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mixing/pouring bowl without handle?

updated tue 27 oct 09

 

Karin Givon on sat 24 oct 09


Dear Paul- I would have to agree with your assessment of your
"mixing bowl with handle" . But the glaze is nice!
My thought is that after a gazillion ( or was it two gazillion) years
in the kitchen that this bowl would work better with a large strong
handle and also a large spout...a wide spout can be made by creating
a concave 'C' shape two and a half or so inches from the rim
( including the rim), and then cutting 3/4 of that inward curve back
to the belly of the bowl, leaving you tons of room to pour with and,
incidentally, a totally different shape to the pot! So, since you've
changed the Whole Pot, might as well make it a little rounder just
above the bottom, so it holds enought to pour something. There now.
You have a perfect, round bottomed, strong handled, wide spouted pot.
It'll fly off the shelves. Or not. Funny thing, pottery.
Seriously, you could definitely change the size of the handle And the
spout but you really should try the thing before you put it out there
for sale--if you check out the one(s) you must have sitting around
the studio due to no sales, you will immediately figure out what to
do. And now I've told you at least one way to change it about, and
you'll no doubt get many more suggestions, and you could make one of
each and then take photos and let us know. Thanks for the photo. It
really IS a nice glaze.
my 22 centavos
Karin

On Oct 24, 2009, at 5:49 PM, Paul Borian wrote:

Hello,
there is an item on my product list that i want to either remove or
change
because it is not one of the best sellers. I would actually like to
remove a
few items so that it would be easier to keep up with orders, but if i
can
redesign this one i just might keep it.
It's basically a bowl with a little pouring spout and a handle so i
call it
"mixing bowl with handle"
here is a picture:
http://www.blanketcreek.com/Galleries/Green%20Ash%20Glaze/1/lg/grmix.htm

i don't think the spout is particularly functional and the handle
seems kind
of worthless to me.
So my first question is, does anyone make a mixing bowl like this
without
the handle? it seems like it would work just as well. OR, does anyone
care
to provide a link to a picture of a more functional bowl than mine?

Also, i would like to hear some feedback from anyone who cares to
comment
about this item. Does it seem totally useless or what? What's your
idea of a
more functional mixing bowl?
thanks,
paul

Lorraine Pierce on sat 24 oct 09


Paul I agree with Ann...the cook wants a sturdy pitcher handle on a batter
bowl as the mixture is beaten, then poured onto the griddle, *and* a
generous lip...but your bowl is a beauty with that unusual glaze. Would you
tell us how you did it..is it a triple dipped ash glaze? I have a bucket of
ashes I have saved forever for the right pot! Lori P.in Orange Park, Fl.


Oct 24, 2009 at 8:49 PM, Paul Borian wrote:

> Hello,
> there is an item on my product list that i want to either remove or chang=
e
> because it is not one of the best sellers. I would actually like to remov=
e
> a
> few items so that it would be easier to keep up with orders, but if i can
> redesign this one i just might keep it.
> It's basically a bowl with a little pouring spout and a handle so i call =
it
> "mixing bowl with handle"
> here is a picture:
> http://www.blanketcreek.com/Galleries/Green%20Ash%20Glaze/1/lg/grmix.htm
>
> i don't think the spout is particularly functional and the handle seems
> kind
> of worthless to me.
> So my first question is, does anyone make a mixing bowl like this without
> the handle? it seems like it would work just as well. OR, does anyone car=
e
> to provide a link to a picture of a more functional bowl than mine?
>
> Also, i would like to hear some feedback from anyone who cares to comment
> about this item. Does it seem totally useless or what? What's your idea o=
f
> a
> more functional mixing bowl?
> thanks,
> paul
>

Lee Love on sat 24 oct 09


On Sat, Oct 24, 2009 at 7:49 PM, Paul Borian wrote=
=3D
:

> http://www.blanketcreek.com/Galleries/Green%20Ash%20Glaze/1/lg/grmix.htm
>
> i don't think the spout is particularly functional and the handle seems k=
=3D
ind
> of worthless to me.

Today Jean unpacked some old Mashiko pouring bowls. =3DA0Three of them.
The largest one broke in transit. =3DA0 =3DA0 They don't have handles, but
they do have thick lips.

