Specialty Workshops

Embark on a ceramic journey with our diverse range of specialty workshops, guided by our knowledgeable in-house tutors and renowned guest tutors. Delve into advanced techniques, niche topics, and immersive experiences that foster creativity and skill development in the vibrant world of ceramics, all within a supportive and inspiring environment.

Mastering Glaze Application

  • Join us for an immersive workshop where you'll delve into the art of glaze application like never before. Whether you're a beginner or have some experience with glazes, this workshop offers a comprehensive exploration of various techniques to enhance your ceramic pieces.

    During this workshop, you'll learn:

    Resist Methods: Explore the use of wax, tape, and latex as tools to control glaze application, creating intricate designs and patterns on your ceramic pieces.

    Understanding Oxides: Gain insights into the role of oxides in glazes, their effects on color and texture, and how to manipulate them to achieve desired outcomes.

    Glaze Viscosity and Specific Gravity: Learn the importance of glaze viscosity and specific gravity in achieving consistent and desired results, and how to adjust these properties for optimal application.

    Special Effects Glaze: Explore a special effect glazes and techniques to incorporate unique textures and finishes into your ceramic creations.

    Participants will receive:

    - 4 bisqued tiles

    - 1 bisqued cylinder

    - Option to bring in up to two of your own bisque-fired stoneware pieces to practice on

    This workshop is open to beginners, although a basic understanding of glazes would be beneficial. Whether you're looking to refine your skills or dive into the world of glaze application for the first time, this workshop promises to expand your creative horizons and elevate your ceramic creations.

    Join us for a hands-on experience that will leave you inspired and equipped with new techniques to take your ceramic work to the next level!

  • 3 hour hands on workshop

    Thursday April 4th 6pm - 9pm
    or
    Thursday April 11th 6pm - 9pm

  • $145
    All materials and firing services are included in the workshop fee.

Saggar Firing in an Electric Kiln

  • Embark on a captivating journey into the world of saggar firing during this two-part workshop designed to immerse you in the magic of this ancient firing technique. Perfect for ceramic enthusiasts of all levels, this workshop will take place over two three-hour sessions, allowing ample time for hands-on exploration and creative expression.

    Session 1: Understanding Saggar Firing

    In the first session, participants will delve into the art and science of saggar firing. You'll learn about the history and significance of this traditional firing method, as well as the essential components of a saggar. Through guided instruction, you'll have the opportunity to create your own handbuilt saggar using various techniques and materials. Additionally, each participant will craft 1-2 handbuilt pots to be fired in the saggar during the second session.

    Session 2: Creating Unique Decorative Works

    During the second session, participants will come together to assemble their saggar and prepare it for firing. Guided by experienced instructors, you'll explore the use of organic materials and oxides to create stunning and unique decorative effects on your ceramic pieces. From leaves and twigs to sawdust and other organics, you'll experiment with a variety of materials to achieve captivating results.

    Your work will then be loaded into the kiln for transformative power of saggar firing as your pieces undergo the magical alchemy of heat, smoke, and organic materials.

    By the end of the workshop, you'll emerge with a deeper understanding of saggar firing techniques and a collection of one-of-a-kind ceramic pieces that reflect your unique artistic expression.

    Don't miss this opportunity to explore the enchanting world of saggar firing and unleash your creativity in the electric kiln. Join us for a workshop that promises to ignite your passion for ceramics and leave you inspired to continue your artistic journey.

  • Tuesday April 9th 5:30-8:30

    Friday April 26th 5:30-8:30

  • $290
    All materials and firing services are included in the workshop fee.

Creating Glazes with Glenn England

  • Unlock the secrets of glaze chemistry and application in this comprehensive workshop designed for ceramic enthusiasts eager to deepen their understanding of the art and science behind glazes. Led by experienced instructor Glenn England, this workshop offers a hands-on exploration of various types of glazes, their components, and techniques for achieving stunning results.

    Program Overview:

    During this workshop, participants will embark on a journey through the fascinating world of glazes, covering essential topics including:

    Understanding Glaze Composition: Delve into the intricate components of glazes and gain insight into the role of each material in achieving desired glaze properties.

    Weighing and Mixing: Learn the art of precise measurement and mixing techniques essential for creating consistent and reliable glaze recipes.

    Colorants and Opacifiers: Explore the diverse range of colorants and opacifiers used to add depth, texture, and visual interest to glazes.

    Line Blends: Experiment with adding coloring oxides or stains to a glaze through a line blend, allowing you to observe the subtle variations in color and texture.

    Dipping Tiles: Master the art of glaze application through dipping techniques, ensuring even coverage and consistent results.

    Record Keeping: Discover the importance of meticulous record-keeping in glaze formulation and application, allowing you to replicate successful results with precision.

    Additionally, participants will have the opportunity to engage in a 1 to 2-hour evaluation and discussion session after firing on another day(TBD). This session provides a valuable opportunity to reflect on the firing process, evaluate the outcomes of your glaze applications, and discuss techniques for further refinement.

