Beginner’s Ceramics – Slab Building and Printing – C8275

This seven-week beginner’s pottery course will focus on traditional hand-building techniques and processes. You will explore the potential and limitations of plastic clay through the construction of slab-built ceramics. Using traditional techniques and source materials you will design a range of slab-built, functional pieces and produce one of these.

You will learn how to create surface texture and pattern using impressing, stamping and ‘sgraffito’ techniques, as well as printing and surface transfers or ‘decals’. These techniques will be developed using found objects as well as pottery decoration tools and methods.

You will have the opportunity to explore the potential of decorating slip (liquid clay) and ‘engobes’ to apply colour, as well as glazing and transfer printing. Inspirational source material will be provided by the tutor, and you will be free to provide your own ideas too. Found objects and images can be used for inspiration and application of decoration.

You will understand the basics of glazing and firing. Health and Safety in the workshop will also be covered.

Year 1

The potential and limitations of plastic clay in the development of slab-built ceramics.
Using a diverse range of source material to design and develop experimental or functional wares.
Embellishment of ceramic vessels using a range of techniques.
You will understand the basics of glazing and firing. Health Safety in the workshop will also be covered.

No previous experience is necessary, just an interest in the subject.

There are no assessments or exams. Your tutor will support and guide you through the course and help you develop your skills through one-to-one feedback.

Tuition fees

Tuition Fees (19+): £25.00

Additional Costs

£10 material fee

Material Fees

£10.00

Disclaimer

If the course is longer than one year the total fees are for the first year only and further fees may apply in future years. All fees are based on a ‘home’ learner status. Please contact us for information on overseas fees.

For more information, please see our course fee disclaimers page.

Learn more about fees

This course is designed to provide you with the knowledge and skills to progress onto other areas of practical crafts. You will have opportunities to progress onto more advanced courses, or you may wish to take your experience forward into designing and producing your own work at home, utilising the skills you have developed.

Apply online via the College website.You will be contacted to attend an interview if
required, or you will be sent a conditional offer according to the entry requirements of
the course. You will then be invited in to enrol for your chosen course.