Upcoming Classes

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

In this class, we will learn the final stage of finishing our work, glazing. We will look at ways to prep our piece to have the best outcome possible; from cleaning, using the right brush, and checking our work for drips. At the end of this class, you will have the knowledge and confidence to glaze works of your own.


Class syllabus

• What is ceramic glaze
• What are the different types and styles of glazes
• What is underglaze and decal and how to utilize it in your works
• Why we glaze and the meaning of food-safe glazes
• Reading labels and understanding cones
• Why we bisque
• Benefits of sanding our work
• Why do we clean our bisque before glazing
• What are the different ways we can apply glaze
• How to properly apply glazes with brushes
• Importance of drying between coats
• What are the different types of brushes
• How to layer glazes and avoid running
• The importance of an unglazed foot and how to avoid sticking
• Issues we will encounter such as crazing, crawling, pitting, blisters, etc
• Ways to decorate after the glaze is fired
• Key points when using the MakerSpace glazes
• Cleaning up and proper etiquette
• How to make cookies for your work
• The importance of labeling

Course Description:

Step up your pottery skills in this intermediate-level course tailored for those with prior experience in wheel throwing. "From Clay to Table" focuses exclusively on wheel techniques to craft a sophisticated dinnerware set. Over 4 classes, you will refine your skills in making dinner plates, soup bowls, saucers, coffee cups (with pulled handles), and serving bowls. This course is specifically designed for those looking to elevate their pottery technique and create a cohesive set of dinnerware. This is a DMS member class only.

What You Will Learn:

• Advanced Wheel Throwing: Focus on creating symmetrical and refined pieces suitable for a complete dinnerware set.
• Pulling Handles: Learn the technique of pulling handles for coffee cups, ensuring durability and aesthetic appeal.
• Trimming and Finishing: Enhance your ability to trim and clean your pieces after throwing, and preparing them for the kiln.
• Firing Processes: Understand the nuances of firing your pieces to achieve the perfect finish.

Course Structure:

Duration: 2 weeks, meeting every Tuesday and Thursday evening

Time: 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM (The DMS calendar system is not correct 5/31 end time.

Format: In-person, hands-on workshops

Class Size: Small group (5 Students) settings to ensure personalized guidance

Materials: Students are required to bring their own clay

Skill Level: Intermediate (not suitable for beginners)

What You Will Make:

By the end of this course, you will have created:
• 4 dinner plates
• 4 soup bowls
• 4 saucers
• 4 coffee cups (with handles)
• 2 serving bowls

Instructor:

Conducted by Scott Perry, a seasoned potter known for his expertise in wheel throwing and an inspirational teaching approach that challenges and expands your pottery skills.

Course Fee:

The course cost is $100. The fee is paid for instruction at the first class with Venmo, Zelle, or cash.

You will need to bring your own clay for this class; clay is not provided with this class fee. I use white stoneware from Trinity, but you can use any clay you’re comfortable throwing larger pieces with. You will need a minimum of 50 pounds of clay for this class. If you are unable to purchase clay, DMS will sell white stoneware clay for $25 a bag

Sign Up:

Enhance your pottery skills and craft a unique, functional dinnerware set in "From Clay to Table". This course is a perfect opportunity for those looking to deepen their knowledge and mastery of wheel throwing. Spaces are limited, so secure your spot now and prepare to transform clay into artful dinnerware that stands out in any setting.

Join us for a focused and enriching experience that will refine your pottery skills and leave you with a professionally crafted set of dinnerware, all by your own hands.

If you have questions you can reach me on talk. My talk handle is: sperry8520

We will break down the physics behind making a whistle, and the different ways we can make musical instrument from clay. Before the end of class you will have made a whistle that you can later glaze and gift to that special someone or keep as memento.

All clay, tools, and material will be provided

Syllabus:

-preparing our clay
-making a hollow form
-tools to create out whistle
-drilling holes and tuning
-decorating out whistle
-glazing and firing

In this class, we will study the finer points of making a plate. The first part of the class will be an instruction and demonstration on how to throw plates on the wheel. Afterward, you will get a chance to practice and make a ceramic plate on the potter's wheel.

This is not a beginner class. Do not sign up if this is your first time on the pottery wheel.