=3DA0 =3DA0 =3DA0 =3DA0 =3DA0 =3DA0 =3DA0 =3DA0 =3DA0 One thing to consider=
about batter bowl=3D
s, is that a
convexed shape is best. =3DA0 =3DA0Like tea ceremony water discard bowls, t=
he
convex shape keeps the liquid contents from spilling out in the
mixing. =3DA0 But the convex shape requires a spout so that the liquid
can be poured out.

=3DA0 =3DA0 =3DA0 =3DA0 =3DA0 =3DA0 =3DA0 =3DA0 A Tea Master explained this=
to me after the=3D
"picking
up the bones" ceremony at Shimaoka Sensei's cremation ceremony. =3DA0 Euan
and I wanted to talk to him about matcha chawan. =3DA0 But he said to us,
"Potters always want to talk about =3DA0tea bowls, but a really important
ceramic item they overlook, is the water discard bowl, whose shape is
very important.

=3DA0 =3DA0 =3DA0 =3DA0 =3DA0 =3DA0Your conical shape really doesn't requir=
e a spout fo=3D
r pouring.

--
--
=3DA0Lee, a Mashiko potter in Minneapolis
http://mashikopots.blogspot.com/

=3DA0"Ta tIr na n-=3DF3g ar chul an tI=3D97tIr dlainn trina ch=3DE9ile"=3D9=
7that is, =3D
"The
land of eternal youth is behind the house, a beautiful land fluent
within itself." -- John O'Donohue



--=3D20
--
Lee, a Mashiko potter in Minneapolis
http://mashikopots.blogspot.com/

"Ta tIr na n-=3DF3g ar chul an tI=3D97tIr dlainn trina ch=3DE9ile"=3D97tha=
t is, "T=3D
he
land of eternal youth is behind the house, a beautiful land fluent
within itself." -- John O'Donohue

Sumi von Dassow on sat 24 oct 09


Paul

I make bowls I call omelette bowls with a spout like yours and two
places on the rim where I use my
thumbs to pull the rim out to make a thumb grip for either hand. The rim
ends up more or less triangular
between the spout and the thumb grips. They sell very well. I make them
in all sizes and include a whisk
with them. Other potters simply push in one side of the rim to make a
thumb grip, which of course makes
the bowl either a right-hander or a left-hander.

Sumi
> Hello,
> there is an item on my product list that i want to either remove or chang=
e
> because it is not one of the best sellers. I would actually like to remov=
e a
> few items so that it would be easier to keep up with orders, but if i can
> redesign this one i just might keep it.
> It's basically a bowl with a little pouring spout and a handle so i call =
it
> "mixing bowl with handle"
> here is a picture:
> http://www.blanketcreek.com/Galleries/Green%20Ash%20Glaze/1/lg/grmix.htm
>
> i don't think the spout is particularly functional and the handle seems k=
ind
> of worthless to me.
> So my first question is, does anyone make a mixing bowl like this without
> the handle? it seems like it would work just as well. OR, does anyone car=
e
> to provide a link to a picture of a more functional bowl than mine?
>
> Also, i would like to hear some feedback from anyone who cares to comment
> about this item. Does it seem totally useless or what? What's your idea o=
f a
> more functional mixing bowl?
> thanks,
> paul
>
>
>

Paul Borian on sat 24 oct 09


Hello,
there is an item on my product list that i want to either remove or change
because it is not one of the best sellers. I would actually like to remove =
a
few items so that it would be easier to keep up with orders, but if i can
redesign this one i just might keep it.
It's basically a bowl with a little pouring spout and a handle so i call it
"mixing bowl with handle"
here is a picture:
http://www.blanketcreek.com/Galleries/Green%20Ash%20Glaze/1/lg/grmix.htm

i don't think the spout is particularly functional and the handle seems kin=
d
of worthless to me.
So my first question is, does anyone make a mixing bowl like this without
the handle? it seems like it would work just as well. OR, does anyone care
to provide a link to a picture of a more functional bowl than mine?

