Scratching the Surface with Lesley McInally
Presented in Collaboration with Parkdale Pottery
Dates: October 3-4, 2026
Time: 9 AM - 4 PM
Format: Two-day surface decoration intensive
Location: Parkdale Pottery Dupont, 300 Campbell Ave., Toronto, ON
Unlock the full expressive potential of your ceramic work through surface design. Over two full days, this hands-on workshop guides you through a curated suite of surface decorating techniques that can be applied to both hand-built and thrown forms. You’ll experiment, refine, and personalize your surface vocabulary with supportive coaching and feedback from Lesley McInally.
Participants will dive deep into a mix of traditional and contemporary surface treatments, tailored to support creative risk taking and technical development:
Lesley will demonstrate and discuss making slip and adding coloured stains.
Intuitive mark making - creating brushes and textures to explore multiple surface effects and generate artistic expression.
Mono print - painting with slips and building captivating surfaces to ignite inspiration for future exploration.
Underglaze slip trailing and mono print transfers - combining underglaze with slips for instant dynamic illustrative patterns.
Clay chalk print transfer - drawing with ceramic chalks/pastels to explore other possibilities.
Screen print and transfers - learn how to screen print, transfer your design onto clay and combine it with ready made transfers.
Across the two days, Lesley will demonstrate each method, break down key decisions (timing, tools, materials), and help you adapt techniques to your artistic style.
Who this is for?
This workshop is perfect if you’re ready to expand your surface work with confidence and intentionality.
What to bring?
A materials list will be shared in advance.
10 leather hard test tiles will be provided for each participant but please bring one small, leather hard piece to work on after completing test tiles.
Learning outcomes
By the end of the workshop, you’ll have:
• A portfolio of test tiles and decorated work ready for glazing or firing
• Confidence with a range of surface techniques and when to use them
• Practical strategies for integrating surface design into your ongoing work
Firing is not included.
Fees for programs cannot be refunded. If you need help or accommodations, please get in touch so we can work together to support you.