Syllabus:
Tips on Centering Clay
Body position, wheel speed, and hand position
Understand the importance of compressing clay
Tips on lifting and pulling the rim
Understand the trimming and drying process of plates

This is an intermediate hand sculpting class, and will be more difficult than previous hand sculpting classes I’ve posted. This will be a step by step process initially, but with the goal of leaving room for you to customize the details of the piece towards the end of the class. My goal is for everyone to leave with a sculpture that they're proud of :3

Course Description:

Step up your pottery skills in this intermediate-level course tailored for those with prior experience in wheel throwing. "From Clay to Table" focuses exclusively on wheel techniques to craft a sophisticated dinnerware set. Over 4 classes, you will refine your skills in making dinner plates, soup bowls, saucers, coffee cups (with pulled handles), and serving bowls. This course is specifically designed for those looking to elevate their pottery technique and create a cohesive set of dinnerware. This is a DMS member class only.

What You Will Learn:

• Advanced Wheel Throwing: Focus on creating symmetrical and refined pieces suitable for a complete dinnerware set.
• Pulling Handles: Learn the technique of pulling handles for coffee cups, ensuring durability and aesthetic appeal.
• Trimming and Finishing: Enhance your ability to trim and clean your pieces after throwing, and preparing them for the kiln.
• Firing Processes: Understand the nuances of firing your pieces to achieve the perfect finish.

Course Structure:

Duration: 2 weeks, meeting every Tuesday and Thursday evening

Time: 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM (The DMS calendar system is not correct 5/31 end time.

Format: In-person, hands-on workshops

Class Size: Small group (5 Students) settings to ensure personalized guidance

Materials: Students are required to bring their own clay

Skill Level: Intermediate (not suitable for beginners)

What You Will Make:

By the end of this course, you will have created:
• 4 dinner plates
• 4 soup bowls
• 4 saucers
• 4 coffee cups (with handles)
• 2 serving bowls

Instructor:

Conducted by Scott Perry, a seasoned potter known for his expertise in wheel throwing and an inspirational teaching approach that challenges and expands your pottery skills.

Course Fee:

The course cost is $100. The fee is paid for instruction at the first class with Venmo, Zelle, or cash.

You will need to bring your own clay for this class; clay is not provided with this class fee. I use white stoneware from Trinity, but you can use any clay you’re comfortable throwing larger pieces with. You will need a minimum of 50 pounds of clay for this class. If you are unable to purchase clay, DMS will sell white stoneware clay for $25 a bag

Sign Up:

Enhance your pottery skills and craft a unique, functional dinnerware set in "From Clay to Table". This course is a perfect opportunity for those looking to deepen their knowledge and mastery of wheel throwing. Spaces are limited, so secure your spot now and prepare to transform clay into artful dinnerware that stands out in any setting.

Join us for a focused and enriching experience that will refine your pottery skills and leave you with a professionally crafted set of dinnerware, all by your own hands.

If you have questions you can reach me on talk. My talk handle is: sperry8520

Have you taken a hand sculpting class and want to give your pieces color and detail without the risk of typical glaze running, reacting, or losing detail? With underglaze you can give your pieces the detail and vibrancy they deserve. I will go over the proper usage and techniques as well as provide a variety of colors for you to use.

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

In this class, we will learn the ancient technique of inlaying colored clay into our work with a modern twist. We will decorate a spoon rest with this technique and learn the ins and outs of drawing on our work. The class fee will cover the hand-thrown plate, wax emulsion, underglaze, and carving tools used during this class. Everything you'll need will be provided for you. You will leave this workshop with a personalized spoon rest you decorated yourself.

-What is mishima and sanggam
-which clay will be best for this technique
-how it was it done in the past
-how to speed up the process with modern tools and supply
-drawing and sketching our design
-inlay with slip or underglaze
-tools to carve and inlay our work
-how to finish our pieces and glaze ideas

Personalize your own bird in our class! Learn underglaze techniques for animals, other hand sculpture, and pottery. I’ll provide you with a variety of underglaze colors and a small bird sculpture, as well as a keychain attachment that can be added once it is fired. Beginner friendly, this class will be focused on teaching you the necessary skills to make beautiful underglaze surface designs.

Course Description:

Step up your pottery skills in this intermediate-level course tailored for those with prior experience in wheel throwing. "From Clay to Table" focuses exclusively on wheel techniques to craft a sophisticated dinnerware set. Over 4 classes, you will refine your skills in making dinner plates, soup bowls, saucers, coffee cups (with pulled handles), and serving bowls. This course is specifically designed for those looking to elevate their pottery technique and create a cohesive set of dinnerware. This is a DMS member class only.

What You Will Learn:

• Advanced Wheel Throwing: Focus on creating symmetrical and refined pieces suitable for a complete dinnerware set.
• Pulling Handles: Learn the technique of pulling handles for coffee cups, ensuring durability and aesthetic appeal.
• Trimming and Finishing: Enhance your ability to trim and clean your pieces after throwing, and preparing them for the kiln.
• Firing Processes: Understand the nuances of firing your pieces to achieve the perfect finish.

