Upcoming Classes

This is the beginners glazing class, to be taken after your beginners throwing, hand building, or slip casting and you have a bisque item to glaze.

In this class you will:
Watch a demonstration on how to glaze bisqueware
Learn about the different types and applications of glazes
Learn about the types of glazes DMS offers and the suggested donation for using glazes
Learn about brushing techniques and number of coats needed
Learn how to thoroughly clean up after glazing
Learn the processes to correctly store and place pieces on the shelves

***PLEASE BRING OR HAVE A BISQUE ITEM TO GLAZE***

The monthly Cermaics Committee meeting:

Hear about how things have been done,
current affairs,
contribute ideas,
or submit a request!

Anyone interested is encouraged to join us.

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.

Class 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

$5 to be paid to DMS upon arrival, either cash or PayPal. (For clay cost)

This is a beginner ceramics class that teaches the basics of throwing on the wheel:

-set up the proper tools needed for the process
-wedge the clay into the ideal shape for throwing
-sealing the clay onto the bat
-tips for centering the clay
-opening the clay
-tips for regaining center once open
-getting an even upwards pull
-prevent wobble
-know when to you've pushed your clay as far as it will go
-follow proper/safe clean-up protocol

Each person will be provided 2 chunks of clay to learn with.

MEETING IN CERAMICS MAIN AREA ON THE TABLES

Come learn the basics of utilizing underglaze and sgraffito to create interesting pieces. We will consider the basics of design, color mixing, and painting in underglazing. We will consider line technique, variation, and pattern in sgraffito.

Each person will be given one leather hard mug to design and practice on, but you are free to also make your own vessels, plates, or slabs in advance if desired.

There will be a $15 fee for materials, payable to the teacher by Venmo, credit card, or cashapp upon arrival at the class.

As with all classes in Ceramics DMS, you must take the Ceramic 100 orientation to the space before taking any classes (or be signed up to take it within 2 weeks of the class). We want to focus on surface design in this class and learning the space is a thorough class in itself that will not be able to be fit into a 5 minute breakdown.

We will sculpt a Turtle using handbuilding techniques! We will discuss special considerations for sculpting with ceramic materials.

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.

Class 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

This is the beginners glazing class, to be taken after your beginners throwing, hand building, or slip casting and you have a bisque item to glaze.

In this class you will:
Watch a demonstration on how to glaze bisqueware
Learn about the different types and applications of glazes
Learn about the types of glazes DMS offers and the suggested donation for using glazes
Learn about brushing techniques and number of coats needed
Learn how to thoroughly clean up after glazing
Learn the processes to correctly store and place pieces on the shelves

***PLEASE BRING OR HAVE A BISQUE ITEM TO GLAZE***

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.

$5 to be paid to DMS upon arrival, either cash or PayPal. (For clay cost)

This is a beginner ceramics class that teaches the basics of throwing on the wheel:

-set up the proper tools needed for the process
-wedge the clay into the ideal shape for throwing
-sealing the clay onto the bat
-tips for centering the clay
-opening the clay
-tips for regaining center once open
-getting an even upwards pull
-prevent wobble
-know when to you've pushed your clay as far as it will go
-follow proper/safe clean-up protocol

Each person will be provided 2 chunks of clay to learn with.

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.

$5 to be paid to DMS upon arrival, either cash or PayPal. (For clay cost)

This is a beginner ceramics class that teaches the basics of throwing on the wheel:

-set up the proper tools needed for the process
-wedge the clay into the ideal shape for throwing
-sealing the clay onto the bat
-tips for centering the clay
-opening the clay
-tips for regaining center once open
-getting an even upwards pull
-prevent wobble
-know when to you've pushed your clay as far as it will go
-follow proper/safe clean-up protocol

Each person will be provided 2 chunks of clay to learn with.

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

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