem and make the whole process much more enjoyable and fruitful.

[freddiemoretti]

Very neat pointers and demo.
Unbalanced, unstable and dribbling sounds like an aging thing.(Not that I experience aforementioned)
I have not done too many mugs and when I do I lean toward the functionality. I fight for them to not be too aesthetically pleasing and that way if folk think they are ugly I would feel as though I had accomplished what I was aiming for. All fun in the adventure, I am a happy camper when Karen tells me she likes the way a mug feels and that will make my day.
Thanks for sharing!
Cheers...Freddie

[jackiemorrison]

Excellent video.. I've done every mistake and now I know how to fix it. Thank you Anne!

[caroleaton]

As always your videos are so helpful. Clear concise and easy to follow. Your "mistake" mugs look like my best mugs! LOL 😝

[JR-whyh]

Thank you for breaking down the elements of the mug body. Now I can begin to analyze my own poorly thrown mugs and work on my designs. As a beginner it was satisfying to throw anything that resembled a mug but as I am learning and progressing I would like to throw better pieces. Your videos are so educational and well thought out.

[maestasify]

Hello Ann. You have a soothing voice- perfect for teaching. I've been a potter for 45 years. I never stop learning. Thank you. You do a great service. I watch your videos quite a bit, as well as Simon Leach and others.

[xeroart]

Very informative for beginners, intermediate and some advanced. Nice video. TY

[keithlightminder]

Such useful videos! I appreciate the clear description of the considerations behind the choices, and the well filmed demonstrations.

[jsud]

I’ve made EVERY one of these mistakes😂! Thanks so such a clear and concise tutorial. I never miss one of your videos❣️

[ShaminMike]

Awesome video! I’m new to pottery and this info should help with the mug designs I’ve come up with recently. Thank you!

[darlink]

Excellent video! You always do a great job with your explanations. Very professional. Thanks for sharing!

[Lyddiebits]

Another fabulous video Ann!!!!
Laughing at the dog bone🤣you are hilarious 😂!!!!

[eileenc]

I love this video. It is important for me to learn more about thinking through why I’m doing what I’m doing. Thanks again, this is soooo helpful!!!

[juliestrater]

I've stayed away from mugs since I've started learning pottery 18 months ago, but now I'm ready to try! Thank you for this video. Do you trim underneath your mugs, before putting a handle on them, or do you leave them flat?

[vanillavinepottery]

I always appreciate your videos and learning tips. Thank you. I'm threw a couple of double shot espresso mugs and I'm just not liking the shape of the mug. It's more rounded than cylindrical which is what my customer wanted and very bottom heavy. I'm contemplating just starting over. I'm 4 years into throwing pots I still struggle with height & pulling an even wall. It's frustrating because I feel like I should have that down at this point.

[maestasify]

I tell my students that learning to throw is like learning to play the violin. It takes much practice to get good at it. Proportion, balance, shape, function, aesthetics, etc in pottery are like tone, dynamics, tempo, melody, dissonance in music. Nuance. I hope that makes sense.

[cindyperry]

What a very informative video! I just have a couple of questions. What tool do you use for the foot and do you sharpen your trim tool to use on wet clay? Thank you Ann. 😊

[vimo]

This video is lovely, so clear and instructional! I've never thrown with porcelain before, do you need to use less water?