Also, i would like to hear some feedback from anyone who cares to comment
about this item. Does it seem totally useless or what? What's your idea of =
a
more functional mixing bowl?
thanks,
paul

Ann Brink on sat 24 oct 09


Hello Paul,

I have made a similiar shape, but instead of that little "handle" on the
left, I had a pitcher-type handle. This item is called a "batter bowl".
You want a generous enough spout to handle batter, instead of just a little
spout. I couldn't tell the size of yours, but mine hold about 6 cups. They
always sell well.

Ann Brink in Lompoc CA
(mostly about pottery)

----- Original Message -----
From: "Paul Borian"

> Hello,
> there is an item on my product list that i want to either remove or chang=
e
> because it is not one of the best sellers. I would actually like to remov=
e
> a
> few items so that it would be easier to keep up with orders, but if i can
> redesign this one i just might keep it.
> It's basically a bowl with a little pouring spout and a handle so i call
> it
> "mixing bowl with handle"
> here is a picture:
> http://www.blanketcreek.com/Galleries/Green%20Ash%20Glaze/1/lg/grmix.htm
>
> i don't think the spout is particularly functional and the handle seems
> kind
> of worthless to me.
> So my first question is, does anyone make a mixing bowl like this without
> the handle? it seems like it would work just as well. OR, does anyone car=
e
> to provide a link to a picture of a more functional bowl than mine?
>
> Also, i would like to hear some feedback from anyone who cares to comment
> about this item. Does it seem totally useless or what? What's your idea o=
f
> a
> more functional mixing bowl?
> thanks,
> paul


---------------------------------------------------------------------------=
-----

Philip Poburka on sun 25 oct 09


Hi Paul,




That is a lovely little Bowl there.

Nice little Binky-Beak too.

I really like it.


I'd guess...if I were using it, I'd be lifting it one-handed, and from the
side, cupped-hand...hook my Thumb over the lip from the outside, cup my pal=
m
against the side low, slip my pinky under the bottom if need be, and,
lift-pour.


So...the little 'Handle' nub, would probably not be in play.


But...a sort of short 'Thumb Hook', able to fit between the mid-Thumb, and,
the top of the basal index finger knuckle, rim-height give-or-take, would
probably be ideal.


I'll test one for you if you like..!


I just bought a fresh box of 'Bisquick' now that Autumn is whispering
"Paaaaaaaaaaaaaan-Caaaaaaaaaaaaakes''...



Phil
Lv




----- Original Message -----
From: "Paul Borian"

> Hello,
> there is an item on my product list that i want to either remove or chang=
e
> because it is not one of the best sellers. I would actually like to remov=
e
> a
> few items so that it would be easier to keep up with orders, but if i can
> redesign this one i just might keep it.
> It's basically a bowl with a little pouring spout and a handle so i call
> it
> "mixing bowl with handle"
> here is a picture:
> http://www.blanketcreek.com/Galleries/Green%20Ash%20Glaze/1/lg/grmix.htm
>
> i don't think the spout is particularly functional and the handle seems
> kind
> of worthless to me.
> So my first question is, does anyone make a mixing bowl like this without
> the handle? it seems like it would work just as well. OR, does anyone car=
e
> to provide a link to a picture of a more functional bowl than mine?
>
> Also, i would like to hear some feedback from anyone who cares to comment
> about this item. Does it seem totally useless or what? What's your idea o=
f
> a
> more functional mixing bowl?
> thanks,
> paul

Steve Mills on sun 25 oct 09


I make a similar bowl with a slightly larger pouring lip and no handle. I
make it in three sizes. It's one of my best sellers!

Steve

On Sun, Oct 25, 2009 at 12:49 AM, Paul Borian wrote=
:

> Hello,
> there is an item on my product list that i want to either remove or chang=
e
> because it is not one of the best sellers. I would actually like to remov=
e
> a
> few items so that it would be easier to keep up with orders, but if i can
> redesign this one i just might keep it.
> It's basically a bowl with a little pouring spout and a handle so i call =
it
> "mixing bowl with handle"
> here is a picture:
> http://www.blanketcreek.com/Galleries/Green%20Ash%20Glaze/1/lg/grmix.htm
>
> i don't think the spout is particularly functional and the handle seems
> kind
> of worthless to me.
> So my first question is, does anyone make a mixing bowl like this without
> the handle? it seems like it would work just as well. OR, does anyone car=
e
> to provide a link to a picture of a more functional bowl than mine?
>
> Also, i would like to hear some feedback from anyone who cares to comment
> about this item. Does it seem totally useless or what? What's your idea o=
f
> a
> more functional mixing bowl?
> thanks,
> paul
>



