Mugs are great projects for the potter just beginning to work on the wheel, as well as fun for seasoned, veteran potters. They offer an incredible amount of scope in decorative techniques that can be used, yet basically remain a simple cylinder with a handle attached.
A note on the clay to use: When a pot will or can be used for food and drink, it is best to use a mid- or high-fire stoneware. (Porcelain clay bodies are suitable to the pot's use, but are notoriously difficult to throw. A white stoneware clay is a good working compromise for those newer to throwing.) You also need a clay body with good throwing characteristics.
Make sure that your clay body and the glaze(s) you will use match in their maturation temperature. For example, a cone five glaze is appropriate to use with a cone five-six clay body.
To throw your mug, you will need about a half to one pound of suitable clay, a bucket of water or slip, a potter's needle, wooden trimming tool, sponge, chamois, and cut-off wire. Toweling is always a good idea for covering knees and cleaning hands.
First steps:
- Fully wedge your clay
- Center the clay on the wheel
- Open the clay
- http://pottery.about.com/od/throwingonthewhee1/ss/howthrow.htm]Throw the walls to create a cylinder