This will be a flexible class with a combination of group demonstration and personalized instruction. As these basic forms and techniques become second nature, you will be able to make more complex forms with confidence and curiosity. The final week will be dedicated to surface treatments and a variety of glazing strategies. Students purchase clay from NISDA. #25 bag for $65 which includes the cost of glaze and firing. 

Week One

We’ll go over basics. We will be talking about the process of taking clay from plastic to fired, and looking at examples of pieces in different stages of finishing. After that, we will learn to wedge our clay and throw on the wheel with a focus on throwing an evenly walled cylinder. 

Week Two 

We will have demonstrations on throwing bowls, and plates, trimming our pots on the wheel to finish their bottoms, and surface design techniques like sgraffito and water etching.

Week Three

This will be our last week for wet clay. We will learn about attaching handles and other embellishments to our pieces, as well as how to start glazing our fired work using brushing and dipping glazes.

Week Four

Glaze marathon! We will practice several techniques including washes, underglaze painting, and wax resist. Complete the design of your pots by giving them their lovely glass surface.

Please bring:

A dish towel or rag, and apron or smock if you would like to keep your clothes clean. Be mindful of jewelry or loose hair as well.  This will be a flexible class with a combination of group demonstration and personalized instruction. As these basic forms and techniques become second nature, you will be able to make more complex forms with confidence and curiosity. 

Each student purchases clay from NISDA (25 lb box). The fee includes the cost of firing.