Glaze Alchemy 101: How To Mix Your Own Glazes

Explore the science and art of ceramic glazes in our Glaze Alchemy 101 class. This hands-on course teaches you how to mix and modify glazes expertly. Each class covers the very basics of glaze chemistry to help demystify the glaze room and glaze recipes. Most classes will start with a presentation where the material is presented in an approachable way to anyone who is interested in learning. You’ll be making your own test tiles, followed by experimenting with ingredient variations and advanced blending techniques. Discover how different materials affect glaze outcomes through line and triaxial blends. 

The course culminates in a collaborative session where you'll share your findings and learn from the results of others. Ideal for anyone interested in deepening their understanding of ceramic materials and expanding their creative expression. At the end of the session we will hold a potluck and discussion of all our findings!

This is a Intermediate-Level Shortstack class. Prior clay experience is necessary.

Learn more about instructor Ryana Lawson.

We believe clay is for everyone! Need tuition assistance? Please visit our tuition assistance page for more information.

What’s Included:

• 1 bag of clay (pick up on the first day of class).
• Access to our studio during open studio hours to work on projects between classes (daily from 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM).
• A personal half-shelf for storing tools, clay, and in-progress work.

What to Bring:

• Basic Pottery Toolkit (should include a cut off wire, wooden knife, wooden rib, metal rib, needle tool, sponge, trimming loop tool and double-ended ribbon tool.)
• Apron or clothes that can get dirty are recommended.

Pottery Northwest has communal tools available for everyone’s use if you cannot afford to buy your own tool kit. Personal tool kits and additional clay can be purchased at the online student store.

Please Note:

• If you are new to the Pottery NW studio, or if you have not attended orientation as of summer 2023 quarter, you must attend the first class to receive the mandatory studio orientation. New students who do not attend the first day will be dropped from the class without a refund of the class fee. On the first day of class, late arrivals beyond 15 minutes after the class start time will not be permitted to join. Returning students should still attend the first day of class as the instructor will not be able to reteach missed lessons and demos to absent students in the proceeding classes.

 • We are in Pioneer Square, so please plan ahead so that you have enough time to park. You don’t want to miss anything!