Pattern & Play:

Participants will learn hands-on surface decoration techniques on leather-hard clay. The workshop will focus on design, planning, and execution of underglaze-based surface imagery, with discussion around sketchbooks, forms, canvases, and workflow for creating compelling surfaces.

Students will begin by decorating 2–3 pre-prepared 4x4” leather-hard tiles, then apply learned techniques to 1–2 of their own leather-hard pieces (smooth, white clay recommended). The emphasis will be on developing design confidence, understanding layering, and exploring new methods of surface expression.

What the Studio Will Provide:

Instructor-Supplied

• X-Acto knives, provided by Rachel for student use

• Reference materials or handouts, if applicable

Studio-Supplied

• 2–3 leather-hard clay tiles per student (approximately 4 × 4 inches)

• Smooth white clay for tiles (cone 5-6 bmix)

• Access to AMACO underglazes

• Plain printer paper for stencil making

• Wide, shallow water dishes

• Buckets and water containers

• Studio brushes and sponges (students are welcome to bring their own if preferred)

• Scissors for shared use

Tile Preparation
Slabs for tiles will be prepared by studio staff and lab technicians in the days leading up to the workshop.

What Students Should Bring:

• A small sponge (throwing size)

• Paintbrushes in assorted sizes

• One to two leather-hard pieces to decorate (smooth, white clay recommended)

• Sketchbook and pencil for planning designs

• Lunch

• Price: $175

• April 18th, 2026
  Saturday
  10am to 3pm

• April 19th, 2026
  Sunday
  10am to 3pm

Cancellations must be made at least 14 days prior to the workshop for a full refund. Cancellations made within 14 days of the workshop are eligible for a 50% refund. Cancellations made within 14 days of the workshop will not receive a refund unless we find a replacement. Thank you for understanding and supporting our instructors and programming.

Unfortunately, we can not hold credit for a future workshop either.

Thank you for your understanding.

• Will you be able to fire my work for me if I decide to keep anything from the workshop?
  Yes, of course. There is a flat fee of $75. This grants students access to our studio to finish trimming, bisque firing, glazing, and glaze firing.

  If you are a Clayhouse member or currently enrolled in a 6-week course, you may forgo the fee and use your allotted cubic inches to process your pieces.

• I’m a beginner, can I take this workshop?
  Yes! Rachel is very happy to accommodate all students at any level.

• How much time do I have to finish my pieces after the workshop?
  All pieces must be completed within 30 days of the workshop.

• Is the studio providing lunch?

  Lunch is not being provided, please plan to bring your own lunch. We have a refrigerator available to store your food and drinks.