IN-depth introduction to glaze making with Elena Gileva from glost glaze
Three-day workshop:
Friday 31st October 2025
Friday 7th November 2025
Friday 14th November 2025
Summary
This three-day workshop is the perfect introduction to the craft of glaze making. Through hands-on activities and instruction, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of glaze fundamentals. The course will take place each Friday for three weeks from 31st October - 14th November.
About the course
On the first day, students will learn the basics of glaze preparation and how to mix glazes with different types of materials.
On the second day, students will explore various techniques to create unique glaze finishes.
On the final day, students will practice glaze application and explore different firing techniques. With the close guidance of Elena, students will leave this workshop with the skills to create and apply their own glazes.
This is a comprehensive introduction to glaze making. In three sessions Elena will cover a large breadth of knowledge, including:
Basic glaze theory - What is a GLAZE?
What is Oxide theory?
Basic glaze materials that make up a glaze
During this workshop students will learn the foundations of glaze making. Through theoretical and hands-on activities students will cover materials used in glaze recipes, how they melt and interact, what is a base glaze and how to alter it. Suited to complete beginners, these sessions are created to familiarise students with the basics of glaze mixing and equip them with a set of exercises to create their own glazes.
ABOUT ELENA
Elena Gileva is a London based artist fixating on the decorative, historical and ornamental through the medium of ceramic, sculpture and installation.
Elena’s background is both in Ceramics and Fine Art, having graduated from MA Royal College and BFA Parsons Paris School of Art & Design. She combines various historical and personal narratives, references and processes, with hand-built ceramic objects taking centre stage in her practice.
Elena has exhibited internationally and participated in residency programs in Japan, China, France to name a few. Glaze making has always been a key element of Elena's sculptural work and in 2023 Elena has started GLOST glaze - a brand focusing on small batch artisanal glazes and glaze education.
THE SCHEDULE
Friday 31st October 2025 (arrive: 10:30am)
Welcome refreshments (10:30 - 11am) - teas, coffees and sweet treats will be served on arrival, giving students an opportunity to meet Elena and their fellow students. The session will run from 11am until 4:30pm.
Friday 7th November 2025 (arrive: 10:30am)
Refreshments (10:30 - 11am). The session will run from 11am until 4:30pm.
Friday 14th November 2025 (arrive: 10:30am)
Refreshments (10:30 - 11am). The session will run from 11am until 4:30pm.
A light two-course lunch is provided every day. Please inform us of any special dietary requirements at the time of booking.
Cost
The cost for this three-day course is £300. This cost includes all necessary materials, tools, refreshments and a superb two-course lunch every day as well as refreshments throughout the course.
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 Guest Potter Course, please read our terms and conditions page here.
TRAVEL AND ACCOMODATION
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 accomodation, click here.
Date: Friday 31st October, Friday 7th November & Friday 14th November 2025
Duration: Three-day workshop
Venue: The Ceramic Studio (Brenchley)
Class Size: Maximum 10 students
Level: Suitable for all abilities.
Cost: £300
