Clay Camp Required Materials List
January 24-27 2025.
Hey there,
I’m so excited to invite you to an event that’s all about creativity, connection, and transforming your pottery skills - CLAY CAMP: Mastering Surface Design & Decoration!
This isn’t your typical ceramics workshop. It’s a weekend of live, hands-on learning where you’ll dive deep into the magic of surface design. From slip transfers and sgraffito to alternative glazing and intricate carving, you’ll learn techniques that take your pottery to a whole new level.
The best part? You can join from anywhere in the world. No need for flights, hotels, or fancy equipment - just you, your clay, and a few tools. And if life gets busy, don’t worry. You’ll get lifetime access to the recordings, so you can revisit the workshops whenever inspiration strikes.
Whether you’re a total beginner or a seasoned ceramicist, this event is for you. It’s not just about learning new techniques... it’s about connecting with a global community of clay enthusiasts who share your passion.
So grab your tools, clear your calendar, and let’s make something amazing together. I can’t wait to see what you create!
All the best,
Josh
Wall-mounted Green Man mask with a complex surface
In this workshop I will teach you how to create the basic form for a domed circular mask, with a built in keyhole on the back for wall mounting. You could use this to create any mask you wanted to but I will go on to show you how to make a highly ornate Green Man mask using a number of simple but effective decorative techniques and strategies.
At the end of this workshop you should be able to create your own wall mounted Green Man mask. You should also have learned various simple but effective, practical techniques and strategies to help you create ornate surfaces with real depth. Combining these two things, after the workshop you should be able to let your imagination run free and create any mask you can imagine.
Required Materials:
As usual in ceramics, if you don't have all these things, don't worry, you can work around or substitute things you have to hand. If you do have them, ideally you would want: basic modelling tools, scrap paper, masking tape, rolling pin and guides, a nice clay suitable for handbuilding (ie. smooth but with a bit of fine grog) I'll be using my favourite, Scarva Earthstone Professional Smooth Black, a lovely black clay which is very versatile, potters knife, small sprig moulds and stamps if you have them (or make them after watching the workshop), a banding wheel/turntable/whirler (or I'll show you how you can use a bowl or circular dish instead), ideally a circular wooden board to work on and as a template for cutting out the initial disk of clay which forms the basis of the mask (mine is 25cm in diameter and results in a mask about 23cm in diameter but you could cut yourself a template out of cardboard and make a mask any size you want).
Perfecting Slip Transfers: Timing & Application
For the past decade, ceramic artist Catie Miller has refined the art of slip transfers, making this technique the cornerstone of her vibrant and graphic pottery. In this workshop, you’ll gain in-depth knowledge from her years of dedicated practice to master the timing and application needed for clean and precise transfers.
This session will guide you through the essential steps of preparing slip, timing transfers for crisp results, and troubleshooting common issues such as smudging or tearing. You’ll also explore how to integrate these techniques into your creative workflow to produce colorful, graphic ceramics that stand out.
In this workshop, we'll address common issues like smudging, tearing, and uneven application with troubleshooting tips. Incorporating slip transfers into your practice is a versatile tool for transferring imagery onto clay and creating multiples. While it can offer more consistency and efficiency, it’s just one of many approaches. By experimenting with slip transfers, you may find new ways to streamline your workflow and enhance the overall cohesion in your ceramic work, all while adding another technique to your creative toolbox.
Required Materials:
White Slip, Mason Stains,Newsprint paper, Heat gun, Greenware work, Amaco Velvet Underglaze or Velvet Inks, Cement board for work table surface, Wood pony roller, Sponge, Slip trailer bottle, Brushes, Red Mud Tools Rib, Misting Spray Bottle, Additional materials may be found at: https://www.catie-miller.com/pages/tools-supplies
Dynamic Surfaces with Underglaze & Vinyl
Join Ellen as she demonstrates how to achieve bold line and vibrant color by using vinyl stencils and underglaze on leatherhard clay.
Beyond just bringing your illustrations to life through designing custom stencils, you’ll focus on application techniques and strategies. Tips, tools, and tricks for finding success with underglaze will be shared, along with how to make color choices that pop, even on a dark clay body.
This workshop is perfect for a beginner looking to be challenged or intermediate and advanced students looking to expand their explorations in surface design. There are infinite ways to bring your imagery to life on clay; come explore a unique process that blends traditional drawing, painting, and designs skills with modern technology.
