Basic Clay


Dates and Times:  

Number of sessions:  Four sessions. The first session is 1.5 hours, the remaining three sessions are 3 hours each   
Course Fee:  $60


Description:
This course provides hands on experience working with clay.  These classes will teach you the fundamental elements of the oldest form of clay work. You will learn the basics of working with clay and gain an understanding of how and why clay works.  Participants will learn to use slabs to construct platters and cylinders which  they will then glaze. The end product is 1-2 completed pieces. 

This class is for new members who may register after they receive an invitation.  If you think you should have received an invitation but have not, please contact educoord@grandclayarts.com and request an invitation.  Existing members who want to take Basic Clay as a refresher must contact educoord@grandclayarts.com and ask to be invited.  Once you receive an invitation, you may register.

The very first class will cover basic etiquette in the clay club, review of equipment, and monitoring. Bring your login and password for the Grand Clay Arts website, along with your door code to the studio, and a credit card to purchase your beginning clay kit. 

Participants will learn:

Studio protocols                                                                                                   

- Tour studio, available supplies, forms, texture tools, molds, slips, cooking spray, etc
- Understand process for drying project, firing (bisque and glaze)
- Understand all clean up expectations (studio, glaze room, sinks)
- Understand proper use and maintenance of molds. (Use of pin tools vs wood tools, spray vs powder, clean up)
- Understand marking pieces throughout process (while drying, directly on piece, etc)

Use of studio equipment:                     

1.        Learn to use slab roller                                                                  
2.        Learn to compress clay, and why                                                    
3.        Learn to wedge clay, condense clay        

Construct simple hand built pieces:                                                                                                                                        - Make a hump and/or slump piece                                                           
- Make a cylinder piece                                                                      
- Learn tips for smooth edges, removing  shards, and wet sanding techniques for greater success                                                          - Learn managing when to take piece off hump/ slump mold
- Learn to apply texture
-/Learn to bind and bevel seams
- Glaze using studio glaze           

Hands on sessions:                                                          
1: Make a simple, small hump or slump piece  
2: Make a simple cylinder piece                                                
3: Glaze 1-2 pieces with studio glaze                 




Materials:  
All necessary tools should be available from the Grand Clay Arts supply room. Please purchase prior to the class:
  • 25# bag of clay (B-Mix with grog or Speckled Buff)
  • Beginner's Tool Kit ( first session of course)
  • Mat
Additional supplies you may want to bring:
  • Small tool box or tote box or Rubbermaid container
  • Apron
  • Flexible ruler
  • Post It Notes
  • Sharpie Marker
  • Pencil
  • 4x6 Spiral Notebook
  • Small paint brush to apply magic water or slip
Mark your last name with permanent marker on all tools and clay.  

Class Information: 
  •     Skill Level - Beginner
  •     Number of Students - Minimums and maximums below 6 students determined by instructor.