Slip Decorated Kitchenware with Frances Savage

During this five-day workshop Frances Savage will teach a combination of throwing and altering techniques using terracotta clay as well as giving a thorough introduction to slip decoration using earthenware. This course is suitable for both beginners and more experienced potters as there will be plenty of guidance and one-to-one support for all aspects.

THE COURSE IN DETAIL

The course will be based around throwing and trimming techniques to create functional kitchenware for your home using terracotta clay, focusing on forms perfect for decorating such as bowls, cups, jugs and plates, as well as throwing and altering techniques for baking and serving dishes.

Students will be learning about the use of slip in low-fired earthenware and practicing slip application techniques. Students will learn how to work with wet-slip decoration, using slip trailers and other tools to make spontaneous marks to decorate the pieces. The course will also look at sgraffito and other traditional slipware techniques such as feathering and marbling to create beautiful slipware pieces.

COURSE BREAKDOWN

Day 1: AM & PM - Throwing, focusing on cylinders, transforming cylinders into forms such as mugs and cups and jugs.

Day 2: AM - Throwing bowls, looking at different bowl forms. PM - Attaching handles to mugs, jugs and cups.

Day 3: AM - Trimming bowls, looking at different foot rings. PM - Learning about making slips, which materials to use, making up some small batches of coloured slips for decorating. Slipping pots from earlier in the week - mugs, jugs, bowls and tiles for different slip decoration techniques.

Day 4: AM & PM - Throwing and altering. Learning how to make baking dishes and other altered forms.

Day 5: AM - Finishing thrown and altered pieces. PM - Slip decorating pieces.

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