Pulling Handles with Olivia Gibb — Master Mug Handles at BHCS South, Philadelphia Workshop

Pulling Handles with Olivia Gibb is a focused, ninety-minute workshop at BHCS South Members Side, 1700 Annin Street, Philadelphia, PA 19146, where members learn to reclaim clay and master the essential technique of pulling handles. Set in a compact members-only nook of BHCS South, the session opens with a clear demonstration by an instructor, then moves into hands-on practice using BHCS reclaimed clay. The format is practical and focused: short demo, guided repetition, and time to build muscle memory so future mugs have confident, comfortable handles.

The room itself reads like a maker's lab—wheel heads, damp shelves, and a well-worn bench where tools live. The key features are the demonstration wheel, the practice bench, and the reclaimed-clay station, which keeps waste low while letting you experiment without pressure. Participants are guided through the tactile stages: centering a bit of clay, drawing out the pull, and shaping the curve to meet a thrown mug rim. If you want to keep what you make, bring your own clay; otherwise BHCS reclaim clay is provided and practice pieces are recycled at the end of class.

This workshop is special because of its emphasis on repetition and low-cost experimentation. Instead of a single finished-piece focus, the session prioritizes technique: speed, rhythm, grip and the subtle weight shifts that turn a floppy strip of clay into a reliable handle. It’s a pragmatic, skill-first approach well suited to members who already use the studio and want to add a dependable move to their repertoire.

For visitors to South Philadelphia, the class doubles as a short, useful detour into the city’s active craft scene—Annin Street sits close enough to the Delaware riverfront for a post-class walk. Philadelphia’s ceramics community values clay conservation and shared studio resources; this class exemplifies both by teaching reuse alongside skill.

Who should sign up? Committed hobbyists and emerging makers who want to stop guessing and start pulling handles confidently. What to expect: a focused, social 90 minutes, lots of tactile practice, and clear coaching that translates directly to making better mugs. Bring your own clay if you want to take handles home, wear clothes you don’t mind getting damp, and be ready to practice—this is a session designed to build muscle memory, not to create one perfect finished piece.

Plan to arrive ten minutes early to set up at the BHCS South Members Side and ask questions about hand position and trim timing. The instructor emphasizes repeatable cues—finger placement, wrist angle, and pull pace—so bring a small notebook for quick reminders. Many members return after a single session with noticeably neater handles; the workshop prioritizes reliable technique over decoration, and it’s scheduled to give everyone focused practice time and minimal cleanup afterward.