Ceramics Immersion

4-Day Personal Workshop

Why Choose a Private Ceramic Workshop?

In a city where pottery classes are often crowded and fast-paced, my private lessons provide:

  • Personalized Attention: Instruction tailored to your specific goals and learning style

  • Peaceful Environment: A quiet, focused space for creativity without distractions

  • Flexible Pacing: Move as quickly or slowly as you need without feeling rushed

  • Custom Project: Design exactly the pieces you envision with expert guidance

  • Technical Focus: Master specific techniques that interest you most

Day 1: Introduction to Pottery Basics (3 hours)

Objectives: Familiarize student with clay properties, basic hand-building techniques, and studio safety if working from home.

Activities:

  • Studio Tips & Safety Guidelines

    • Equipment introduction

    • Clay handling procedures

    • Studio rules and safety protocols

  • Clay Introduction

    • Types of clay and their properties

    • Wedging demonstration and practice

    • Proper clay storage

  • Template Creation

    • Design personalized templates for projects

    • Learn measuring and cutting techniques

  • Slab Work Techniques

    • Rolling even slabs with consistent thickness

    • Cutting and joining techniques

    • Texture application methods

  • Project: Personal Mug & Plate

    • Apply learned techniques to create functional pieces

    • Focus on proper joining and structural integrityBooking Information

Includes access to the studio after the lesson.

Day 2: Refinement & Firing Preparation (1 hour)

Objectives: Learn finishing techniques and prepare work for first firing.

Activities:

  • Project Refinement

    • Trimming and smoothing techniques

    • Adding handles and decorative elements

    • Signing work

  • Bisque Firing Preparation

    • Understanding the firing process

    • Clay drying considerations

    • Loading techniques and kiln furniture

  • Bisque Firing

    • Program kiln together

    • Learn about temperature ranges and firing schedules

    • Start the bisque firing process

Includes access to the studio after the lesson.

Day 3: Glazing Introduction (2 hours)

Objectives: Understand glaze properties and application techniques

Activities:

  • Bisque Unloading

    • Safety procedures for handling fired work

    • Evaluation of fired pieces

  • Glaze Chemistry Introduction

    • Basic glaze components and their roles

    • Understanding glaze effects and interactions

    • Food safety considerations for functional ware

  • Glaze Application Techniques

    • Demonstration of dipping, pouring, and brushing

    • Wax resist techniques

  • Project Glazing

    • Apply learned techniques to bisque-fired pieces

Includes access to the studio after the lesson.

Day 4: Glaze Firing & Specialty Techniques (2 hours - firing break - 2 hours)

Objectives: Learn about glaze firing and special decorative techniques

Activities:

  • Glaze Firing Discussion

    • Understand temperature ranges

    • Kiln loading strategies for glazed ware

  • Glaze Unloading

    • Safety procedures

    • Evaluation of glaze results

  • Introduction to Lusters

    • Types of lusters and their properties

    • Application methods and safety considerations

    • Design planning for luster application

  • Luster Application

    • Apply lusters to selected pieces

    • Learn proper brushes and techniques

  • Luster Firing Preparation

    • Understand lower temperature requirements

    • Special considerations for luster firingsActivities:

  • Luster Firing Unloading

    • Final evaluation of completed pieces

    • Photography of finished work

  • Comprehensive Review

    • Review techniques learned throughout the course

    • Troubleshooting discussion

    • Analysis of successful elements and areas for improvement

  • Future Projects Discussion

    • Personalized suggestions for continued learning

    • Resources for further education

    • Home studio setup considerations

  • Course Completion Celebration

    • Display arrangement of all completed work

Booking Information

  • Duration: 4 days

  • Price: $990

  • Location: Brooklyn, NY

  • Availability: Starting May 2024

Book Your Private Ceramic Experience

To reserve your one-on-one class, please complete the form below. I'll respond as soon as possible to confirm your booking and discuss any specific goals or requests you may have.

Please note I require at least 48 hours notice to book a private lesson.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellations with more than 48 hours notice will receive a full refund. Cancellations within 48 hours will receive a voucher of equal value for a future private lesson. For any questions or special circumstances, please contact me directly at fran@fromfran.com.