Now that the Arts Trail, Open Studios weekends are over for another year, it’s time to start thinking about the next December Weekend Workshop and January Summer School.

I’m planning to offer a one day tool making workshop on the first weekend in December, Saturday 6th. Tool Making.  The cost is $150.  (1 day)

As these workshops often fill up. I may offer another one later on in the year? If there is sufficient interest.

Those of you who have attended our workshops in the past, will know that Janine and I make most of our own tools and equipment, from simple cutting wires and turning tools, through to the extreme of making our own fire bricks to build our own wood fired kiln. We have even built our own workshop buildings over the years. We have a go at everything. We try to be as self-reliant as we can be, without being fanatical and boring.

For this workshop, I’m planning to demonstrate making a range of simple tools from throwing tools and profiles, to turning tools, paddles, small callipers and stainless needle tool, turning tools  etc.

Its a one day workshop and all the materials are included, recycled cedar and pine wood, stainless steel and galvanised steel, fruit tree prunings, nylon line, etc. 

No experience necessary, but it would be an advantage if you were interested in learning to use some power tools like a jig saw, bench grinder and electric sander, etc. it make the work quicker, But this is not necessary.

You don’t have to use power tolls. If you are squeamish about power tools. There are slower alternatives using just all hand tools, but this will be much slower. You won’t necessary get every project finished. I’m happy to set you up with these hand tool alternatives. You can finish them at home – if needed. Hand-working and especially the hand-finishing, sanding/filing/oiling, can be the most rewarding part.

10 am till 4 pm. Please bring something to share for lunch.

We have a fridge to store perishable food items, and we provide a hot water urn, plus tea and coffee provided.

January Summer School. Joined forms. Throwing Korean inspired, Australian ‘Moon Jars’. (4 Days)

This is an intermediate to advanced wheel throwing workshop. You must be able to centre and throw 3 kgs on the potters wheel.

4 days from January 3rd to 6th. Cost $600

I’ll be providing our own specially developed, textured clay body specifically prepared in-house for the throwing of larger items. 

10 am till 4 pm . Please bring something to share for lunch.

We have a fridge to store perishable food items, and we provide a hot water urn plus tea and coffee.

Places are limited, so first in best dressed.

later in the year, I’m thinking about offering other courses;

Geology/rock glazes for potters course (3 days, one weekend, plus an extra Sunday.).

Domestic ware, repetition throwing to a specific weight and size. An exercise in discipline. (2 days)

Throwing for wood firing. (2 days)

Stoneware Wood firing (3 days) winter time only. (one weekend, plus an extra Sunday.)

Please reply if you are interested in either of these 2 workshops, and I’ll put you on my waiting list.

If we can get enough numbers, the workshops will run.

Best wishes
Steve

Dr. Steve Harrison PhD. MA (Hons)
hotnsticky@ozemail.com.au
blog; tonightmyfingerssmellofgarlic.com
Potter, retired kiln surgeon, clay doctor, wood butcher and Post Modern Peasant.

Gundungurra/Dharawal Country
I acknowledge the traditional custodians of this land, and recognise that sovereignty was never ceded and that we are all on stolen land. 

I pay my respects to Elders, past, present and emerging.