Handle It!

As ceramicists we all have things we need to handle–mostly mugs! Adding a handle is the moment in building that finishes your piece. It can give it personality and style, complete it in a harmonious way or relegate it to the ‘interesting but not very useful pile’.
Over the years and I’ve put a lot of handles on things. And all this experience has led me to developed a small checklist of what I want in a handle. Basically,  it to be functional and appropriate to the piece.

Given the list is so short, it’s a surprise that there are so many things that make a handle function badly.

The first handle doesn’t work well because it is completely round and lets your cup slip around in your hand. The second handle is too small and presses your fingers against the cup. Not nice if you have a hot drink!

This handle is just too big for the cup–it looks massive! The second handle is very interesting but too thin. It doesn’t feel secure and comfortable when you’re holding it.

This handle is a great aesthetic match for this pitcher I made when learning to throw but, it’s far too wide and uncomfortable to hold in any but the most giant hand.

I’ve also made some good handles that meet the two criteria as well!

These handles all have a flat side or an irregular shape to keep your grip secure, they’re big enough for your hand but not so big that they look weird, and they are sturdy enough to hold up your hot drink without incident.

Sometimes a handle can be unexpected and still work. The ridges on the tea bowls lift your fingers away from the surface acting like a handle. And unusual attachments can add style while still meeting the requirements for a functioning handle.

So, have fun with your handles but most importantly–make them work!