Loose-leaf teas keep intact all of the essential oils that make teas flavorful and aromatic. They offer a richer experience of tea than tea bags, which are often made of tea dust, age quickly, and lose much of the original zest that makes for a great cup. To create a teapot meant for serving loose-leaf teas, you need to integrate a well-fitting infuser for the tea.

1 Throw a round-bellied pot. Create a gallery for the infuser to sit in. Compress, refine, and smooth the shape.
1 Throw a round-bellied pot. Create a gallery for the infuser to sit in. Compress, refine, and smooth the shape.

 

2 Measure the gallery for the infuser. When firm, trim the bottom of the teapot body and smooth the surface with a rib.
2 Measure the gallery for the infuser. When firm, trim the bottom of the teapot body and smooth the surface with a rib.
3 Throw a small cup for the infuser. Leave extra clay at the rim to make a gallery for the lid.
3 Throw a small cup for the infuser. Leave extra clay at the rim to make a gallery for the lid.

 

4 Measure the outside top edge where the infuser will fit on the teapot and where the lid will sit in the infuser.
4 Measure the outside top edge where the infuser will fit on the teapot and where the lid will sit in the infuser.
5 Throw a shallow bowl for the lid. Measure it for fit. Trim the infuser and the lid and check for fit, then add a handle.
5 Throw a shallow bowl for the lid. Measure it for fit. Trim the infuser and the lid and check for fit, then add a handle.

 

6 Use a needle tool to create multiple small holes in the infuser. Smooth the clay with a chamois.
6 Use a needle tool to create multiple small holes in the infuser. Smooth the clay with a chamois.
7 Throw a bottomless cone shape for the spout, then curve it with a pencil. Cut it off, then pinch the edges to soften them.
7 Throw a bottomless cone shape for the spout, then curve it with a pencil. Cut it off, then pinch the edges to soften them.

 

8 Trace around the spout, then cut out a hole, score and slip the spout and body, then attach and smooth the joint.
8 Trace around the spout, then cut out a hole, score and slip the spout and body, then attach and smooth the joint.
9 Drape a pulled handle (tall enough for the infuser to be used), over a cardboard tube to shape it, then score, slip, and attach.
9 Drape a pulled handle (tall enough for the infuser to be used), over a cardboard tube to shape it, then score, slip, and attach.

 

From the Pottery Making Illustrated July/August 2013 issue.

Unfamiliar with any terms in this article? Browse our glossary of pottery terms!
Topics: Wheel Throwing Techniques
Click the cover image to return to the Table of Contents

Related Content

You have read 1 of 3 of your complimentary articles for the month.

For unlimited access to Pottery Making Illustrated premium content, subscribe right now for as low as $3.60/month.

Yes, I want to subscribe to Pottery Making Illustrated

Not right now. Continue to article.

We understand your email address is private. You will receive emails and newsletters from Ceramic Arts Network. We will never share your information except as outlined in our privacy policy. You can unsubscribe at any time.