Pre-Bisque Surface Decoration Techniques

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Discover the art of transforming clay before it reaches the kiln. This 8-week course is dedicated entirely to surface decoration on leather-hard clay, introducing a wide range of c ontemporary and traditional techniques that will expand your creative vocabulary. Rather than focusing on making finished forms, this course is about experimentation. During the first session, each participant will create a series of simple forms—cylinders, bowls, mugs, or tiles—that will become their canvas for the weeks ahead. By working on multiple similar pieces, you'll be able to compare techniques, test ideas, and build a personal library of ceramic surface finishes. Throughout the course, you'll learn when each technique works best, how moisture levels affect the outcome, and how different decorating methods can be layered together to create unique surfaces. By the end of the course, you'll have a collection of beautifully decorated pieces, along with the confidence to incorporate these techniques into your own ceramic practice. Weekly OutlineWeek 1 — Creating Your Surface LibraryCreate 16–20 simple forms (cylinders, bowls, mugs, or tiles) that will be used throughout the course as test pieces for every decorating technique. also we put the wet slip on wet pots Week 2 — Marbled Slip & ResistMarbled coloured slipsPaper resistTape resist Week 3 — Slip TransferDecorative slip transfersImage and pattern transfersCombining transfer with carving and slip decoration Week 4 — Texture & ImpressionPaper texturesFabric impressionsNatural materialsLayering texture with coloured slips Week 5 — EZ Screen PrintingDesign your own artwork or choose an existing image to turn into an EZ Screen. Learn how to print detailed graphics directly onto leather-hard clay using coloured slips. Week 6 — Mishima (Inlay)Underglaze image painting and after carving on top CarvingColoured slip inlayCleaning and revealing crisp designs Week 7 — Water Etching & Surface ReactionsExplore softer and more experimental surfaces using:Water etchingBaking soda + Vinegar Week 8 — Glazing & Spray TechniquesFinish your work by learning how glazing enhances surface decoration.Spray glazingLayering glazesChoosing finishes that complement each techniqueStain Washes DetailsDuration: 8 WeeksSchedule: Weekly SessionsSession Length: 3 HoursLed by: Jenifer Levine What's Included○ 8 weekly sessions (3 hours each)○ 10kg bag of clay○ All coloured slips and decorating materials○ One custom EZ Screen per student○ All glazing and firing○ Spray glazing session○ Coffee and tea PrerequisitesThis course is recommended for students who have completed an introductory ceramics course or have basic experience working with clay. The focus is on surface decoration, so participants should already feel comfortable making simple ceramic forms. Additional Clay (Optional)○ $30 — 10kg bag of new clay Cancellation Policy○ Full refund if cancelled up to 3 months before the start date○ 50% refund or transfer to a later course (subject to availability) after that○ No refunds for cancellations made less than 30 days before the start date Show more