--
Steve
Bath
UK
www.mudslinger.me.uk

William & Susan Schran User on sun 25 oct 09


On 10/24/09 8:49 PM, "Paul Borian" wrote:

> there is an item on my product list that i want to either remove or chang=
e
> because it is not one of the best sellers. I would actually like to remov=
e a
> few items so that it would be easier to keep up with orders, but if i can
> redesign this one i just might keep it.
> It's basically a bowl with a little pouring spout and a handle so i call =
it
> "mixing bowl with handle"
> here is a picture:
> http://www.blanketcreek.com/Galleries/Green%20Ash%20Glaze/1/lg/grmix.htm
>
> i don't think the spout is particularly functional and the handle seems k=
ind
> of worthless to me.
> So my first question is, does anyone make a mixing bowl like this without
> the handle? it seems like it would work just as well. OR, does anyone car=
e
> to provide a link to a picture of a more functional bowl than mine?
>
> Also, i would like to hear some feedback from anyone who cares to comment
> about this item. Does it seem totally useless or what? What's your idea o=
f a
> more functional mixing bowl?

Have you test marketed it?
How about just taking some around the neighborhood and giving them to folks
who might frequently use a mixing bowl and ask for their honest opinion?

The bowl shape appears functional.
Spout also looks to be functional - a bigger/thinner spout not necessary.

When the image first flashed on the screen, I almost thought the handle was
the spout. Visually it doesn't speak handle to me.
It seems like one would need to put fingers inside the bowl to get leverage
to pick this up with the added weight of the mixed material.
Perhaps just a redesign of the handle (maybe more like a cup, but smaller i=
n
proportion to the bowl) to allow picking it up only with the handle.

Do the mixing bowls with the blue ash glaze sell better?

Hope this helps,

Bill

--
William "Bill" Schran
wschran@cox.net
wschran@nvcc.edu
http://www.creativecreekartisans.com

Lee Love on sun 25 oct 09


Mashiko Pouring bowl shape. First one an old Mashiko bowl. Second
one, made by me. Was sent to Mingeikan (folkcraft museum) in Tokyo.

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=3D3D3295183&l=3D3Db276dffc28&id=3D3D5=
507270=3D
56

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=3D3D3295184&l=3D3De654887b02&id=3D3D5=
507270=3D
56


--=3D20
--
Lee, a Mashiko potter in Minneapolis
http://mashikopots.blogspot.com/

"Ta tIr na n-=3DF3g ar chul an tI=3D97tIr dlainn trina ch=3DE9ile"=3D97tha=
t is, "T=3D
he
land of eternal youth is behind the house, a beautiful land fluent
within itself." -- John O'Donohue

Jo Smith on sun 25 oct 09


Paul,

Take a look at mine... do like your green ash glaze do you mind sharing? =
=3D


http://treenwareandpottery.com/page30.html

Jo

Vince Pitelka on sun 25 oct 09


Paul Borian asked about his mixing bowl with spout and handle that doesn't
seem to be selling well.

Steve Mills wrote:
"I make a similar bowl with a slightly larger pouring lip and no handle. I
make it in three sizes. It's one of my best sellers!"

Bill Schrann wrote:
"When the image first flashed on the screen, I almost thought the handle wa=
s
the spout. Visually it doesn't speak handle to me. It seems like one would
need to put fingers inside the bowl to get leverage to pick this up with th=
e
added weight of the mixed material."

Paul -
I think that these two answers sum it up. If you make a mixing bowl withou=
t
a handle, multiple bowls will probably nestle inside one another, and I'll
bet that Steve's do. Some people really like stacking efficiency. On vases
and covered jars, decorative, non-functional handles can work great, but
there's no point in putting a handle on a mixing bowl unless it really
works. How does the handle on your mixing bowl work? As I see it, you
would have to place one hand under the pour spout, and the other under the
handle, in which case the handle seems superfluous, and prevents the bowls
from stacking gracefully inside one another.

