Vases for flowers- two day course

This special two part workshop will be run by both Fiona and Chris, and is scheduled on two consecutive Saturdays:

January 24th 11-4.30 (with lunch break)

January 31st 11-4.30  (with lunch break)

We will focus on two different ways to make and decorate unique vases for flowers: both wheel thrown and coil built. Whether for live or artificial flowers or decorative dried twigs, you can design and make your own individual vessels to display them. Its suitable for both beginners and those with prior experience who might want to refine their skills or make something more ambitious. 

Day One 

At the start we will talk a little about what kind of pieces you want to make, show you some examples and help you set out a rough plan/design to aim for. These may be very simple forms or more complex. We will demonstrate both wheel throwing and coil building, then you will be able to switch between the two techniques throughout the day, gradually adding height to your coiled vase and finishing the form by the end of the day. While waiting for your pots to dry at intervals, you will be able to switch over to the wheel and make a smaller/different versions.   Throwing obviously lends itself to symmetrical/rounded forms, but you may also like to alter your thrown vessel to make it asymmetrical,  make it from composite pieces, or add different elements to it such as handles (this would be on day two). 

Coil building is an ideal process to make one off pieces, which can be very organic and asymmetrical or also minimal and simple. 

Day Two

We will introduce you to refining your vases: these will be slightly drier and firmed up, the consistency required for the next stage. Thrown pots will be trimmed on the wheel, and any handles etc added then or composite pieces attached together. Coil pots will be refined by hand using a range of small tools. 

Once the pots are refined, we will allow plenty of time to decorate them using coloured slips and potentially build up textured surfaces. We also have coloured glazes, so you may choose to have some of them glazed instead of applying slip. All the pieces will be fired and glazed for you ready to collect a few weeks after the course. 

£190 per person, with a strictly limited number of 5 places. This is inclusive of materials, preparation, firings and glazing.