Nature Speaks
Pottery Studio
Courses and Workshops
Sessions are typically scheduled a week apart to allow for drying and firing. Courses include clay, glaze, tools, supplies, firing, glazing techniques and instruction in a relaxing atmosphere. Class size is limited. Preregistration is required. A waiting list is kept when classes are filled.
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Intro To Pottery - Hand Building
(4) 3 Hour Sessions
** No pre-requisite**
Students will learn basic hand building techniques. This is accomplished through a variety of projects.
The first class will teach pinch pot techniques to create a mythical dragon. Student's creativity is encouraged while scoring and slipping to attach pieces (arms, legs, tail, scales etc) to bring the piece to life.
In the second class, students will learn to use the slab roller. Slabs will be rolled from which mugs will be cut out using a template. The mugs will be completed by adding a bottom to the piece, surface texture and a handle. The Extruder is introduced in class #3. Coils will be extruded to make a bowl or vase. Swirls, loops and waves are added to create visual interest and make each piece unique. The fourth and final class students will glaze their art work by brushing or dipping and then fired. The pieces will be available to pick up the following week.
Intro To Pottery - Wheel Throwing
(4) 3 Hour Sessions
** No pre-requisite**
This class will teach the fundamentals of centering clay, pulling a cylinder, adjusting the shape of the cylinder to form a variety of interesting vessels and trimming the foot. This class allows the students to experience throwing cylinders, bowls and other forms on the wheel. Safety and studio protocols are stressed.
"Create Your Own "Mystic" Garden"
(2) 3 Hour Sessions
** No pre-requisite**
Each week will introduce a new concept, or add ideas to previous ones, and include whatever you can imagine; like, fairy homes, garden gnomes, dragons or wizards. Your garden "community" might even have other things to make like bridges, walkways, towers, benches and wishing wells. We will learn pottery basics but you can explore new ideas and turn them into realities! Each week will be determined by participant interest.
You also have the ability to 'paint your own' tile.
Class is for children and adults (must be at least 8 years old).
Teacher: Joan McClelland, 25 years teaching experience in art and clay crafts.
Dishing It Out!
(3) 3 Hour Sessions
**Pre-requisite for this class Pottery I or Pottery II**
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In the first session, students will learn the technique of rolling clay slabs, ribbing and texturing the surface. The next step is to drape the clay over composite molds and form into a dish. Two pieces will be made in this class, a serving tray and a small dish. The second session is for smoothing and cleaning up the piece to make it ready to be bisque fired. Finally, pieces will be glazed according to individual tastes and fired.
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After completion of this course, students will be eligible to take specially scheduled Open Studio sessions to make a complete set of dishes.
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Ceramic Flowers
(2) 3 Hour Sessions
**No Pre-requisite for this class **
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Through demonstrations and individual guidance, students will learn techniques to form and join flower parts and add texture to hand-built ceramic flowers. Students will use slab rolled clay, sculpting tools, patterns, cookie cutters and basic pottery tools to manipulate clay into delicate, colorful flowers. Aluminum wire is provided to finish the flowers with stems.
Extruded Oil Lamp Workshop
(3) 3 Hour Sessions
**No Pre-requisite for this class**
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This project uses an Extruder to form large tubes of clay that will be turned into oil lamps that look like a pillow. The class offers instruction in using the Extruder, constructing the lamp, texturing the surface, and adding “feet” to the bottom. We will also go over adding flowers, leaves etc. (Sprigs) to the surface of the lamp. Fiberglass wick is provided to complete the project.
Impressed By Nature Workshop
(2) 3 Hour Sessions
**No Pre-requisite for this class**
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Students will learn how to press leaves into a slab of clay to create an impression that can be cut out and used to form dishes, business card holders, napkins rings etc. There is no limit to the variety of dishes and pieces that can be made using leaves.
Taking Clay to the Next Level
Extruder 101
(4) 3 Hour Sessions
**Pre-requisite for this class - Intro to Pottery I Handbuilding**
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Students will learn how to use Extruders safely and the skills needed to produce coils, tubes and cylinders using the two sizes of Extruders in the studio. They will explore the possibilities when using the Extruder machines, turning extruded shapes into wonderful, unique designs. The Extruder offers an additional opportunity for students to expand their experience with clay.
"Oops! Our Slips Are Showing"
(4) 3 Hour Sessions
**Pre-requisite for this class - Intro to Pottery I Handbuilding**
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In the first class, students will construct pieces to be used in the next three classes. In subsequent classes, they will be introduced to Sgraffito and Slip Trailing techniques as well as creative ways to add colored slip to a project. In the final class, students will finish projects by glazing.
Group Events
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Family, Friends, Church groups, House guests...If you have a group that would like to do a pottery activity class (a 1-day event), these can be scheduled when classes are not in session. Contact Jean Ann to find out more.
