One of the very first workshops I ever attended was given by the potter Lorna Meaden. One demonstration that inspired me was how she threw multiple pieces on the wheel and assembled them to make a functional scoop. Wanting to try these techniques on my own, I went back to my studio and perfected my type of scoop. 

1 Throw a small bowl off the hump. Refine the shape using a rib. This will be the scoop form.
1 Throw a small bowl off the hump. Refine the shape using a rib. This will be the scoop form.

 

2 When you’re satisfied with the size and the shape, use a needle tool to remove the bowl from the hump.
2 When you’re satisfied with the size and the shape, use a needle tool to remove the bowl from the hump.
3 Make a hollow handle by throwing a tall, thin form off the hump and trapping air inside it by closing off the top.
3 Make a hollow handle by throwing a tall, thin form off the hump and trapping air inside it by closing off the top.

 

4 After closing the form and trapping air inside, refine and shape the curves of the handle using a rounded metal rib.
4 After closing the form and trapping air inside, refine and shape the curves of the handle using a rounded metal rib.
5 Use an angled rib to define the area of the handle that is attached to the scoop. Cut the handle off the hump.
5 Use an angled rib to define the area of the handle that is attached to the scoop. Cut the handle off the hump.

 

6 Once the bowl reaches soft leather hard, trim it to have a rounded bottom, then smooth the form.
6 Once the bowl reaches soft leather hard, trim it to have a rounded bottom, then smooth the form.
7 Cut a right-angled dart out of the rim. Using the dart from one side as a guide, cut the same dart out of the opposite side.
7 Cut a right-angled dart out of the rim. Using the dart from one side as a guide, cut the same dart out of the opposite side.

 

8 Overlap the darted area, then slip and score the two sides. Use your fingers to compress them together.
8 Overlap the darted area, then slip and score the two sides. Use your fingers to compress them together.
9 Experiment with handle placement. Slip and score the handle into place. Clean up any marks and lightly sponge the seams.
9 Experiment with handle placement. Slip and score the handle into place. Clean up any marks and lightly sponge the seams.

From the Pottery Making Illustrated November/December 2016 issue.

Unfamiliar with any terms in this article? Browse our glossary of pottery terms!
Topics: Wheel Throwing Techniques
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