Intro to Ceramic Glaze-Making- 2 day Workshop- 3 hours each day

Description

Class Length: Two days, 4pm-7pm on May 17th and 5pm-8pm on May 24th

Class Description: In this immersive two-day course, participants will be introduced to the foundational skills and knowledge needed to create ceramic glazes from scratch. Through a balance of guided instruction, demonstrations, and hands-on practice, students will explore the materials, chemistry, and creative potential of glaze-making. No prior experience is necessary—just curiosity and a love for ceramics!

Day 1: Foundations of Glaze Chemistry & Mixing

Focus: Understanding materials

Topics Covered:

• What is a glaze? (basic chemistry and function)

• Overview of raw glaze materials: fluxes, stabilizers, glass formers, colorants

• How to safely handle and store glaze materials

• How to read and interpret a glaze recipe, using Glazy.org, etc.

• Introduction to test tiles. Students will make test tiles for glaze on day one (hand-built or thrown)

• Overview of colorants and oxides: how to add color to your glazes

Takeaway: By the end of Day 1, students will understand the role of each component in a glaze recipe and begin their research into what glaze they intend to test. Homework will be to purchase materials.

Day 2: Glaze Testing, Colorants

Focus: Experimenting with additives and learning how to mix a basic glaze

Topics Covered:

• Hands-on activity: Students mix and label their own base glaze batches
• Application: brushing, dipping, pouring, spraying basics
• What happens in the kiln: firing ranges and effects on glaze results, common glaze issues.

Takeaway: Students will have experimented with at least one colorant, and applied glazes to test tiles. Students should expect results in 1-2 weeks.

Age Limitations: Ages adults 18+

Supplies: We will provide the clay for testing and firing services. Students should expect to purchase their own glaze materials and PPE, which will be discussed on day one. Students should bring a notebook, and fully charged laptop or tablet to begin research on day one in class.

Teachers: Debra Balestreri

Seating is VERY Limited: 6

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