Pull five handle carrots

A pulled handle starts as a "carrot": a thick lump tapered at one end. The pulling motion stretches it into a beautiful, tapered strap.

The drill

Prepare five 150 g clay carrots and pull each one:

1. Wet your hands and the clay
2. Grip the wide end with one hand, stroking downward with the other
3. Each stroke should thin and lengthen the strap
4. Aim for about 12 cm long with a clear taper (thick at top, thin at bottom)

Quality check

• Smooth surface (no tearing or cracking)
• Even taper from wide to narrow
• No thin spots that would be weak points

Discard any that tear. Five good handles from five attempts = excellent. Three out of five = normal for beginners.