Sometimes potential buyers understand these things intuitively based on
practical experience without even thinking consciously about it or being
able to articulate it. If you are going to make a mixing bowl with a
handle, maybe it should be a large enough handle to actually lift the bowl
with one hand. Otherwise, I'm not sure I see the point of a handle on the
bowl.

One of the most important things to always consider in designing pottery is
that the aesthetics of pottery have been informed by thousands of years of
utility. In other words, a utilitarian pot often appears more beautiful
because it is designed to function very well. The average buyer of pottery
may not know much at all about the aesthetics of pottery, but without even
realizing it, they may be quite expert at recognizing the practical and
utilitarian advantages of a form, which in their subconscious will be
translated to beauty. In designing utilitarian pots for sale it is
important to give the average buyer credit for having a discerning eye when
it comes to utility.
- Vince

Vince Pitelka
Appalachian Center for Craft
Tennessee Tech University
vpitelka@dtccom.net; wpitelka@tntech.edu
http://iweb.tntech.edu/wpitelka

Joan Klotz on sun 25 oct 09


Paul, just want to add my agreement with the previous responders, the
bowl needs a bigger more functional handle and a more generous spout,
but the glaze is beautiful, beautiful, beautiful.

Joan Klotz, Venice CA


> Oct 24, 2009 at 8:49 PM, Paul Borian wrote:
>
> > Hello,
> > there is an item on my product list that i want to either remove or cha=
nge
> > because it is not one of the best sellers. I would actually like to rem=
ove
> > a
> > few items so that it would be easier to keep up with orders, but if i c=
an
> > redesign this one i just might keep it.
> > It's basically a bowl with a little pouring spout and a handle so i cal=
l it
> > "mixing bowl with handle"
> > here is a picture:
> > http://www.blanketcreek.com/Galleries/Green%20Ash%20Glaze/1/lg/grmix.ht=
m

Elizabeth Priddy on sun 25 oct 09


As a cook, I can tell you that I have two sets of cooking bowls.

One is a set of stacking Pyrex that is my standard mixing bowls, no pouring=
=3D
lip, no handles, just largish bowls that store conveniently.
Easy to clean, microwave, oven, dishwasher, and sink compatible.


Then I have measuring bowls that I use in a similar manner, only they have =
=3D
puring spouts, handles and measures on the sides of clear pyrex, 1 cup, 2 c=
=3D
up, 4 cup, and 2 quart. They all nest inside each other in the cabinet, to=
=3D
o, hanging into the next smaller size by the handle .

Moral of this kitchen story: If I need to be puring it back and forth, I n=
=3D
eed to know how much I have and clear measuring cups are better for that. =
=3D
If I need it to hold stuff ready to use or raise bread, I don't need a hand=
=3D
le or a spout.

At least that is how it goees in my kitchen, and I have been capable of mak=
=3D
ing anything I want to use for 20 years or so. =3D20

I DO have about 2 dozen 1-2 cup standard bowls that I use for most everythi=
=3D
ng. Plates don't really come into play much in our house.

I would say that cooks buy this type of thing, not people that like cooks. =
=3D
Most people that like cooks would know better than to gift them with cooki=
=3D
ng utensils that have not been specifically requested. Jeff knows I am ver=
=3D
y particular about my cookware.


- ePriddy

Elizabeth Priddy
Beaufort, NC - USA

http://www.elizabethpriddy.com


--- On Sun, 10/25/09, Vince Pitelka wrote:

