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. 

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Participants will dive deep into a mix of traditional and  contemporary surface treatments, tailored to support creative risk taking and technical development:  

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• 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. 

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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. 

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Who this is for?  

This workshop is perfect if you’re ready to expand your surface  work with confidence and intentionality. 

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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

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Firing is not included.

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Fees for programs cannot be refunded. If you need help or accommodations, please get in touch so we can work together to support you.