Ceramics: surface printing on clay

About this course

The course introduces surface decoration on rolled clay slabs and bought tiles, using coloured slips, oxides, underglaze colours and glazes as printing media. Learners explore paper stencils, screen printing, graffito and free mark making, then add further layers with on-glaze enamels, lustres and transfers. Teaching combines group and individual demonstrations. Projects include decorated tiles, plates and dish forms, with simple moulds available for shaping vessels. The course also covers studio health and safety, pattern repetition, and reviewing personal imagery and working methods.

What you'll learn

• Roll clay for tiles and shallow moulded forms
• Apply printing and surface-decoration techniques before and after glazing
• Develop a personal colour palette and imagery
• Use pattern and explore repeat designs
• Create a series of decorated tiles and dishes
• Follow ceramics studio health and safety guidelines

Is this course right for you?

The course is intended for beginners and intermediate learners. Participants should be able to follow written and verbal instructions, demonstrations and safety information, use simple measurements and calculations, and take part in self-review and group discussion. Intermediate learners may use personal research to extend their work.

• Requires engagement with demonstrations and written or verbal guidance
• Includes basic numerical work, measurements and calculations
• Involves reviewing individual learning and working methods
• Intermediate learners can develop work through personal research

Before you go

• Aprons are provided.
• A studio safety restriction applies to people with pacemakers or internal defibrillators when potter’s wheels are in use.