November 13, 2009
The Broomstick Method: Making Cylindrical Pottery Without a Pottery Wheel
 The other night at the studio, I was talking to a potter pal of mine who was interested in making some handbuilt mugs. She was thinking about using slabs to build these mugs, but I thought she might want to try this cool technique I learned from a Mitch Lyons video. I did a lousy job of explaining this technique since I didn’t have any props around, so I decided to bust out the Mitch Lyons video today (especially for you, Amy!). In the video, Mitch demonstrates making a seamless cylindrical form using a series of dowel rods in graduated sizes to hollow out the center. It is a great technique for handbuilding cylinders because you can really do a lot with surface texture, as Mitch demonstrates. Amy, do you want to pick up some dowel rods this weekend, or should I? - Jennifer Harnetty, editor. |
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This clip was excerpted from Handbuilding with Mitch Lyons,
available in the Ceramic Arts Daily Bookstore.
Tags: Handbuilding Techniques, Handbuilding Videos, Mitch Lyons, texture
Keisha | November 13th, 2009 at 10:49 am
Made my day!
Anonymous | November 13th, 2009 at 11:15 am
I’ve used this technique previously to make a long neck added to a coil built pot, but only used a single wooden rod as I wanted a more random look rather than a neat tube. Before I saw this video I thought I’d invented the technique myself! I’ll certainly extend my use of it now that I’ve seen what can be done. Thanks!
Jack | November 13th, 2009 at 11:24 am
Intersting technique. I’m off to Home Depot in search of dowels
Cindy | November 13th, 2009 at 11:51 am
I’ve used this to make flutes and other tiny tubes. I think I got the idea from having used a teapot spout maker, but yeah–I was just naive enough to think I’d invented it too. ;)
Anyhow, I love the idea of adding the texture and of making the tubes large enough for other uses. For the cardboard tubes, I’ve gotten them (for other purposes) from fabric stores. I’ve also used PVC conduit, and I think it would work for this. It tends to stick, so I use Pam (spray on cooking oil) with it, but I wonder how well it would work to prime it with some kind of spray paint.
Deborah | November 13th, 2009 at 3:25 pm
great technique, I need some good ideas to work on while I am awaiting a wheel to magically show up in my new studio!
Elisa | November 13th, 2009 at 6:16 pm
In my small studio sans wheel, definitely worth trying. My students might like it–or is it too tricky for kids? I bet not.
kathy | November 13th, 2009 at 9:24 pm
As a “newbe” hand builder, I am blown away by this technique. I will be at the hardware store ASAP getting a larger variety of dowel sizes. Thank you for the inspiration.
Fiona | November 14th, 2009 at 4:27 am
Lovely to see someone build with such confidence and so quickly! Something as a beginner to which I can aspire.
debanne | November 14th, 2009 at 8:36 am
This is an awesome site! I am looking forward to learning more techniques.
naghmeh | November 14th, 2009 at 11:39 am
fantasticcccccccc
oldriska | November 14th, 2009 at 5:27 pm
pefect !!!!!
penny | November 14th, 2009 at 6:30 pm
Thanks so much! Can’t wait to get into my workshop!
inci | November 15th, 2009 at 6:38 pm
İ loved it my mind goes to my glaze recepie which İ could not make because İ do not have spodumene in my town and also cornish stone. Pls anybody can give me another raw material to replace these. thanks it will be appreciated a lot. inci
desiree | November 16th, 2009 at 4:31 am
Fantastic!simple to do and lovely in the end!
Karen | November 18th, 2009 at 10:48 am
Great video. While I’ve used the same general technique to create textured rollers, I did not think about taking it to the next level. My adult hand building students will love it!
Tia | November 25th, 2009 at 1:19 pm
Awesome technique! Can you maybe use pvc pipe for larger cylinders as well?
Diane | November 30th, 2009 at 10:31 pm
I enjoyed the simplicity of directions; it was easy to follow and now I’m inspired to get dowels as well. I’d like to see many more videos!
stephen | December 3rd, 2009 at 1:12 pm
I loved them.
sukeshi | December 11th, 2009 at 12:43 pm
very simple and innovative idea i really liked it very much..
Launa | January 1st, 2010 at 5:53 pm
wow! i can’t wait to try this!!!