Pre-Bisque Surface Decoration Techniques

Discover the art of transforming clay before it reaches the kiln. This 8-week course is dedicated entirely to surface decoration on leather-hard clay, introducing a wide range of contemporary and traditional techniques that will expand your creative vocabulary.

Rather than focusing on making finished forms, this course is about experimentation. During the first session, each participant will create a series of simple forms—cylinders, bowls, mugs, or tiles—that will become their canvas for the weeks ahead. By working on multiple similar pieces, you'll be able to compare techniques, test ideas, and build a personal library of ceramic surface finishes.

Throughout the course, you'll learn when each technique works best, how moisture levels affect the outcome, and how different decorating methods can be layered together to create unique surfaces.

By the end of the course, you'll have a collection of beautifully decorated pieces, along with the confidence to incorporate these techniques into your own ceramic practice.

Weekly Outline

Week 1 — Creating Your Surface Library
Create 16–20 simple forms (cylinders, bowls, mugs, or tiles) that will be used throughout the course as test pieces for every decorating technique. also we put the wet slip on wet pots 

Week 2 — Marbled Slip & Resist
Marbled coloured slips
Paper resist
Tape resist

Week 3 — Slip Transfer
Decorative slip transfers
Image and pattern transfers
Combining transfer with carving and slip decoration

Week 4 — Texture & Impression
Paper textures
Fabric impressions
Natural materials
Layering texture with coloured slips

Week 5 — EZ Screen Printing
Design your own artwork or choose an existing image to turn into an EZ Screen. Learn how to print detailed graphics directly onto leather-hard clay using coloured slips.

Week 6 — Mishima (Inlay)
Underglaze image painting and after carving on top
Carving
Coloured slip inlay
Cleaning and revealing crisp designs

Week 7 — Water Etching & Surface Reactions
Explore softer and more experimental surfaces using:
Water etching
Baking soda + Vinegar

Week 8 — Glazing & Spray Techniques
Finish your work by learning how glazing enhances surface decoration.
Spray glazing
Layering glazes
Choosing finishes that complement each technique
Stain Washes 

Details
Duration: 8 Weeks
Schedule: Weekly Sessions
Session Length: 3 Hours
Led by: Jenifer Levine

What's Included
○ 8 weekly sessions (3 hours each)
○ 10kg bag of clay
○ All coloured slips and decorating materials
○ One custom EZ Screen per student
○ All glazing and firing
○ Spray glazing session
○ Coffee and tea

Prerequisites
This course is recommended for students who have completed an introductory ceramics course or have basic experience working with clay. The focus is on surface decoration, so participants should already feel comfortable making simple ceramic forms.

Additional Clay (Optional)
○ $30 — 10kg bag of new clay

Cancellation Policy
○ Full refund if cancelled up to 3 months before the start date
○ 50% refund or transfer to a later course (subject to availability) after that
○ No refunds for cancellations made less than 30 days before the start date