Upcoming Classes

About this Event
This is a beginner's hand building class. We will learn the basics of how to hand build a ceramics piece by slab-rolling, coiling, and/or pinching.

In this class you will:
Choose the desired technique for hand building your ceramic piece
Learn how to attach pieces together by scoring and using slip
Learn how to thoroughly clean the hand building work tables
Learn how to correctly store and place pieces on the shelves at each stage of the production process
We will chat about how to get your piece bisque fired and the Beginners Glazing 103

MAKE SURE TO SIGN UP FOR BEGINNERS GLAZING 103 TO FINISH YOUR PIECE

No experience is required for this beginner-friendly workshop. It would also be a fantastic refresher for those with some basic wheel experience who want to sharpen their foundational skills.
In this hands-on class, you'll be guided step by step through the fundamental techniques of wheel throwing, with expert tips and tricks shared along the way. By the end of the session, you'll have worked through the building blocks of pottery and learned the basics of creating a cylinder, vase, or bowl — or all three!

What You'll Learn:
How to center clay on the wheel — the foundation of everything
Opening and raising walls to create your first cylinder
Shaping your cylinder into a vase or bowl form
Instructor tips and techniques to help you throw with confidence

Look for my "Trimming Workshop with Ashlee" which should be posted a day or two after this class where you will receive instruction on how to finish the foot of your piece.

Ceramics Orientation 100 - Welcome to Ceramics!

If you are new to the space you will be able to get signed up for DMS after this class and activate your key fob.

Class Description:
Introduction to Ceramics at Dallas Makerspace. This class will cover the fundamentals of ceramics, followed by a complete walk-through of the Ceramics space, and a brief demonstration of our cleaning procedures. The following topics will be discussed: clay and clay bodies, cones and firings, the production process and our shelving system, glazes, tools and equipment, and proper clean up.

Syllabus:

FUNDAMENTALS
- Clay and Clay Bodies - What clay is, what types exist, what we use at DMS, and where to get some.
- Cones and Firings - The difference between low fire and high fire clay, and how the kiln/firing process works at DMS.

WALK-THROUGH
- Shelving System and Production Process - From creation to finished piece, how to use the in progress and firing shelves.
- Glazes - Glazing overview, how to donate towards DMS provided glazes, etc.
- Tools and Equipment - Where to find DMS molds, tools, and accessories. Overview of available equipment (wheels, slab roller, extruders, etc). Also a demonstration of how to set up the pottery wheels and clean them when done.
- Cleaning Procedures - How to clean and maintain the DMS Ceramics equipment as an individual participant.

CLASS PROGRESSION
After Ceramics Orientation 100, you are free to use the space and equipment in the Ceramics area. Other classes offered by DMS Ceramics may include: Beginners Hand Building 101, Beginners Throwing 101, Beginners Trimming 102, Beginners Glazing 103, and Beginners Slip Casting 101.

We will be using the slip-casting molds to pour ceramic items.

Since we will need to let the molds "set-up", this will take some time. In addition, we will go over how to properly clean the items after they come out of the molds.

You’ve had something come out of the kiln? Cool! Let’s photograph it!

Do you want the convenience of photographing your pieces upon pick up with a professional quality lightbox? We have one for you to use in our Ceramics area!

Are you a bit nervous about using the light box but you want to learn how it works, and learn a bit of editing too? This class is for you!

Bring your phone and we will show you how to take and process your photos for optimal online posts.

Bring your own pieces for optimal fun or learn using a class piece.

About this Event
We will learn how to use the pottery wheel to throw a pot (basic cylindrical shape).

In this class you will:
Learn the fundamentals and the process of wedging a piece of clay
Watch a demonstration on how to throw on the potter’s wheel by your instructor
Practice the stages of throwing from centering, opening, pulling walls, and shaping your piece.

