porcelain impressions
Surface decoration and impressions in porcelain - one-day workshop
Friday 17th October 2025
SUMMARY
This one-day workshop provides an opportunity to work with Elaine to explore various techniques with porcelain and investigate how mixed media and natural materials can be used to create layered and textured surfaces for vessels, wall pieces or platters. Learn how natural materials and objects can be impressed or embedded into clay. See how coloured clay slips can be applied and combined with various materials by stencilling and layering them on the clay surface.
THE COURSE IN DETAIL
The day will explore:
• The unique qualities of porcelain, in contrast to other clays.
• How natural materials such as seeds, grasses, fabric, and objects can be impressed into clay for decorative effects.
• How coloured clay slips can be applied and combined with various materials by stencilling and layering them on the clay surface.
• How oxides, rust, fired clays and other materials can be mixed into and embedded in clay to create different textures and effects.
In the workshop, you will have the opportunity to create a set of wall plaques or platters.
The subjects covered and ideas shared aim to encourage and develop a set of skills and enthusiasm for continuing to make decorative items in clay.
Elaine will bring a selection of found objects and natural materials but students are also encouraged to bring natural materials of their own including, leaves, grasses, seeds and textured surfaces.
This one-day workshop is suitable for all levels including beginners.
Your work will be fired for you and either left unglazed or glazed with a simple clear glaze finish.
Please note, there will be a small additional firing charge for final pieces. Please see our Student Contract (below) for details.
About elaine
Elaine Sheppard Bolt is a ceramic artist working with clay and mixed media, creating pieces and compositions guided by a sense of narrative and steeped in the context of her local surroundings. Her work incorporates both porcelain and found objects to create mixed media wall pieces as well as hand-built and thrown porcelain vessels.
Elaine has an MA in Ceramics from UCA Farnham and has many years teaching experience. She works from her studio in Sussex where she also teaches throwing and hand building techniques. Elaine exhibits her work widely in galleries and specialist craft events across the UK.
THE SCHEDULE
Arrive 9am Friday 17th October 2025
Welcome Breakfast (from 9am - 10am). The session will start at 10am and will finish at 5pm. Students may continue to use the facilities until 7pm.
A two-course lunch is provided. Please inform us of any special dietary requirements at the time of booking.
PAYMENT
This cost for this one-day course is £250. This cost includes all necessary materials, tools, refreshments, a welcome breakfast and a superb two-course lunch.
You can pay in full or pay a deposit by clicking on the ‘Book Now’ button above. If you choose to pay a deposit we will contact you to arrange paying the remainder of your balance in instalments.
Before you book a course, please make sure you read our terms and conditions page here.
Please also read our Student Contract here.
TRAVEL & ACCOMMODATION
The Ceramic Studio is located on a beautiful orchard in Brenchley, and there are lots of lovely surrounding towns and villages offering numerous places to stay.
We are happy to arrange transits to and from your accommodation to the studio for the duration of your course. Please get in touch to arrange this. Please email the office team at info@theceramicstudio.co.uk. To see examples of local accommodation, click here.
Date: Friday 17th October 2025
Duration: One-Day workshop
Venue: The Ceramic Studio (Brenchley)
Class Size: Maximum 10 students
Level: The workshop is suitable for all levels including beginners
Clay type: Porcelain
Cost: £250
