Ceramics – Glazing for Beginners and Hand Building

About this course

The course introduces pinch pots, slab construction and coil building before focusing on how glazes are planned and applied. Participants practise brushing, dipping, pouring and layering, then prepare their work for firing and consider how firing affects the finished surface. Teaching combines practical demonstrations with hands-on making, a personal learning plan, one-to-one guidance, critique and tutorials. Learners are encouraged to document their pieces, techniques, glazes, firing temperatures and dimensions as they develop a small collection of hand-built glazed ceramics.

What you'll learn

• Construct simple ceramic forms using pinch, slab and coil techniques
• Plan glaze combinations and apply glazes by brushing, dipping, pouring and layering
• Prepare hand-built pieces for bisque and glaze firing
• Record clay types, decorative methods, glazes, firing temperatures and dimensions
• Interpret glaze results after firing

Is this course right for you?

This course is intended for beginners exploring hand building and glazing. The format combines individual making with demonstrations, one-to-one guidance and critique, so participants should be prepared to work practically and discuss their developing pieces.

Before you go

• Clay must be purchased from the college shop. Slip, glazes and kiln firings are included in the clay purchase.
• An FFP3 mask is required for glazing activities and can be purchased from the technicians' office.
• Ceramic tools are provided.
• Learners are encouraged to keep a sketchbook or digital record of their work, including photographs where appropriate.
• Oversized or overweight work may incur an additional firing charge.
• Finished pieces are collected after drying and firing. No food or drink is allowed in the studio, and learners should allow time at the end of each class for tidying.