Glaze Fundamentals - 3 hour Workshop

€120.00

This three-hour introductory glaze chemistry workshop gives you the essential knowledge and practical skills to begin developing your own glazes with confidence and care. Designed for makers who want a clear, hands-on introduction to how glazes work, the workshop combines focused discussion with practical testing so you leave with real results—and a repeatable method.

What you’ll learn

  • How common glaze materials function: glass formers, fluxes etc.

  • How oxides and mineral interact to affect colour, transparency and surface texture

  • Simple, repeatable methodologies for formulating and refining glaze recipes

  • Clear, simple steps for handling raw materials while following proper safety procedures.

Workshop format

  • Small group, attentive tuition in a calm studio environment

  • Guided development of a glaze that reflects your aesthetic (e.g. matte, satin, gloss, phase-separated, crystalline etc.)

  • Preparation of a series of test tiles, each documenting a variant of your base glaze

  • Materials, kiln firing and 16 fired test tiles included

What to expect

  • Practical, step-by-step guidance tailored to beginners

  • Hands-on mixing and application of glazes with close instructor support

  • Clear instruction on recording measurements and test conditions for reproducible results

Outcomes

  • A set of 16 fired test tiles showcasing your own bespoke glaze formulation

  • A simple testing protocol and documentation practice you can use to continue developing glazes in your studio practice

  • Greater understanding of how to design glaze experiments and interpret results

Bring curiosity and a notebook; everything else—materials, firings and finished tiles—is provided.

This three-hour introductory glaze chemistry workshop gives you the essential knowledge and practical skills to begin developing your own glazes with confidence and care. Designed for makers who want a clear, hands-on introduction to how glazes work, the workshop combines focused discussion with practical testing so you leave with real results—and a repeatable method.

What you’ll learn

  • How common glaze materials function: glass formers, fluxes etc.

  • How oxides and mineral interact to affect colour, transparency and surface texture

  • Simple, repeatable methodologies for formulating and refining glaze recipes

  • Clear, simple steps for handling raw materials while following proper safety procedures.

Workshop format

  • Small group, attentive tuition in a calm studio environment

  • Guided development of a glaze that reflects your aesthetic (e.g. matte, satin, gloss, phase-separated, crystalline etc.)

  • Preparation of a series of test tiles, each documenting a variant of your base glaze

  • Materials, kiln firing and 16 fired test tiles included

What to expect

  • Practical, step-by-step guidance tailored to beginners

  • Hands-on mixing and application of glazes with close instructor support

  • Clear instruction on recording measurements and test conditions for reproducible results

Outcomes

  • A set of 16 fired test tiles showcasing your own bespoke glaze formulation

  • A simple testing protocol and documentation practice you can use to continue developing glazes in your studio practice

  • Greater understanding of how to design glaze experiments and interpret results

Bring curiosity and a notebook; everything else—materials, firings and finished tiles—is provided.

  • We will be working with powdered raw materials. Some of these materials can be harmful if ingested and may cause skin or eye irritation. For your safety:

    • Wear a particulate mask to protect your lungs. An FFP2 mask will be provided. If you prefer higher protection, bring an FFP3 particulate mask or a respirator.

    • Eye protection is recommended if you are prone to splashes or dust getting near your eyes.

    • Latex gloves will be available for those who prefer hand protection. If you have a latex allergy or prefer different disposable gloves, please bring gloves suitable for your needs.

    • Avoid eating, drinking, or touching your face while handling raw materials. Wash hands thoroughly after the session.

    If you have any respiratory conditions, pregnancy concerns, or other health issues that might be affected by dust or fumes, please inform me in advance so we can make appropriate accommodations.

  • The studio is on the ground floor with one shallow step at the entrance. Unfortunately, the toilet is downstairs and not easily accessible. Please let me know in advance about mobility needs; I will be happy to do my very best to adjust the workspace to welcome you.

    If you have sensory sensitivities, please let me know ahead of time so I can minimise distractions and adapt my teaching to suit you better.

  • I offer participants flexibility to rebook their workshop for another date/time with 72 hours notice.

    In case you need to cancel, I offer a full refund for cancellations made at least 14 days before the class and 50% refund for cancellations made between 72 hours and 14 days before the class. There are no refunds for cancellations within 72 hours of the class or for no-shows.

    If I need to cancel due to unforeseen circumstances, you will be offered a full refund or a rescheduled date.

    Please feel free to contact me by phone or email to inquire about rebookings or cancellations.