How to Make a Wheel-Thrown, Scalloped-Handled Bowl Amy Irish

Ceramic surfaces have captured my interest from the very beginning of my clay journey. The merging of imagery and form is a limitless exploration of ceramic materials. Layering slips, techniques, and glazes can add depth, movement, color, and illustration to clay vessels. I am intrigued by the marvel of how these combined natural ingredients will emerge from the heat of the fire joined into a single body. 

Throwing a Bowl 

Begin by throwing a bowl form with approximately 1½ pounds of clay. Center and open the clay leaving ½ inch at the base to allow for trimming a foot later. Throw an open bowl form, keeping your walls around ¼ inch thick with a bulkier rim. Next, use a rib to create a smooth continuous curve on the inside of the bowl (1). Don’t worry about refining the outside of your bowl during this part of the process. 

Timing and clay moisture are very important for the success of altering your form. While your freshly thrown bowl is setting up, roll out a slab, leaving both wrapped together under plastic overnight. When the clay is at a medium leather-hard stage, trim a foot on your bowl and refine the outside shape following the curve on the inside (2). 

Altering the Form 

Continuing with your clay at the medium leather-hard stage, begin the alterations by slicing off a section of the rim at a 45º angle using a sharp knife blade (3). Repeat on the opposite side of the bowl and place the removed slices on the slab to use as templates in creating the new rim pieces. 

With a water-based marker, trace the edge of the sliced rim and draw the shape you wish to cut out (4). Consider the profile of your bowl and how it will relate to the surface you are planning. Your new section of rim can be playful, whimsical, and have straight lines or curves. 

Cutting with a needle tool rather than a blade can be helpful in preventing cracking on shapes with an acute inner angle such as scallops. Cut out the form using a 45º angle on the bottom edge where it will attach to the bowl (5). You may need to make additional adjustments to the bottom edge of the attachment to match the curve of the cut edge of your bowl. Soften the rim of the attachment by placing it between two pieces of paper, then rub your finger over the edge on both sides (6). Score and slip to attach the new rim pieces to the bowl (7). Compress and smooth the outside edge of the attachments with a rib (8). Use a coil to reinforce the inner angle of the attachment. 

Place the bowl under plastic until the form is at the hard, leather-hard stage (like Parmesan cheese). Once at this stage, it will be ready to decorate. 

Amy Irish makes functional and decorative work out of her home studio in Hillsborough, North Carolina. She’s inspired by the little things in the world around her. Her children, the garden, and preparing food for her family are all sources of joy that she hopes to share and connect with you through clay. You can find her on Instagram at @amyjirish or on Etsy at www.amyirish.etsy.com.