Learn how to thoroughly clean the wheels after throwing
Learn how to correctly store and place pieces on the shelves for each stage of the production process

Briefly get insight into the next steps taught in the following classes, Beginners Trimming 102 and Beginners Glazing 103.

We will set up a time to trim your piece 3-5 days after this class.

Please keep in mind that throwing takes practice, and that this class will focus more on the techniques.

Look for a trimming class to be held on Tuesday following this Class

Ceramics Area Rearranging Day
May 15, 2026
6:30 PM – 10:30 PM

You may have noticed the new tables in the ceramics area. We’ll be spending the evening rearranging the space to create additional workstations and improve the layout for our ceramics community.

We’d love your help during this community rearranging day — even if you can only stop by for a short time, every bit helps. Food and drinks will be provided for volunteers.
Please note that the ceramics area will be temporarily closed during this timeframe so we can safely move and organize the space.

Thank you all for helping make our makerspace better for everyone. We hope to see you there, and as always, happy making!

Ceramics 100 - Welcome to Ceramics!
About this EventClass Duration: 1.5 hrs
This is a required orientation class to introduce students to Ceramics at Dallas Makerspace. We will start by learning the fundamentals of ceramics, followed by a complete walkthrough of the Ceramics space, and a brief demonstration of our cleaning procedures. Students will gain an understanding of the ceramics process at Dallas Makerspace to be cleared to use the Ceramics space and the pottery wheels.

In this class you will:
Learn about clay and the different clay bodies we use at Dallas Makerspace
Learn about pyrometric cones and what cones we fire to at Dallas Makerspace for bisqueware and glazeware
Learn the basics of kiln firings
Become familiar with ceramic tools for handbuilding, throwing, and slip casting and where they are stored
Learn how to thoroughly clean tools after use
Become familiar with the slab roller and its components
Learn how to thoroughly clean the wedging table
Become familiar with the pottery wheel and its components
Learn how to thoroughly clean the wheels after throwing and trimming
Watch a demonstration showing how to use the utility sink to clean wash pans and properly dispose of clay 
Learn the process of making ceramics at DMS to correctly store and place pieces on the shelves at each stage of the production process
Learn the maximum amount of time pieces are allowed to stay at Dallas Makerspace during each stage of the production process
Learn about the glazes we stock in Ceramics and the suggested donation for using them
Log into the Ceramics Talk page to the Monthly Kiln News post to check when pieces come out of the kiln
Learn some helpful tips to help you make your own ceramic creations
Briefly get insight into the different classes taught in Ceramics at Dallas Makerspace
Special Considerations and Warnings

This is a required class to use the Ceramics space and the pottery wheels. Students may also be cleared to use the pottery wheels in the Beginning throwing class

AN IN-DEPTH LOOK AT THE FUNDAMENTAL OF WHEEL THROWING

Are you new to pottery or a long-time thrower who continues to struggle with centering and keeping center? Are your pieces always wonky and uneven? Do you feel limited by your skills?

This course is designed to address all your struggles on the wheel with hands-on practice. Having a strong understanding of the wheel is crucial to grow and improve your work. We will help identify and diagnose common mistakes on the wheel and provide suggestions to improve your throwing.

We will build up from the ground up and work our way through the process of wheel throwing; stopping each way to understand why potters throw the way they do. At the end of the course, you will leave with new skills and techniques that will improve your wheel-throwing game.

Syllabus:

• Centering fundamental
• Wheel speed and body position
• Alternative way to center
• A better way to open your piece
• Importance of stability
• Identify common mistakes
• Way to re-center your piece
• Hands position for a successful pull
• Using water effectively
• Using tools to finish your pieces
• Shaping your wheel-thrown work

We will take a 3×8 inch slab of clay and pinch pot it into a mug.
$5
**YOU MUST HAVE TAKEN CERAMICS 100 PRIOR TO CLASS**

Join in, learn about your community, ask your kiln related questions.