Soft leatherhard pot or tile, VViViD brand stencil vinyl, Precision tweezers or a vinyl weeding tool, Small detail paintbrushes, Fan brush, Finishing sponge, Soft rubber rib, Xacto knife, Ball stylus tool or No.2 pencil, Sharpie marker and blank white paper, Water cup, Flat food storage container or shallow bowl, filled with water, Paper towels, Assorted underglaze colors of your choice,
Optional tools:
-iPad, smart phone or drawing tablet with stylus
-Craft vinyl cutting machine like Cricut or Silhouette
Alternative Glazing Techniques
In this workshop, you will learn unconventional glazing techniques, like using low fire glaze as an overglaze to decorate vitrified and already glazed work. You will also learn how to create an ombre` finish using a sponge and underglaze. During the workshop, I will have things set up like a cooking show, so you will get to see the whole process from start to finish
6 stroke and coat colors / Mayco
1 Round throwing sponge / ceramic suppliers
1 round throwing sponge cut in half / ceramic suppliers
1 black underglaze / Amaco
6 colored underglaze variety / Amaco
1 Banding Wheel / Shimpo preferred
1 pint amaco wax resist / Amaco
1 pint forbes wax (optional) / Highwater Clay
6-100 bulk fine paint brushes / Amazon
6-100 Miniature Detail Paint Brushes / Amazon
1 medium tip round paint brush amazon / Amazon
1 Large soft round tipped brush / ceramic suppliers or amazon (better the quality the better)
1 bucket of white dippable glaze (I make white salt from the John Brit high fire Glaze Book
1 clear glaze, bucket or paint-on (you can make your own or buy commercially)
Creating Whimsical Illustrations
This workshop will walk through my entire surface design process, from creating reusable silkscreens to building complex illustrations with underglazes, glaze, and lusters. In this 3 hour class I will be demonstrating all of my process step-by step; students will have the opportunity to work on their own pieces along with me and ask questions as we go!
Required Materials:
In this workshop, I will guide you through three distinctive surface decoration techniques: sgraffito, mishima, and a fusion of the two. Each technique can be used on its own or combined for unique effects. You’ll learn how to mix oxides, apply wax resist, and explore the use of under-glazes. By the end of the class, you’ll have the skills and confidence to bring your creative ideas to life with these new techniques.
By the end of the class, you will have the tools and knowledge to bring your ideas to life with a variety of surface decoration techniques. You’ll gain a solid understanding of sgraffito, mishima, and a technique that blends elements of both. You’ll learn how to mix your own oxides and confidently apply them to your work. Additionally, you’ll understand the pros and cons of different colorants, enabling you to choose the right one for each project. You’ll have the freedom to experiment, mix, and match methods, empowering you to bring your creative vision to life!
Required Materials:
Diamond Core tools, P16, FP4, Stylus, or any similar carving tools, the smaller the better. Soft brush, I use old makeup brushes. Paint brushes. 1 for each underglaze color, 1 for wax.
Favorite underglaze, at least a couple colors. I'm using Mayco Fundamentals, Jet Black, Dragon Red, and Crimson. Wax On wax resist.
2 squeeze bottles with small applicator tips. Raw Copper Oxide
Raw Chrome Oxide
A micro fiber rag.
A metal rib or something good for scraping. I'm using Hsin chattering tools.
Hello, I’m Jordana, Irish born, living in South Africa. Join me in this immersive workshop, where I will guide you through my techniques of illustrating on ceramics—a practice that marries surface design with storytelling. We will explore sources of inspiration, the design process to craft compelling imagery on three-dimensional surfaces, and delve deeply into Sgraffito and Mishima techniques. This workshop is suitable for people who would like to explore new surface decoration techniques to apply to their existing vessels
At the end of this workshop you will be able to design illustrations that flow seamlessly across your ceramics. You will have the skills to confidently transfer them, and carve or inlay them to create striking pieces that tell your stories.
Required Materials:
Required Materials & Equipment
2-3 leather hard vessels to decorate
Constrasting colour slip or underglaze
Tools:
Pin tool/porcupine quill Thin metal rib
Small loop tool with squared off end.
Optional:
A predominantly linework image to transfer (if you don’t want to free hand
Join us for an exciting workshop exploring the possibilities of abstract surface decoration.
