Ceramic vessels can be more than functional objects- they may also serve as three-dimensional canvases for artwork and expression.

In this workshop, participants will explore decorative surface techniques that allow them to design and embellish their work in unique ways. We will cover methods including underglazes, slip decoration, carving, and inlay, focusing on how surface treatment may enhance both form and visual storytelling.

Participants will practise techniques that help them develop thoughtful decoration while gaining a deeper understanding of how pattern, texture, and imagery interact with ceramic forms.

This workshop is designed as a development session, encouraging students to experiment with surface design and refine their decorative approach.

Skill Level

Participants must have a basic understanding of the materiality of clay- i.e.completed a Wheel or Handbuilding multi-week Course or relevant experience.

What Participants Will Practise

• Slip decoration techniques
• Carving into leather-hard clay
• Inlay methods for surface design
• Developing patterns and visual composition
• Understanding how decoration interacts with form

Tools

Please bring leather hard items to decorate and your own tools for inlay. Some tools may be provided. 

Clay & Firing

Members and current students may fire work from this workshop using their studio firing allotment.

Non-members/non-students may:
• Pay to have their work fired through the studio, or
• Take their pieces home to fire at their own studio.

Studio Environment

Community Clay is a private ceramics studio in Vancouver focused on skill development and thoughtful practice. Workshops are intentionally kept small to allow for individual guidance at the wheel.

Age

16+

Policies

Classes and workshops are non-refundable.

If you are no longer able to attend a workshop, you may email us and we may place your spot back up for sale. If the spot is resold, we will refund the cost of the workshop minus a $25 administration fee.

Location

Community Clay
Vancouver, BC

Explore Other Pottery Classes

Looking for other pottery classes in Vancouver?

Community Clay offers:

• Pottery Wheel Workshops
• Handbuilding Workshops
• Date Night Pottery Workshops
• Studio Membership for independent practice

View all upcoming classes here.

Ceramic vessels may serve not only as functional objects but also as three-dimensional canvases for artwork and design.

In this workshop, participants will learn how to create custom stencils and overlays to decorate pottery using slip. These techniques allow potters to add layered patterns, imagery, and graphic elements to their ceramic surfaces.

We will explore how stencil design interacts with form, how slip behaves on clay and bisque surfaces, and how to build decorative compositions that enhance both the object and the artwork.

This workshop is designed as a development session, encouraging students to experiment with surface decoration while refining their approach to ceramic design.

Participants should bring their own greenware (leather hard to bone dry) or clean bisqueware to decorate.

If you do not have work prepared, a leather-hard slab will be available so participants may practise the techniques during the workshop.

Skill Level

Beginner Plus

Participants must be able to:

• Center clay independently

• Throw 1–1.5 lbs of clay on the wheel

This workshop is ideal for students who have already taken a beginner pottery class and want to improve their bowl throwing.

What Participants Will Practise

• Designing and creating custom ceramic stencils
• Using overlays and layering techniques
• Applying slip decoration through stencils
• Developing surface patterns and compositions
• Understanding how decoration interacts with three-dimensional form

Tools

Please bring your own tools, and also bats/wareboards etc., if you intend to keep items.

Firing

Firing is not included.

This workshop is intended as a skill development session, and participants are encouraged to cut their pieces in half to analyze form.

Studio Environment

Community Clay is a private ceramics studio in Vancouver focused on skill development and thoughtful practice. Workshops are intentionally kept small to allow for individual guidance at the wheel.

Age

16+

Policies

Classes and workshops are non-refundable. If you are no longer able to attend a workshop, you may email us and we may place your spot back up for sale. If the spot is resold, we will refund the cost of the workshop minus a $25 administration fee.

Location

Community Clay
Vancouver, BC

Explore Other Pottery Classes

Looking for other pottery classes in Vancouver?

Community Clay offers:

• Pottery Wheel Workshops
• Handbuilding Workshops
• Date Night Pottery Workshops
• Studio Membership for independent practice

View all upcoming classes here.