slip decorated kitchenware

Monday 14th - Friday 18th July 2025

SUMMARY

During this five-day workshop Frances Savage will teach a combination of throwing and altering techniques using terracotta clay as well as giving a thorough introduction to slip decoration using earthenware. This course is suitable for both beginners and more experienced potters as there will be plenty of guidance and one-to-one support for all aspects. 

THE COURSE IN DETAIL

The course will be based around throwing and trimming techniques to create functional kitchenware for your home using terracotta clay, focusing on forms perfect for decorating such as bowls, cups, jugs and plates, as well as throwing and altering techniques for baking and serving dishes.

 Students will be learning about the use of slip in low-fired earthenware and practicing slip application techniques. Students will learn how to work with wet-slip decoration, using slip trailers and other tools to make spontaneous marks to decorate the pieces. The course will also look at sgraffito and other traditional slipware techniques such as feathering and marbling to create beautiful slipware pieces.

COURSE BREAKDOWN

Day 1:  AM & PM - Throwing, focusing on cylinders, transforming cylinders into forms such as mugs and cups and jugs.

Day 2: AM - Throwing bowls, looking at different bowl forms. PM - Attaching handles to mugs, jugs and cups.

Day 3: AM - Trimming bowls, looking at different foot rings. PM - Learning about making slips, which materials to use, making up some small batches of coloured slips for decorating. Slipping pots from earlier in the week - mugs, jugs, bowls and tiles for different slip decoration techniques.

Day 4: AM & PM - Throwing and altering. Learning how to make baking dishes and other altered forms. 

Day 5: AM - Finishing thrown and altered pieces. PM - Slip decorating pieces.

FIRING

This is an intensive making and refining course and there will be no specific kiln firing during the week, however, we will encourage students to keep, and finish, just a few carefully selected pieces.

Please note, there will be a small additional firing charge for final pieces. Details of our firing charges can be found in our Student Contract.

Please read our Student Contract here.

Please also note, we do not offer a glazing service.

About frances

France Savage is a studio potter based at the Manchester Ceramics Collective, Old Trafford. Frances completed two years studying at Clay College, Stoke on Trent, on an intensive course designed to teach a new generation a practical and in-depth exploration of the craft of pottery. She then spent three months as an assistant at La Meridiana, International School of Ceramics in Tuscany, guiding the students of a three-month intensive ceramics course, focusing on gas reduction firing and participating in two wood firings. Frances currently makes pots in her own studio.

THE SCHEDULE

DAY 1 - Arrive 9am Monday 14th July
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.

DAY 2 - Arrive 9:30am Tuesday 15th July
On the second day the session will start at 9:30am and will finish at 5pm. Students may continue to use the facilities until 7pm.

DAY 3 - Arrive 9:30am Wednesday 16th July On the third day the session will start at 9:30am and will finish at 5pm. Students may continue to use the facilities until 7pm.

DAY 4 - Arrive 9:30am Thursday 17th July On the fourth day the session will start at 9:30am and will finish at 5pm. Students may continue to use the facilities until 7pm.

DAY 5 - Arrive 9:30am Friday 18th July
On the final day the session will start at 9:30am and will finish at 4pm.

A two-course lunch is provided every day. Please inform us of any special dietary requirements at the time of booking.

PAYMENT

This cost for this five-day course is £1,000. This cost includes all necessary materials, tools, refreshments, a superb two-course lunch every day and a Welcome Breakfast on the first day.

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.

IF YOU HAVE A QUESTION ABOUT THIS COURSE YOU MAY FIND THE ANSWER IN OUR GUEST POTTER FAQ SECTION

Date: Monday 14th - Friday 18th July 2025

Duration: Five-day workshop

Venue: The Ceramic Studio (Brenchley)

Class Size: Maximum 10 students

Level: This course is suitable for those with some throwing experience and an interest in slip decoration.

Clay type: Earthenware

Cost: £1,000 (pay in full or in instalments)