Learn how to create your own unique marks using simple homemade tools, as well as transferring patterns and textures onto clay with slips and underglazes, using various techniques such as monoprinting, screenprinting and sgraffito. Emphasis will be placed on quality of line, mark making and painting with glazes to create surfaces rich in texture and depth.
Emily will then take you through various handbuilding techniques in clay, enabling you to build your own vessel out of your decorated clay slabs, paying particular attention to edges, joints and placement of each slab to elevate your final piece.
Required Materials:
Clay
Decorating clay slips in 2 colours
Underglaze in 2 colours
Water
Wooden rolling pin and rolling mat/fabric
Clay knife
Any small household objects that can be pressed into the clay, eg: bottle tops, wire, Lego, shells etc.
Newspaper or newsprint
Paint brushes in various sizes
Scissors
Small silk screen stencil for clay (available on Amazon)
In this workshop I will be sculpting one of my ecosystem mugs. I will show my process for designing the mug, sculpting animals on a small scale, and assembling the sculptures onto the mug.
In this workshop we will work step by step to create a full ecosystem mug design. The first step will be to analyze reference photos for sculpting and overall mug concept. Next we will sculpt the animals and apply underglaze detailing. The final step will be to attach all the elements onto the mug.
At the end of this workshop you will be able to better analyze your photo references for sculpting, and be able to sculpt animals on a small scale. These skills can be used for a variety of forms and projects to bring animals to life in your ceramic work.
Required Materials:
Reference photos of your chosen animal(s). I recommend multiple images for each animal you plan to sculpt including a full body pose and a close up and alternate view of the head and face.
Leather hard mug (or other item you plan to attach the animals to)
Small rubber sculpting tools, needle tools, small brushes
Underglazes in your desired colors for your animal(s)
In this workshop I will be teaching how to apply the Watercolor techniques in ceramic surface, which is great because materials can be adapted, with the correct amount of water, and type of clay. In this presentation I am going to show the right brushstrokes to create drawings, using glazes, stains or underglazes.
Required Materials:
Bisque suggestion: 2 plates (2 different techniques)
Colors:
EZ 032 Peacock Green (Duncan), EZ 035 Dutch Blue, EZ 028 Leaf Green, EZ 033 Ivy Green, EZ 010 French Brown, S2101 – Clear Glaze (Mayco), UG 228 Midnight Blue (Mayco), UG 220 Sage, S2101 – Clear Glaze (Mayco)
Decorating Accessories:
• CB 210 #10/0 or RB-110 10/0 - Detail Liner (Mayco) - it could also be from other brands
• CB 404 #4 – Round
• CB 604 #4 or RB-144 #4 – Soft Fan
• Sponge
• Pencil for drawing
• Clay carbon transfer paper
• Plastic film sheet
• Spray for water
• Little bowls (for water and glaze)
This workshop will cover ceramic decoration techniques. Through a simple methodology, I will be demonstrating to you how to manage the working process of planning, drawing, and painting apparently complex decorations.
I will be teaching you how to give the best decorative appearance to the ceramic work, starting from the observation of the shape. I will be also showing you step-by-step the surface decoration, using various specific techniques and colors like engobe and underglaze colors.
At the end of the workshop every participant will be able to realize a colorful decoration on ceramic, (earthenware or stoneware) or try new materials like the ones for masking. Participants will also learn how to use some tools that have a great impact on surface decoration.
The workshop will cover the following contents:
- conceive complex decorations made up of several elements
- implications of creating unique pieces or small series of works
- the process of colouring the bisque
- colour application techniques and tools needed
- masking with different materials
- colour harmony, how to choose and combine colours together
- renew traditional decoration in a contemporary design
- some tips to get a better results
Required Materials:
Some bisqued ceramics. Pencil, rubber and paper, water bucket, porcelain bin, various brushes, sanding pads, knife, scissors, ruler, distilled water, underglaze color, engobe color, liquid mask, plastic or vinyl stencils.
Unlock your creative potential and carve with confidence in this workshop led by Diana from SampleHAUS. Whether you're a beginner looking to add texture to your pieces or a seasoned artist seeking new techniques, this workshop is for you.
Diana will share her expert tips on carving patterns with precision and ease, guiding you through the process step by step. You'll learn how to find your unique voice through the quality of your lines, explore the use of Diamond Core Tools, and master the art of dividing your pottery for pattern carving.
