During this class, we will mix colored clay by wedging together white clay with various coloring oxides and stains. Using the colored clay, students will create patterned color blocks that are then inlayed into slabs. The slabs are then used to make ceramic pieces, such as plates, vases, and more. This Japanese technique, known as Nerikomi or Neriage, allows for endless possibilities of color combinations and patterning. It is a fun way to create ceramic pieces with decoration embedded into it! Clear glaze applied at the end brightens the colors and shows off the patterns.
Students will learn how to make colored clay, how to create patterned color blocks with the clay, how to inlay the color blocks into slabs, how to use the slabs to create pieces and how to glaze them.
Each class includes a standard weekly lab fee which covers the cost of firing and glazing. In addition to the standard lab fee, students will need to purchase clay through the registration office at ASLD and must be done in person: $20 for 25lbs of stoneware, $25 for 25lbs of porcelain, $10 for 12lbs of our reclaim clay. Please only purchase clay from ASLD, unless approved by the studio manager. No low-fire clays may be used at ASLD.
New students, arrive 15-30 minutes early to your first class in order to allow time for the purchase of clay.
Currently enrolled students have access to Ceramic open studio for a $10 fee. Please see the whiteboard in the hallway for updated open studio hours.
Please review the ceramics studio policies before attending the first class: CERAMICS STUDIO POLICIES
Materials List:
- Fettling knife or clay knife
- a few different shaped wooden modeling tools
- Needle tool
- Wire carving tool(s)
- Small ceramic sponge
- Serrated rib (flexible steel)
- Polymer ribs: blue (firm) with a flat edge (shape 3) and red (very soft) bean shaped (shape 1) by Mudtools
- sketchbook or notebook/pencil or pen
-old hand towel
- apron
Community tools are available for student use, in exception of a small sponge. If you prefer personal tools, a basic ceramics tool kit, small sponges and large clean up sponges may be available for purchase at ASLD on a first come, first served basis. We welcome you to bring any new, used, found and repurposed tools you may have.
If you purchase your own tools, we suggest you assemble a basic tool kit that includes:
- Potter's rib (wood and or rubber)
- Metal rib
- Wood modeling tool
- Needle tool
- Trimming tool(s)
- Throwing sponge
Local Ceramic supply stores:
Rocky Mountain Clay 1220 W 1st Ave, Denver, CO 80223
Continental Clay 5303 East 47th Ave., Denver, CO 80216
Stoneleaf Pottery 6611 W 58th Pl, Arvada, CO 80003
Meiningers 499 Broadway, Denver, CO 80203
