In this hands-on class, you’ll work with soft slabs while learning a variety of surface decoration techniques to enhance your pottery. Rachelle will guide participants through creative approaches to pattern, color blocking, and texture, helping you develop unique surfaces for your pottery.

Day 1 – Soft Slab Handbuilding & Surface Design

9:00 AM – Welcome & Introduction

• Meet the instructor and overview of workshop techniques
  
  
• Discussion of materials, tools, and creative approach
  
  

Morning Session (9:15 AM – 12:00 PM)

Soft Slab Handbuilding & Color Blocking

• Introduction to soft slab construction techniques
  
  
• Creating forms using soft slabs
  
  
• Applying colored slips for bold color blocking
  
  
• Building simple forms to serve as surface design canvases
  
  

12:00 – 1:00 PM | Lunch Break

Afternoon Session (1:00 PM – 5:00 PM)
Stencils & Mishima Techniques

• Using stencils to layer pattern and imagery
  
  
• Demonstration of Mishima (inlay) surface technique
  
  
• Incorporating multiple surface layers on soft slab forms
  
  
• Individual work time with instructor guidance
  
  

Day 2 – Transfers, Printing & Surface Exploration

9:00 AM – Morning Introduction

• Review of Day 1 work
  
  
• Overview of transfer and printmaking techniques for clay
  
  

Morning Session (9:15 AM – 12:00 PM)

Transfers & Mono Printing

• Creating and applying image transfers
  
  
• Mono printing techniques on clay surfaces
  
  
• Layering imagery and texture onto forms
  
  

12:00 – 1:00 PM | Lunch Break

Afternoon Session (1:00 PM – 5:00 PM)
Silkscreen & Water Etching

• Exploring silkscreen techniques on clay
  
  
• Demonstration and practice of water etching
  
  
• Combining transfers, silkscreen, and etching for complex surfaces
  
  
• Final work time and group discussion
  
  

Skill Level

One year of pottery recommended- must be 18 years or older

Materials & Tools Included

Provided materials include clay and colored slips. Participants should bring:

• Newsprint
• Basic handbuilding tools
• Ware boards
• Colored Slip
• Clay
  
  

Cost

$275 per participant