Required Materials:
Here’s a list of my favorite carving tools from DiamondCore. If you’re new to DiamondCore, here’s a 25% off code to use on your first order: DCTNEWCUST25 & If you shop at ClayKing, use my discount code DIANATHEPOTTER to receive $5 off $50+ or $10 off $100+
Join me as I talk about my surface design philosophy. I will demonstrate and speak about slip trailing, water etching, and spraying layered glazes. At the end of this workshop, Students should have the skills and information necessary to begin using these techniques: Slip Trailing, Water Etching and Spraying Glazes
Required Materials:
The following materials will be needed if students decide to engage in these processes at home:
-Xiem Tools 8 oz Precision Applicator (or similar)
-Clay of choice
-Resist of choice - I will use shellac
-Dewaxed shellac flakes
-90% isopropyl alcohol
-Brushes of choice
-Affordable HVLP spray gun
-Affordable compressor
-Banding wheel
In this workshop, I will briefly show you how to create stencils for pottery using a tablet, Procreate, and a die cut machine like a cricut. The majority of the workshop will be spent showing you how to decorate leather hard pottery using these vinyl stencils, underglaze, and glaze.
In this workshop, we will apply the stencil to the leather hard pottery. Then, we will use squeeze bottles filled with glaze and/or underglaze to fill in the negative spaces. We will then peel off the stencil, leaving a beautiful design!
At the end of this workshop, you will understand the process to create vinyl stencils as well as the steps to apply them to clay and then glaze and decorate with them.
Required Materials:
leather hard pots
tablet (ipad) - optional
tablet pencil - optional
die cut machine (cricut) - optional
Vvivid vinyl or other vinyl stencils
water
tissues
scissors
squeeze bottles with leur lock applicators
glaze (mayco stroke and coat) or underglaze
In this workshop, I will demonstrate how to use slips and foliage to create beautiful botanical patterns and textured surfaces on leather hard pieces.
Required Materials:
- Leather hard clay pieces.
- A bucket 1 - 5 liter bucket of bone dry clay - the same clay body as your leather-hard clay pieces.
- Some stains and oxides - your preference
- Some sand, soil or grog
- Bucket of water
- Stick blender
- Extra empty containers to mix the slip in
- A variety of brushes, I love using soft goat hair brushes for this process, depending on the bristles of your brush it may create its own texture in the slip.
- Soft bendable and green plants work the best, plants with well-defined veins or other textures also work really well.
- Heat gun (this is optional, I'll use one just because the workshop won't allow for enough time to show the entire process without drying with a heat gun.)
- Sharp craft knives and a pin tool
- Depending on the shape and size of your piece some sponges, foam, cushion, or cloth to support your piece.
- A piece of plastic to lay over your support structure.
In this workshop I will be teaching you how to create your own underglaze transfers using silk screens and rice paper. By creating your own screens you will be able to use original images to decorate your pottery, expanding your creativity and making your pottery uniquely yours! During this workshop I will show you how to transfer line art to a reusable silk screen stencil that can be used multiple times and various ways in your art practice. I will then show you the process for printing the stencil onto rice paper sheets, creating your own underglaze transfer papers. Various methods for applying the transfers will be explored including transferring onto wet clay, bisqueware and also over top of glazes. I recommend watching the live demo first before purchasing any materials.
*Silk screen stencils (I prefer Small Dog Prints)
*A method of exposure (You can use the sun but I recommend using the UV light kit from Small Dog Prints or something similar)
*Transparency film if you choose to print images (either ink jet or laser, depending on the printer you have) This one is good for laser prints if you would like to buy in bulk.
*Exposure felt and glass
*Gelli or Gel Press plates ( I like the larger sizes, 8x10 or 12x14 but you should use what fits with your image size and work)
*Squeegies (you can also use a credit card or paint scraper)
*Underglaze – Any brand will work but Speedball and Amaco Velvets are my favorites. They need to be thickened so leaving them opened for several days or adding Mayco screenprint medium will get the right consistency.
*Scissors, Sponges, Clean water, Foam sheet to work on or a folded towel
We will try different textures you see in my works: warty toads and hairy moths, reptile's scales, feathered owls, and many more.
During this 2h workshop we will try slip-trailing and wax masking, washing and painting with glazes and underglazes.
IMPORTANT: you have to make 2 slabs approx 20*10cm (the clay body should not be too soft, so it is better so prepare these slabs in advance, depending on the climate, it takes 1-2 hours for clay to dry a bit but not to loose its elasticity).
1.) Liner - is a bottle with a nozzle or tip applicator.
