This three day workshop combines the fun of working with clay, as well as the enjoyment and satisfaction of gardening. The first day we will make the actual pocket container from a slab of stoneware clay. Different shapes and textures will be explored to help you create a planter into which you will plant 3 baby succulents. The second class, the following week, we will prepare the container for glazing and then glaze. Different methods of glazing and the different glazes available will be covered. The third week of class will be spent planting the container you made using small 2 inch succulents. Each class should take about an hour, depending on how much detail you add. (The succulents I have ordered from Mountaincrest Gardens are not hardy). When the pocket garden is finished, take it home and hang in a spot of honor!
The workshop will meet Tuesday July 27, August 3, and 10 from 6 to 8 pm.
Functional beauty that lets your creativity shine. That is what working with clay is all about. Making a mirror frame is one of the easiest ways to learn about clay and there are so many different styles that are easy and will make your friends think you have been working with clay for decades. You can add clay to make a design, carve a design, use stamps, or use different available textures. Your finished mirror frame will be about 10 by 7 inches. The first class will be spent making the frame, the second class will be spent glazing, and the last class will be spent cutting and gluing the glass in and adding a backing, and wire or string for hanging. The glass we will be using is mirror glass from mirrors that have been upcycled glass. The first class will be August 13, 20 and 27. The workshop will meet from 3 – 5 pm on these days. It will be limited to 8 students. 
There is so much that is good about learning to make pottery! To take a lump of clay and transform it into something beautiful – that is also functional, is so incredibly satisfying. A spoon rest is one of those things that is functional, but also has so much versatility in terms of design. (Also, they make great presents!) There is no end to how creative you can get with your design. 
Using a variety of techniques, we will make a green man sculpture, that will look handsome hanging in your yard or garden. The history of the “Green man” is unclear. He can be found in many cultures going back centuries. The one thread that runs through all these cultures is the symbolism of rebirth. Given the last year, this seemed a fitting symbol to acknowledge and celebrate. 
How many leaves do you recognize from the platter below? I love finding ways to incorporate nature into the things I make. This platter is not only very functional but really pretty, too! Using leaves and flowers from around my house, you are welcome to bring your own, you will make a ceramic platter that when finished is about 9 x 5 inches. It will be dishwasher safe, microwavable and oven proof. 
What a great way to spend Friday night! Join us for this fun creative event to make your own wine cooler. Working with a slab of clay, you will be led through the steps to make your own fully functional wine cooler. The first night will take the full 2 hours, so it would be great if you can arrive on time. The first evening will be spent making the the ceramic form. A variety of techniques for decoration will also be covered. The second class, the following week, will be spent glazing your cooler. Depending on how much detail you add, it could take the full two hours. No experience needed. The class will meet Friday evening, July 16 and 23 from 6 – 8 pm. The video below is an example of what the wine cooler will look like before it is glazed and fired. We will use actual grape leaves as part of the decorations. 
