What We’ll Cover Night 1 — Getting Started: Handbuilding Basics We’ll begin with an introduction to the studio, including important studio rules and best practices. You’ll learn the basics of working with clay, including: Slip making and its uses Individual instruction on the slab roller Slab preparation and compression Adding texture and surface decoration Basic construction and finishing techniques We’ll make a few simple projects, such as magnets or ornaments, and each student will create a personal stamp to mark their work throughout the course. Night 2 — Drape Molds: Bowls & Trays Learn how to use a drape mold to create a functional bowl. If time allows, we’ll also use compression techniques to create a coordinating tray or platter. Night 3 — Building & Joining Walls: Mugs, Planters & More We’ll focus on building with slabs and learn the fundamentals of creating, attaching, and reinforcing clay walls. You’ll use these techniques to create a project such as a mug, planter, or similar vessel. Night 4 — Building Taller Forms: Template Vases Take your wall-building skills a step further by using templates to create a taller vase or vessel. We’ll focus on construction, joining, supporting the form, and creating a clean, finished piece. Night 5 — Open Studio Practice & Glazing Basics This night will function much like a mini Open Studio session. You’ll choose what you want to make and put the techniques from the previous weeks into practice. I’ll be available to help troubleshoot, answer questions, and guide you as needed. We’ll also introduce Glazing Basics, including how glaze works, basic application techniques, and things to consider when choosing and applying glazes. Night 6 — Glazing We’ll spend the final class putting our glazing knowledge into practice. You’ll learn how to prepare your pieces for glazing, apply glaze properly, and finish your projects for firing. By the End of the Course: Our goal is for you to leave this class feeling prepared to work independently in an Open Studio environment, rather than simply having completed six projects. You’ll have practiced several fundamental handbuilding techniques, learned how to safely and effectively use studio equipment, gained experience troubleshooting your own work, and had the opportunity to design and build something of your own.