Ceramics Handbuilding and Decorating Techniques – All Levels

About this course

Participants develop ceramic pieces using pinch pots, coiling, hard and soft slabs, and slumping in moulds. The course also explores slip work, slip trailing, resists, sgraffito, incising, inlaying and sprigging, alongside glaze development and an introduction to different clay types and their uses. Teaching combines practical making with tutor feedback, regular progress discussions and a Personal Learning Plan. Learners are guided in keeping a sketchbook or digital record to support design decisions and document their making process.

What you'll learn

• Apply intermediate handbuilding methods including pinching, coiling, slab construction and slumping.
• Use a range of decorative techniques, including slip trailing, resist work, sgraffito, incising, inlaying and sprigging.
• Develop and refine glaze applications on ceramic work.
• Identify different clay types and consider their appropriate uses.
• Maintain a sketchbook or digital record to support ceramic design and making.
• Follow relevant health and safety procedures during glazing activities.

Is this course right for you?

The course is aimed at learners with some ceramics experience and is pitched at an intermediate level. Participants develop individual work through practical studio activity, record their making and review progress with a tutor using a Personal Learning Plan. It is intended for learners extending existing handbuilding and decorating skills rather than starting with introductory techniques.

• Learners set and review personal goals through a Personal Learning Plan.
• Progress is discussed regularly with the tutor and supported by written or digital records of practice.

Before you go

• Clay must be purchased from the College Shop.
• Slip, glazes and kiln firings are included with purchased clay.
• An FFP3 mask is required for glazing activities and can be purchased from the technicians' office.
• Ceramic tools are provided.
• Finished work is collected after bisque and glaze firing.
• Glazing takes place under stated health and safety procedures.
• Food and drink are not permitted in the studio.
• Learners should allow time at the end of each class to tidy their workspace.