We will talk about kilns, show you what they look like inside, and chat about how your volunteer kiln team works to get your lovely pieces fired.

Bring your own mug for coffee, we are potters after all.

I will supply a French Press, coffee and an electric kettle for hot water.

If you'd like to bring snacks to share, I'm sure the group would be happy to gobble them up.

Calling all those enamored by pottery videos! Learn to make pottery for yourself!

A beginner friendly class on throwing one of the most fundamental forms in wheel thrown ceramics. One-time pottery classes often teach you the steps of beginning on the wheel centering, opening, and one or two pulls. This one time class with Angelica Aguilar will teach you the step beyond that. Having some pottery experience would be helpful to have but is not necessary. I will demonstrate the process then guide you through the steps of wedging your clay, preparing your wheel for throwing, the 5 basic steps of throwing, getting your piece off the wheel, cleaning your wheel, and drying your piece for trimming.

Cost: $20 paid directly to artist. Paypal/Venmo/Cash accepted. Payment is required for this event.

Ceramics Orientation 100 - Welcome to Ceramics!

If you are new to the space you will be able to get signed up for DMS after this class and activate your key fob.

Class Description:
Introduction to Ceramics at Dallas Makerspace. This class will cover the fundamentals of ceramics, followed by a complete walk-through of the Ceramics space, and a brief demonstration of our cleaning procedures. The following topics will be discussed: clay and clay bodies, cones and firings, the production process and our shelving system, glazes, tools and equipment, and proper clean up.

Syllabus:

FUNDAMENTALS
- Clay and Clay Bodies - What clay is, what types exist, what we use at DMS, and where to get some.
- Cones and Firings - The difference between low fire and high fire clay, and how the kiln/firing process works at DMS.

WALK-THROUGH
- Shelving System and Production Process - From creation to finished piece, how to use the in progress and firing shelves.
- Glazes - Glazing overview, how to donate towards DMS provided glazes, etc.
- Tools and Equipment - Where to find DMS molds, tools, and accessories. Overview of available equipment (wheels, slab roller, extruders, etc). Also a demonstration of how to set up the pottery wheels and clean them when done.
- Cleaning Procedures - How to clean and maintain the DMS Ceramics equipment as an individual participant.

CLASS PROGRESSION
After Ceramics Orientation 100, you are free to use the space and equipment in the Ceramics area. Other classes offered by DMS Ceramics may include: Beginners Hand Building 101, Beginners Throwing 101, Beginners Trimming 102, Beginners Glazing 103, and Beginners Slip Casting 101.

Materials Provided:
All necessary materials, including:
-white stoneware clay suitable for pour-overs
-hand tools
-the template to build the proper size pour over that will fit the #2 filter
-#2 filters not provided, but available in all grocery stores (you will need these for using your pour over once it is fired, not in the creation process)

VERY BEGINNER FRIENDLY:
-We will be paying attention to the consistency of the clay throughout the process
-We will be learning the slip and score technique to build each part
-We will explore different methods of adding texture as surface design
-We will learn how to make a handle with handle making tools
-We will be refining our creations on the B-Wheel

$5 covers the cost of clay provided for class

French Butter Dishes: A Two-Part Wheel-Throwing Workshop

Learn how to create beautiful, functional butter dish in this hands-on two-part ceramics class.

In Part 1, you’ll throw both the the top and bottom of a butter dish.

In Part 2, you’ll refine your work by trimming, perfecting the fit, and adding a personalized finial to complete your piece.

This class is ideal for students who are comfortable with basic wheel-throwing and want to expand their skills with more complex forms.

Students are required to bring their own clay or may purchase clay at Dallas Makerspace. You may bring your own tools or use the tools provided.

French Butter Dishes: A Two-Part Wheel-Throwing Workshop

Learn how to create beautiful, functional butter dish in this hands-on two-part ceramics class.

In Part 1, you’ll throw both the the top and bottom of a butter dish.