Course Structure:

Duration: 2 weeks, meeting every Tuesday and Thursday evening

Time: 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM (The DMS calendar system is not correct 5/31 end time.

Format: In-person, hands-on workshops

Class Size: Small group (5 Students) settings to ensure personalized guidance

Materials: Students are required to bring their own clay

Skill Level: Intermediate (not suitable for beginners)

What You Will Make:

By the end of this course, you will have created:
• 4 dinner plates
• 4 soup bowls
• 4 saucers
• 4 coffee cups (with handles)
• 2 serving bowls

Instructor:

Conducted by Scott Perry, a seasoned potter known for his expertise in wheel throwing and an inspirational teaching approach that challenges and expands your pottery skills.

Course Fee:

The course cost is $100. The fee is paid for instruction at the first class with Venmo, Zelle, or cash.

You will need to bring your own clay for this class; clay is not provided with this class fee. I use white stoneware from Trinity, but you can use any clay you’re comfortable throwing larger pieces with. You will need a minimum of 50 pounds of clay for this class. If you are unable to purchase clay, DMS will sell white stoneware clay for $25 a bag

Sign Up:

Enhance your pottery skills and craft a unique, functional dinnerware set in "From Clay to Table". This course is a perfect opportunity for those looking to deepen their knowledge and mastery of wheel throwing. Spaces are limited, so secure your spot now and prepare to transform clay into artful dinnerware that stands out in any setting.

Join us for a focused and enriching experience that will refine your pottery skills and leave you with a professionally crafted set of dinnerware, all by your own hands.

If you have questions you can reach me on talk. My talk handle is: sperry8520

Course Description:

Step up your pottery skills in this intermediate-level course tailored for those with prior experience in wheel throwing. "From Clay to Table" focuses exclusively on wheel techniques to craft a sophisticated dinnerware set. Over 4 classes, you will refine your skills in making dinner plates, soup bowls, saucers, coffee cups (with pulled handles), and serving bowls. This course is specifically designed for those looking to elevate their pottery technique and create a cohesive set of dinnerware. This is a DMS member class only.

What You Will Learn:

• Advanced Wheel Throwing: Focus on creating symmetrical and refined pieces suitable for a complete dinnerware set.
• Pulling Handles: Learn the technique of pulling handles for coffee cups, ensuring durability and aesthetic appeal.
• Trimming and Finishing: Enhance your ability to trim and clean your pieces after throwing, and preparing them for the kiln.
• Firing Processes: Understand the nuances of firing your pieces to achieve the perfect finish.

Course Structure:

Duration: 2 weeks, meeting every Tuesday and Thursday evening

Time: 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM (The DMS calendar system is not correct 5/31 end time.

Format: In-person, hands-on workshops

Class Size: Small group (5 Students) settings to ensure personalized guidance

Materials: Students are required to bring their own clay

Skill Level: Intermediate (not suitable for beginners)

What You Will Make:

By the end of this course, you will have created:
• 4 dinner plates
• 4 soup bowls
• 4 saucers
• 4 coffee cups (with handles)
• 2 serving bowls

Instructor:

Conducted by Scott Perry, a seasoned potter known for his expertise in wheel throwing and an inspirational teaching approach that challenges and expands your pottery skills.

Course Fee:

The course cost is $100. The fee is paid for instruction at the first class with Venmo, Zelle, or cash.

You will need to bring your own clay for this class; clay is not provided with this class fee. I use white stoneware from Trinity, but you can use any clay you’re comfortable throwing larger pieces with. You will need a minimum of 50 pounds of clay for this class. If you are unable to purchase clay, DMS will sell white stoneware clay for $25 a bag

Sign Up:

Enhance your pottery skills and craft a unique, functional dinnerware set in "From Clay to Table". This course is a perfect opportunity for those looking to deepen their knowledge and mastery of wheel throwing. Spaces are limited, so secure your spot now and prepare to transform clay into artful dinnerware that stands out in any setting.

Join us for a focused and enriching experience that will refine your pottery skills and leave you with a professionally crafted set of dinnerware, all by your own hands.

If you have questions you can reach me on talk. My talk handle is: sperry8520

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.

This is a beginner class on slab building, come learn how to use the slab roller, securely attach pieces, and add surface design to make a dish. We will demo how to properly use the tools, as well as how to make different shapes and designs into functional dishes for jewelry, food, cat bowls, and more!

$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.

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.

Ceramics 100 - Orientation

Welcome to Ceramics!

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.

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.

Ceramics 100 - Orientation

Welcome to Ceramics!

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.

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.

Ceramics 100 - Orientation

Welcome to Ceramics!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.