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Surface Magic: Working with Underglaze Surfaces & Transfers
Transform ordinary clay into extraordinary work through the power of surface design. In this two-session workshop, you'll discover how to create your own underglaze transfers using newsprint, mix richly colored slips with Mason Stains®, and apply these techniques to slabs and soft leather-hard greenware. You'll learn how to build with pre-decorated slabs while preserving your imagery and surface patterns, opening the door to endless creative possibilities. This class is ideal for ceramic artists who are ready to move beyond basic glazing and develop a personal, layered approach to decorating clay.
**This workshop is designed for ceramic artists who have a basic understanding of handbuilding and working with leather-hard clay. Participants should be comfortable preparing slabs and greenware prior to class. The techniques taught are ideal for those looking to expand their surface decoration skills and develop more sophisticated, layered approaches using colored slips and underglaze transfers.**
Pre-Registration is required.
Please review our Studio Policies
Instructor: Ginny Piech Street
Skill level: Intermediate and Above
Cost: $65
Materials Fee: $10
Class Dates: Saturday, September 12th & Sunday, September 13th
Time: 2pm - 5pm
Length of Class: 3 hours each (2 sessions)
Clay Skills To Be Learned:
Session 1 – Creating Your Surface Vocabulary
- Preparing smooth, workable white clay slip.
- Mixing vibrant colored slips using Mason Stains®.
- Understanding color ratios and consistency.
- Creating custom underglaze transfers using newsprint.
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Preparing decorative surface elements for future projects.
Session 2 – Applying Surface Design
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- Applying colored slips to soft leather-hard clay.
- Using underglaze transfers to enhance slabs and premade greenware.
- Combining multiple surface decoration techniques.
- Constructing functional and sculptural forms from pre-decorated slabs.
- Tips for maintaining crisp imagery and clean construction.
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Developing a personal approach to layered ceramic surfaces.
Materials To Bring:
**Please read your materials lists. Each session is slightly different.**
Session 1
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Two or three Talenti jars of sieved white clay slip.
- B-Mix clay slip will be provided.
- If you use another white clay body, please bring slip made from your preferred clay body.
- At least two Mason Stains® (¼-pound containers each). Link to purchase is at the end.
- Measuring spoons.
- An extra Talenti® jar (or similar container with lid)
- Small cup sieve, if you own one.
- Favorite clay tools. Basic studio tools will be provided.
- Underglazes if you have them. Basic underglazes will be provided.
- Brushes
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Fine line underglaze applicators for underglazes if you have them
Session 2
- Several soft leather-hard greenware pieces with straight sides, such as flat-sided cups, vases, or small trays, made from B-Mix or another white clay body.
- Several slabs measuring approximately 14" × 14" × ⅜", pre-compressed with a smooth surface. (If you don’t have access to a slab roller and/or need to buy clay, come early. Ginny will be there at 8:30.
- Soft red rib, if you have one.
- Brushes.
- Favorite clay construction tools.
- Basic studio tools, including smooth metal ribs, will be provided.
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Underglazes if you have them. Basic underglazes will be provided. Allow underglazes to dry with the jar lids off for 24 hours before class.
- Scissors
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Fine line applicators for underglazes if you have them
Purchase Links
Mason Stains® (recommended ¼-pound containers; bring at least two colors):
https://www.clay-king.com/?
Location: 1239 16th Street, Vero Beach