Pottery Class: Sgraffito - Traditional Plate Decoration
Pottery Class: Sgraffito - Traditional Plate Decoration
Class Type: Hand Building
Duration: 1.5 hours
Capacity: 6 people
Level: Beginner
Unleash your creativity in this hands-on workshop where you'll learn the traditional art of sgraffito—carving designs into the surface of clay to reveal beautiful contrasting layers beneath. Guided by an experienced instructor, you'll decorate your own ceramic plate using this unique technique, perfect for beginners and pottery lovers alike. All materials are provided, and you’ll leave with a one-of-a-kind piece of functional art.
All materials included in this workshop – just bring your creativity!
What you’ll do:
Step 1: Introduction to Sgraffito
What is sgraffito?
Examples and inspiration
Overview of tools and techniques
Step 2: Preparing Your Plate
Roll a slap and start to make a basic plate
Work with pre-made leather-hard ceramic plates
Apply colored slip
Plan your design with light sketching
Step 3: Carving Your Design
Learn carving techniques using sgraffito tools
Carve your design into the plate surface
Ask questions and get tips from the instructor as you work
Step 4: Final Touches & Drying
Clean up edges and surface
Leave your plate for firing (ready for pickup in a few weeks)
Snap a photo of your work before firing!
Students will have the opportunity to take home their creations for an additional fee of £7 per item.
Cancellations or rescheduling require at least 48 hours' notice. We require a minimum of two students per class. If you are the only student booked for a class, you will be offered the option to convert to a discounted private lesson for an additional fee or receive a full refund.
Glaze Variations: Due to the nature of chemical reactions and other unpredictable factors during the firing process, glazes may appear differently from our glaze tests.
Cracks & Breakage: Items may crack or break during firing due to factors such as air bubbles in the material or uneven surfaces. Please note that items with issues related to glaze variations, cracks, or breakage are non-refundable.
Pick-Up: Your artwork will typically be ready for pick-up approximately 6 weeks after the workshop. We will notify you once it’s ready—thank you for your patience!
Uncollected Artwork: If artwork remains uncollected for over 1 month, we will proceed with processing it accordingly.
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FAQ
I’ve never done ceramics before – what class should I sign up for?
We’re excited to introduce newcomers to the world of ceramics, and our studio offers a range of options to suit every experience level. For your first visit, we recommend trying one of our taster classes. These hands-on sessions in hand building or wheel throwing provide a fantastic opportunity to explore different techniques and discover what resonates with you.
If you're looking for a more immersive experience, consider our 4-week or 8-week courses. These longer programs allow for a deeper dive into the world of ceramics, fostering skill development and creativity over time. For those seeking personalized guidance, our private lessons offer tailored instruction to help you achieve your specific goals.
No matter which option you choose, our small class format ensures that you'll receive individualized attention and support throughout your ceramic journey. We can't wait to see you in the studio!
How large are your classes?
To ensure a quality learning experience and reduce crowding, our throwing classes are limited to six people. We can fit a bit more into hand building classes. This allows our instructors to dedicate ample time to every student, fostering a supportive and focused environment for creativity to flourish.
Can I take home my creations?
Absolutely! We encourage you to take your creations home with you; we charge £7 per item (or by weight a rate of £0.01 per gram for certain types of courses). We also provide kiln hire options
These fees contribute to covering the costs of clay, kiln firings, and the time we spend trimming and glazing your items if necessary.
What is your cancellation policy?
For taster class or private lesson cancellations, we kindly ask for at least 48 hours' notice by email to hello@coneeight.co.uk. Master Class and multi-week course bookings are non-refundable.
For private events, we require at least 14 days' notice for cancellation via email.
Do you offer gift cards for pottery classes?
Yes! We offer gift cards that can be used toward any of our pottery and ceramics classes. Gift cards make a great present for birthdays, special occasions, or anyone wanting to try pottery for the first time. You can purchase one on our gift cards here.