    Throughout the workshop, participants will receive personalized guidance and feedback from instructors, ensuring that each individual's unique creative journey is supported and nurtured.

    Don't miss this opportunity to deepen your understanding of glaze chemistry and application techniques in a supportive and immersive environment. Join us for a workshop that promises to inspire and empower you to unleash your creativity in ceramic glazing.

  • May 4th 11am - 4pm

    May 18th 1pm- 2pm
    Second session to review results

  • $195
    All materials and firing services are included in the workshop fee.

Surface Exploration with Minna Gram

  • Join us for an exclusive three-day workshop led by renowned artist Minna Gram, where you'll immerse yourself in the art of ceramic surface decoration. Indulge in catered morning teas as you explore a variety of techniques, including surface expansion, using throwing slurry as mortar, tearing, cutting, carving, and stretching under Minna's expert guidance.

    In this hands-on workshop, you'll have the opportunity to experiment with layering and combining these techniques to create truly unique and dynamic surfaces on your clay pieces.

    Minna will also introduce you to the use of household materials to add texture, allowing for exploration of unconventional yet impactful methods of surface decoration.

    All materials will be provided, and participants are encouraged to explore and stretch their understanding of the complexity of claw. Don't miss this extraordinary opportunity to learn from Minna Gram and expand your creative repertoire in ceramics.

    This workshop promises to inspire and elevate your craft to new heights. Join us for a transformative experience in the world of ceramic surface decoration.

    ** Must be able to throw a basic cylindrical form on the potters wheel**

  • 3 Day hands on Intensive workshop

    June 28th - 30th
    10am - 4pm

  • $950
    All materials and morning tea are included in the workshop fee.

    Firing can be arranged for an additional fee

Coil & Throw with Bernard Kerr

  • Join us at Warrandyte Pottery for a 4 day intensive workshop with incredible artist Bernard Kerr.

    This workshop will enable participants to observe and participate in using the Coil and Throw method of throwing a large pot. Suitable clay bodies will be discussed and the method will be demonstrated and explained step by step. The workshop will also cover how to use oxides and stains to make coloured slips and use a range of resist and sgraffito techniques to decorate ceramics at the leather-hard stage.

    Payment plans available. Please reach out to studio@warrandytepottery.com.au to arrange a payment plan that works for you.

    What’s included?

    Four full days of tuition (10am - 4pm)

    Catered Dinner event on the Friday evening

    All Workshop Materials including clay, slips, oxides and colourants

    Morning tea each day

    Techniques you'll learn from Bernard:

    Knowledge and understanding of the elements of the ceramics, including specialized language, concepts and processes

    Acquisition of skills and techniques of ceramics based in throwing skills and making large coherent forms

    Application of skills and techniques to create ceramic objects that are aesthetic and pleasant to use

    Create their own coloured slips using both ceramic stains and oxides

    To develop knowledge and skills specific to the discipline of ceramics, specifically the ‘Coil and Throw’ technique

    To deepen their understanding of the relationship between form surface and decoration

    Blending Clay bodies

    Throwing the base: drag and gravity

    Using the gas torch or heat gun

    Extruding coils

    Attaching coils

    Throwing up and down: joining the coil

    Using ribs and steel kidneys to develop the form

    Using the ‘Throwmaster” (Bela’s Wheels)

    Adding coils and managing moisture

    Prerequisites

    This is an advanced learning experience and for participants to get the most out of the Intensives, a reasonable level of throwing competency is required.

    Limited seats available.

  • November 15h - November 18th
    10am - 4pm

  • $960
    All materials are included in the workshop fee. Firing can be arranged for an additional fee

Slip Casting 2 Day Intensive with Bernard Kerr

  • Join us for an immersive workshop where participants will dive into the art of mould making and slip casting. Throughout this hands-on experience, attendees will gain comprehensive knowledge and practical skills in creating stunning ceramic pieces through the following key learning objectives:

    Plaster Mould Making: Participants will learn the step-by-step process of creating a simple drop-out plaster mould. From design to execution, they will understand the intricacies involved in producing a mould that serves as the foundation for slip casting.

    Preparing Commercial Slips: Delve into the world of commercial slips as participants discover how to properly prepare and work with these essential materials. Understanding the nuances of slip consistency and quality is crucial for successful casting.

    Slip Casting Techniques: With supplied dry plaster moulds, participants will engage in slip casting, pouring their prepared slips into the moulds to create intricate forms. This hands-on practice will allow for experimentation and exploration of different casting techniques.

    Decorative Techniques: Elevate your ceramic creations with various decorative techniques. Learn how to add depth and character to cast forms through coloring slips, carving intricate designs, implementing inlay wash-back methods, and incorporating piercing techniques for unique textures.

    By the end of the workshop, participants will have not only gained valuable insights into the intricate processes of mould making and slip casting but will also have produced their own uniquely decorated ceramic pieces, ready to showcase or integrate into their artistic endeavors.

  • November 20th & 21st
    10am - 3pm

  • $475 Includes all materials