Upcoming Classes

After your piece has been dried, the next step is trimming your pot and giving its final shape and form. After leaving this class you will grasp the many ways you can trim bowls, mugs, vases, thin neck bottles, and other oddly shaped pieces. A well-trimmed foot is a skill every good potter must possess.

Syllabus:

-what is leather hard and when to trim
-using a giffin grip or clay to attach the pot
-when and how to use specific trimming tools
-how to hold your trimming tool to prevent the problem
-how to trim a foot your pieces
-reduce weight
-why trimming even walls is important
-give shape and form during trimming
-why burnishing is important to your finished product
-how to decorate your surface with chattering
-how to dry your pieces to prevent, wrapping, cracks, and flaws
-cleaning up and reducing dust after trimming

Step into the final, transformative stage of pottery—glazing. This hands-on class is your guide to turning raw bisque ware into vibrant, functional pieces you’ll be proud to use every day.

We’ll demystify why we glaze in the first place—how it seals the clay, makes it food-safe, and brings color, depth, and durability to your work. From there, you’ll explore the many ways to apply glaze, including brushing, dipping, and layering techniques that create everything from smooth, even finishes to rich, dynamic surfaces.

You’ll learn how to work with both glazes and underglazes, understanding when to use each and how they interact. We’ll cover essential best practices like keeping the bottoms clean (no one wants a kiln shelf disaster), how to properly handle and pay for glaze usage, and the importance of studio cleanup and care so everyone can create in a safe, shared space.

This class is perfect for beginners or anyone ready to gain confidence in glazing. You’ll leave with the knowledge to make smart, creative choices—and beautifully finished pieces that are ready for the kiln and the table.


Class syllabus

• What is ceramic glaze
• What are different type and style 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 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 different type of brushes
• How to layer glazes and avoid running
• The importance of an unglazed foot and how to avoid sticking
• Issue we will encounter such as crazing, crawling, pitting, blisters, etc
• Ways to decorate after glaze is fired
• Key points when using the MakerSpace glazes and Paying for you Glazes
• Cleaning up and proper etiquette
• How to makes cookies for your work
• The importance of labeling

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

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 BRING ONE COMPLETED 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.

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.

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
- Opening the clay
- Tips for centering the clay
- Getting an even upwards pull

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

What happens when digital fabrication meets traditional ceramics? This workshop focuses on understanding how to use the Eazao Zero ceramic 3D printer. By the end of this session, you’ll understand the full workflow of clay 3D printing and successfully print your own ceramic piece. This will allow access to the space's ceramic 3D printer at will for your own projects.

What We’ll Cover
We’ve designed this class to ensure success for members who already understand basic 3D printing and slicing software (Cura). The class is structured into four major stages:

• Clay Preparation & Cartridge Loading
• Machine Setup & Interface Control
• Printing, Monitoring & Troubleshooting
• Tear down and cleanup

Workshop Details

Skill Level:
Intermediate — You must already be familiar with ceramics and understand basic 3D printing concepts and Cura slicing software.

Duration:
2.5 – 3 hours

Prerequisite:
Completion of the online Eazao Zero orientation course.
https://learn.dallasmakerspace.org/course/view.php?id=57

What’s Included:
• Access to the Eazao Zero printer
• Clay for class use
• Printing boards
• Basic tools and cleaning supplies

Please note:
$25 fee to be paid to the instructor at the beginning of class (Venmo, Zelle or Cash).

We will throw the stem and the cup part of a goblet.
Also then trim leather hard pieces provided to you and fit together in class. $20 includes clay and pre thrown parts.

We will create a pot suitable for a small plant using the handbuilding technique, coilbuilding! Participants will have the option to add sculptural elements to their planter.

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

Not sure where to start in Ceramic? Come hang out with new friends and make a serving plate that will bring you joy for years.

This beginner's class is perfect for all ages and those who have never touched clay. In this class, we learned how to roll a slab by hand and build a plate. You will have a choice of over 100 popular characters to choose from or create your own. Next, you will decorate your plate with color and personalize it to your heart's content. After two weeks, you will have a plate ready for pickup. This class will provide all the tools, clay, and glaze needed to finish your plate.

Syllabus:

-rolling out clay
-laying out the form
-attach rim
-drawing feature
-color and decoration

In this class we will be talking about tips for centering a larger piece of clay.
Demo and creation of a serving bowl.

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
- Opening the clay
- Tips for centering the clay
- Getting an even upwards pull

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

In this class we will learn how to set up the wheel, and prep our clay for throwing. I will go over the basic throwing skills: centering, coning, opening, and pulling.

Expectations should be to have fun and learn or improve on a new skill! Throwing on the wheel takes LOTS of practice so let go of the pressure to walk away with a bowl or mug after your first class!