Introduction to Stoneware Clay – Part 1: Handbuilding

Introduction to Stoneware Clay – Part 1: Handbuilding
Fall & Winter Version

What you will make:
Fall & Christmas Ornaments
Reusable Gift Tags
Fall & Winter Pendants
Trinket Dish with feet (Leaf, Pumpkin, and/or Christmas Tree)

(Students are free to make the items they want to make during class – it is not required that they make everything listed above.)

What you will learn:

Students will learn basic handbuilding techniques including slab building and the slump and hump methods of making a dish.  Other skills will be taught, such as how to add texture to your pieces with rollers and stamps.  Many cutter shapes and texture tools will be provided – not all are shown in the pictures.

What is Included:
2 hours (approximately) of instruction and help with projects
3 pounds of stoneware clay (enough to make several items)
All tools needed for use during the class
Kiln firing of items you made (bisque fire to 1945 degrees*)

Notes: Please come in old clothes. You may get a little messy!

Items made during class will be kiln fired and returned to University Pickers in labeled bags for each student.  Students may come back for Part 2 – Glazing Class (sign up required).

* If items are not to be glazed, please request that they be high-fired so that they are fully vitrified. This makes them stronger, and also, they may be used outside if high-fired.

Meet your instructor:
My name is Kathie Depew, and I own Cotton Ridge Designs, LLC.  I have been making wheel-thrown and handbuilt pottery on and off since 2006.  My family recently moved to a house with room for a studio all my own.  I have a booth upstairs at University Pickers, and I also sell my work at several markets during the year (such as the Greene Street Market, The Gingerbread Marketplace, and the Botanical Gardens Wintergreen Market).  I’m excited to teach this class because I would love to share my experience and passion for clay with others.  There are so many teachers in my past that have shared their skills with me, and I would love to pass them on!