Skill Level: Two - Beginner-Intermediate (some experience recommended)

Requirements: At least one ceramics class and ability to work with clay, preferably handbuilding techniques

In this class we will explore making our own ceramic beads, buttons, pendants, earrings, and brooches! Through rolling, carving, pressing, and molding we will learn how to create unique and repeatable forms for adornment and learn to express ourselves through clay in the miniature in a bold way. We will use stoneware, porcelain, and colored clay, explore different ways to glaze and finish our pieces both in and out of the kiln, and cover attaching findings. Additionally you will have the opportunity to Raku fire some of your jewelry, scheduling for that will be weather dependent and take place outside of the normal class times. 

Week One:

• Beads and buttons

• Working with colored clay and porcelain

• Marbling clay

• Firing and finishing considerations

Week Two:

• Pendants, earrings and brooches

• Using wire

• Making bead racks/trees for firing

Week Three:

• Jewelry hardware (bails and other findings)

• Sanding

• Glazing

• How to Raku fire jewelry 

Week Four:

• Using epoxy

• Attaching jewelry findings

• Stringing beads and combining pieces

Included with class:

• All supplies and materials for class projects

• Bisque and Glaze firings for work made in class

• Participation in a Raku firing scheduled outside of normal class time, TBD by weather

• Studio access outside of class time during the following hours:
  Monday-Thursday 9:00AM-9:00PM, Friday-Sunday 10:00AM-6:00PM

You will need to bring:

• Something to take notes with is highly recommended

• Small objects to press into clay for texture or patterns (will be discussed in first class)

• While we will have tools for you to use, it is highly recommended you purchase your own set of clay hole cutters or clay drills. These can be purchased online from different retailers and come in many styles. The ones we recommend can be purchased from Amazon with this link.