In Part 2, you’ll refine your work by trimming, perfecting the fit, and adding a personalized finial to complete your piece.

This class is ideal for students who are comfortable with basic wheel-throwing and want to expand their skills with more complex forms.

Students are required to bring their own clay or may purchase clay at Dallas Makerspace. You may bring your own tools or use the tools provided.

Come learn step by step how to make slab/wheel thrown plates! These plates have a clean modern vibe.

Some experience on the pottery wheel is helpful but not necessary.

These plates are easier than traditional wheel thrown plates and do not require any trimming.

There is something uniquely satisfying about sipping coffee or tea from a mug you’ve shaped with your own two hands. If you’ve always wanted to try pottery but feel intimidated by the potter’s wheel, this class is the perfect entry point.

This workshop focuses on handbuilding, an ancient and accessible technique that uses simple tools and your own touch to create functional art. By the end of this session, you’ll have a custom, professional-looking mug that is uniquely yours.

What We’ll Cover
We’ve designed this class to ensure success for even the most "non-artistic" beginner. We will guide you through three main stages:

-The Slab & Template Method: Learn how to roll out consistent clay slabs and use custom templates to cut out the perfect walls, base, and handle for your mug.

-Construction & Joinery: Master the "score and slip" technique to securely attach your pieces, ensuring your mug is sturdy and leak-proof.

-Surface Design with Underglaze: Once your mug is built, we’ll dive into decoration. Underglazes work like "clay paint," allowing you to add vibrant colors, patterns, or illustrations directly onto the raw clay.

Workshop Details
Skill Level: Absolute Beginner

Duration: 2.5hrs

What’s Included: All clay, tools, templates, underglazes

This class will introduce you to the world of slip casting. We will use a 1 piece plaster mold to cast the reamer and attach it to a bowl to create a one-of-a-kind citrus juicer.

in addition you will allow to pick one mold off the shelf to cast.

This class will provide all the tools and materials required to decorate and finish your project.

Syllabus:

-how does slip casting work
-what is deflocculant and flocculant
-preparing the slip
-preparing the mold
-casting and drying
-removing and cleaning
-attaching to bowl
-cleaning and finishing

Calling all those enamored by pottery videos! Learn to make pottery for yourself!

A beginner friendly class on throwing one of the most fundamental forms in wheel thrown ceramics. One-time pottery classes often teach you the steps of beginning on the wheel centering, opening, and one or two pulls. This one time class with Angelica Aguilar will teach you the step beyond that. Having some pottery experience would be helpful to have but is not necessary. I will demonstrate the process then guide you through the steps of wedging your clay, preparing your wheel for throwing, the 5 basic steps of throwing, getting your piece off the wheel, cleaning your wheel, and drying your piece for trimming.

Cost: $20 paid directly to artist. Paypal/Venmo/Cash accepted. Payment is required for this event.

Pottery Throwdown Extravaganza…and Snacks!
Sunday, June 14 11AM-1:30PM
DMS Ceramics Area

In Ceramics, we are fortunate to have a fairly recyclable material and adventurous spirits so we have once again asked ourselves, “What’s the worst that can happen?”. It’s time for a challenge! Can you throw blindfolded? Throw a pot with three other people? One hand hand build? We certainly think it’ll be fun to try at the very least.

Come stretch your skills or cheer on our plucky potters in pushing the limits of possibility…and good sense. Whether you are a seasoned potter or just find yourself with a free Sunday, we’d love to have you praise our accomplishments or laugh along with our failures, we’ll definitely have both.

Things to bring: apron or towel if you are thinking of giving it a whirl in a game, potluck snacks are welcome but absolutely not required!

Signups for events will be in the Ceramics area in a few weeks with some spots reserved for day of, don’t think you’ve escaped our grasp by ‘not getting around to it’; we have you in our sights. You can do it. Or not. Either will be a rollicking good time.