For those of you who have expressed interest in doing a weekend workshop with us here in the new workshop, now is the time!

We will be hosting the 2nd weekend workshop here at the Loopline Pottery, on the 25th/26th of Nov.

The workshop is titled Throw and Scratch, and will be a hands-on throwing and decorating workshop concentrating on Sgraffito.

Janine, Warren and I will be offering the weekend workshop here over two days on the last weekend in November, 25th and 26th of Nov. 

Over the weekend we will be demonstrating throwing and slab plate making techniques to be painted with coloured slip(s) then decorated using the ancient sgraffito technique of scratching back through the slip to reveal a contrasting clay body colour underneath. 

Day 1.  This workshop is aimed at potters of beginner/intermediate level of experience. We will be beginning with a design exercise on paper to develop a graphic motif for you to carve into your pots. Please bring your design ideas portfolio with you. We will be throwing cylinder forms, then flatware forms that are suitable for sgraffito decoration. We will also be rolling out a few slab dishes so that everyone has a chance of getting a few suitable forms stiff enough for slip decoration and sgraffito on the second day.

Day 2.  We will be spending most of the 2nd day in decorating mode practicing our sgraffito decoration. 

Wood fired and sgraffito’d work by Janine King

Slip and sgraffito piece by Janine King

Graphic sgraffito mugs by Warren Hogden

Overview.

Sgraffito can be elementally simple, just carving straight into the clay surface.  This is a very effective technique for pots that are destined to be wood fired, where the carving enhances and enriches the natural wood fired surface. Other glazing options are to carve into the surface and then glaze the pot with a celadon, or other transparent glaze. Celadon and other similar glazes pool in the crevices and get darker and richer with the carving.

Alternatively, a contrasting slip can be painted on the clay body and then carved through to reveal a contrasting decoration. We will be using our homemade Balmoral white stoneware clay body and homemade black slip. If you have a special interest in using a particular underglaze colour scheme, you are welcome to bring your own underglaze colours.

You will need to bring some design ideas, a sketch book, a 5B or 6B soft drawing pencil, your throwing tools and something simple to share for a communal lunch. Tea and coffee will be provided.

At the conclusion of the workshop. I will be offering to bisque fire 2 of your best pieces for you.

Cost $ 250  for the two day workshop. ($125 per person per day.) We have 8 potters wheels, so the class will be limited to 8 people. First in, first served.

Please feel free to contact us for further information.