> From: Vince Pitelka
> Subject: Re: Mixing/pouring bowl without handle?
> To: Clayart@LSV.CERAMICS.ORG
> Date: Sunday, October 25, 2009, 11:48 AM
> Paul Borian asked about his mixing
> bowl with spout and handle that doesn't
> seem to be selling well.
>=3D20
> Steve Mills wrote:
> "I make a similar bowl with a slightly larger pouring lip
> and no handle. I
> make it in three sizes. It's one of my best sellers!"
>=3D20
> Bill Schrann wrote:
> "When the image first flashed on the screen, I almost
> thought the handle was
> the spout. Visually it doesn't speak handle to me. It seems
> like one would
> need to put fingers inside the bowl to get leverage to pick
> this up with the
> added weight of the mixed material."
>=3D20
> Paul -
> I think that these two answers sum it up.=3DA0 If you make
> a mixing bowl without
> a handle, multiple bowls will probably nestle inside one
> another, and I'll
> bet that Steve's do. Some people really like stacking
> efficiency.=3DA0 On vases
> and covered jars, decorative, non-functional handles can
> work great, but
> there's no point in putting a handle on a mixing bowl
> unless it really
> works.=3DA0 How does the handle on your mixing bowl
> work?=3DA0 As I see it, you
> would have to place one hand under the pour spout, and the
> other under the
> handle, in which case the handle seems superfluous, and
> prevents the bowls
> from stacking gracefully inside one another.
>=3D20
> Sometimes potential buyers understand these things
> intuitively based on
> practical experience without even thinking consciously
> about it or being
> able to articulate it.=3DA0 If you are going to make a
> mixing bowl with a
> handle, maybe it should be a large enough handle to
> actually lift the bowl
> with one hand.=3DA0 Otherwise, I'm not sure I see the
> point of a handle on the
> bowl.
>=3D20
> One of the most important things to always consider in
> designing pottery is
> that the aesthetics of pottery have been informed by
> thousands of years of
> utility.=3DA0 In other words, a utilitarian pot often
> appears more beautiful
> because it is designed to function very well.=3DA0 The
> average buyer of pottery
> may not know much at all about the aesthetics of pottery,
> but without even
> realizing it, they may be quite expert at recognizing the
> practical and
> utilitarian advantages of a form, which in their
> subconscious will be
> translated to beauty.=3DA0 In designing utilitarian pots
> for sale it is
> important to give the average buyer credit for having a
> discerning eye when
> it comes to utility.
> - Vince
>=3D20
> Vince Pitelka
> Appalachian Center for Craft
> Tennessee Tech University
> vpitelka@dtccom.net;
> wpitelka@tntech.edu
> http://iweb.tntech.edu/wpitelka
> =3D0A=3D0A=3D0A

Jim Willett on sun 25 oct 09


Hey Paul, since everyone is weighing in on the "batter bowl" here is ours=
=3D
.
http://outofthefirestudio.com/batter_bowl.html
We've added a ribbon handle that is big enough to put your index finger =
=3D
through=3D20
then hold with your thumb and center finger. Is very comfortable to use. =
=3D
Left or=3D20
right hand. Also your comment about the form being thin is a reminder tha=
=3D
t for=3D20
kitchen ware that is made to be used thinner is not always better.=3D20

Jim and Cindy
Out of the Fire Studio
http://www.outofthefirestudio.com

Lee Love on sun 25 oct 09


I disagree with folks about the need for a handle. I think is bowl
is fine the way it is. Paul, I looked at some of your other bowls
that are not spouted or handled. I am guessing folks might prefer
them because they can serve as a regular bowl or for mixing batter.
Because of their shape, they should have no problems pouring.



--=3D20
--
Lee, a Mashiko potter in Minneapolis
http://mashikopots.blogspot.com/

"Ta tIr na n-=3DF3g ar chul an tI=3D97tIr dlainn trina ch=3DE9ile"=3D97tha=
t is, "T=3D
he
land of eternal youth is behind the house, a beautiful land fluent
within itself." -- John O'Donohue

Francoise Chapman on mon 26 oct 09


I, too, love the glaze on the mixing bowl, but cannot fathom why the
handle has to be OPPOSITE the spout. Surely it would be more ergonomic
and practical to have the handle at 90=BA on the side.The same goes for
lemon/orange squeezers. Most of the factory-made ones come with the
handle opposite the spout and are really uncomfortable to pour.

And talking of ergonomic designs, how many of you use a vertical mouse
rather than the horizontal ones which lead to unnecessary hand and wrist
pain and eventual carpal tunnel syndrome. My son and I use the mouse a
lot and a few weeks ago we ordered an Evoluent Vertical Mouse 3 each
from the States (they don't seem to have them here). They arrived in 5
days and are really comfortable to use even for hours on end. Apart
from being a very satisfied client, I have no connection with the
makers/sellers.

Francoise in Almer=EDa, Spain