Upcoming Classes

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.

In this class we will learn to:

-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

There will also be a short demonstration for trimming at the end.

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

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 flat slabs of clay and turn them into standing trees that can sit on your table or mantle.
Options will be given in class to turn them into trees that light up.
Cost is $15
This includes clay (enough for 2 trees) and my time.

Discover the joy of creating functional and beautiful pottery! In this hands-on class, you'll learn the fundamentals of pottery wheel throwing and explore the art of creating unique mugs.

No prior experience is necessary. Our experienced instructor will guide you through each step of the process, from centering the clay on the wheel to shaping your mug. You'll also learn techniques for adding handles. At the end you will learn to color and decorate your work.

By the end of the class, you'll have created your very own handmade mug that you can proudly use and cherish. This class is a great opportunity to relax, be creative, and connect with the ancient art of pottery.

Materials provided. All tools and materials will be included in the class fee.

Terra Sigillata is an ultra refined clay slip that is used to create a smooth, velvet-y texture on your pottery. This can be used alone, for sgraffito, or in advance of raku firing to provide a better surface for absorbing smoke.

In class, we will be:

1) Discussing how to make a terra sig
2) Preparing an already made terra sig
3) Learning how to apply to very leather hard or bone dry pottery
4) Learning how different burnishing tools give different final results

Important: You will need to bring your own nearly dry/dry greenware (unfired) pottery. We will have a limited amount of terra sigillata, but if we have extra, you are more than welcome to do extra pieces. Once the batch we prepare in class is ready (3 days), you can use it for additional pots as well.

Any questions, please feel free to contact me at cmcooper0 on Talk or the same ID at gmail.

Everyone is invited to the ceramics department committee meeting. It is an excellent place to make your voice heard and help run the ceramics department.

If you have items or suggestions for the ceramics department let me know and I will add them to the agenda.

We look forward to seeing everyone at the meeting.

This is the beginners glazing class, to be taken after your beginners throwing, hand building, or slip casting class(s)

YOU MUST 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 provided by the Ceramics Committee - Remember to donate for your glaze usage
Learn about brushing techniques and number of coats needed to glaze bisqueware
Choose a glaze for your pot
Brush glaze your pot
Learn how to thoroughly clean up after glazing
Learn the processes of DMS to correctly store and place pieces on the shelves at each stage of the production process
Recap the full ceramics process taught in the preceding classes, Beginners Throwing 101, Beginners Hand Building 101, Beginners Trimming 102, Beginners Slip Casting 101, and Beginners Glazing 103

PLEASE HAVE A COMPLETED BISQUE ITEM TO GLAZE

Everyone is invited to the ceramics department committee meeting. It is an excellent place to make your voice heard and help run the ceramics department.

If you have items or suggestions for the ceramics department let me know and I will add them to the agenda.

We look forward to seeing everyone at the meeting.