Surfaces Design (Sep/Oct) 2026

Service Description

Mondays 5:45-8:15 pm, Sep21-Oct26 with Cindy https://www.instagram.com/paperparasolpress/ A hands-on exploration of decorative surface techniques for ceramics, from mark-making basics to combining techniques to create personal pieces. Week 1: Approaching the Clay Surface ● Intro to surface design and how the surface changes at each stage (leather-hard, bone dry, bisque, glaze) ● What technique works at what moisture level (carving vs slip vs underglaze vs glaze) ● Slab roller demo ● Make a batch of small slab dishes to explore surface design techniques ● Explore basic design elements: mark-making, repetition + rhythm, positive and negative space, scale, layering ● One simple motif + one texture/mark Week 2: Basic Techniques I – Sgraffito, Mishima, Stamping, Underglaze Goal: Hands-on techniques at leather-hard stage. ● Sgraffito: applying a slip/underglaze layer, carving back to reveal clay body; tool options (loop tools, needle tools, dental tools) ● Mishima: making a single carved line, packing with contrasting slip/underglaze, scraping back for a clean inlaid line ● Stamping: using found or handmade stamps to impress pattern into soft clay ● Clay carving demo ● Underglaze basics: brush application, layering, wax resist basics if time allows Week 3: Basic Techniques II – Templates, Rice Paper Transfers, Slip Trailing Goal: Continue building the technique toolkit, moving into more image/pattern-based methods. ● Templates: using stencils and templates ● Rice paper transfers ● Slip trailing: loading a bulb/bottle, controlling line weight and flow, dot/line/pattern exercises ● Underglaze pencils Week 4: Combining Techniques – Advancing Your Design Goal: Move from isolated technique practice to intentional, layered design thinking. ● Mini design lesson: composition basics: balance, focal point, positive/negative space, repetition vs. variation ● Students select 2-3 techniques from weeks 2-3 to combine on an actual piece (not just a test tile) ● One-on-one check-ins as students plan their combined-technique piece Week 5: Workday + Demos as Needed Goal: Studio time to execute the pieces with support ● Open studio structure ● Extra demos ● Discuss glaze options for Week 6: Glaze Fest Goal: Glazing and celebration pot luck! ● Glaze techniques: dipping, pouring, brushing, layering — and how each interacts with carved/textured surfaces ● Open studio glazing with support ● Show and Tell of finished pieces