2.) Sponge
3.) Clay Shaper - pencil-like tools with a silicone rubber on one end.
4.) Wooden Modeling Tools
5.) Set of brushes. Overall, the cheapest kits with flat square or “soft square’’ shape in different sizes from synthetics will do. Also, you will need a few round fine brushes in size “000”, “0’ and “1”, “3” to work on the details, like eyes and fingers - you can invest a bit more in this specific type of brush, I prefer the brushes made from “kolinsky’’, “sable” that gives you super thin delicate lines ans it is extremely pleasant to work with them.
6.) Chamotte or Grog Clay - High fire clay body with 25-40% grog 0.2-0.5 mm. Formulated for artistic ceramics, it is ideal for modelling smooth pieces with fine details.
7.) Banding Wheel
8.) Set of Glazes and Underglazes
9.) Watercolor set
10.) Wax
In this workshop, I will showing you how I make my wire stamps to make design impression and appliqués in clay. I will also be showing you how I finish my work, starting out with staining the piece and then glazing it using squeeze bottles and the AirPen.
Required Materials:
Suggested Clay Tools:
Utilizing both greenware and bisque-ware, students will learn how to create illustrative and layered designs using slips and underglazes.
In this workshop, we will be doing the following: 1) Understanding the difference between slips and underglazes. 2) Understanding various forms of Underglaze; Liquid, watercolor, colored pencils… 3) How to make decorating slip 3) Decorating techniques on Leatherhard Clay 4) Techniques and troubleshooting on Bonedry Clay 5) Techniques on Bisqueware.
After this workshop, you’ll learn the many ways use to underglaze and slips. With these techniques, you can create unique and personalized imagery on your wares.
Required Materials:
I personally use:
1. Amaco Underglaze products: Velvet Underglaze, Liquid Underglaze, Semi-Moist Underglazes, Colored Pencils
2. Sanbao Colored Pencils from Chinaclayart.com
3. White Clay or White clay scraps in your firing range
4. (Optional, I will not be covering this in detail) Mason Stains for coloring slips
5. Leatherhard wares
6. Bisque’d Wares
7. Paintbrushes, painters palette, spray bottle, sponges, two watercups, scratching tools.
Join me for a workshop on creating patterned, coloured porcelain slabs using porcelain inlay. Use your patterned slabs to build mugs, vases, or wall sculptures.
Required Materials
If you would like to follow along, please prepare a palette of coloured clay (porcelain or white stoneware). I will be using porcelain with paper fibre mixed in, which can be helpful when building and cutting clay, but is optional.
Tools used:
- Graph Paper - Carpenters Square
- Pencils/sharpie
- Slab templates for items you want to make (if you have them)
- Cutting Wire
- Knife
- Metal Rib
- Scoring tool
- Pin tool
- Slats and Rolling Pin
- Spray bottle with water
- Plastic (I use some thicker and some thinner)
- Drywall Wareboards (or other smooth absorbent surface)
- Matching joining slip or water
- Paint brush
In this workshop Andrew will demonstrate how he builds layers on the surface of his pottery. He will explain how he makes a variety of stamps using wood, clay, and plaster and then show how uses those stamps to alter thrown forms.
In this workshop we will introduce and explain 3 types of stamps. Then we will cover how each of those stamps are used to alter the surface of leather hard pots.
At the end of this workshop you will be able to make your own stamps and use them to create a layered surface on your pottery.
Required Materials:
Leather hard pots
A pen and paper to take notes is all you will need at the time of the workshop. It would be best to try your own version after the class has ended.
Materials list:
3-5 lbs of Clay: a smooth clay is preferable but use what clay you are comfortable with
Rubber or silicone rib/scraper to smooth slabs
Sponge
Water
Spray Bottle with Vinegar
Silicone/plastic texture mats or stencils
Needle Tool
Smoother tool
Metal Rib
Slab Roller or Rolling pin
Slump mold or bowl
Banding wheel
*Materials for Bonus silicone Texture Mat Making Demo
3/8 to ½ in thick clay slab
Disposable cup, stirring sticks
Scale
Disposable gloves
Large paint stirring sticks (or wood slats 1/8 inch thick)
A large flat surface that is level
A board or piece of drywall board 18 or 24 inches square
Smooth-on Mold Max™ 14, OR Smooth-on Mold Max™ 29NV
https://www.smooth-on.com/products/mold-max-29nv/
Come with your questions about developing your practice.