Members only Workshops Fall

MEMBERS ONLY WORKSHOPS

FALL 2024
We are excited for our new Fall workshops! We have a few repeats from this winter and spring, if you missed it this is your chance. We also have brand new and exciting workshops.
Here is a reminder of how registration for these workshops work. Once registration opens, members will list choices in priority order through the “Sign Up” link below. Once submitted you will be enrolled in 1st choice workshop (unless it is already full) and your name will be placed on the waitlist for the rest of your choices. We don’t anticipate workshops filling up completely so don’t be afraid of the waitlist. A confirmation email, listing workshops you are registered for will be sent to you. Please sign up only once. Multiple submissions become confusing making it hard to keep track of. If you have a change please email teambhc@blossomhillcrafts.com instead. BHC will email the waitlist members 2 week prior to workshops if space is still available. Walk-ins the day of will also be welcome depending on available space.

This season some of our workshops will require a material fee - If a material fee is required for a workshop it must be paid before your spot is guaranteed. Please pay it as soon as possible so you don’t loose out to a waitlist member.

Read on for workshop details.

SEPTEMBER

Burnishing & Terra Sig
Highly recommended if you plan to Saggar, Raku, or apply Mica/Horsehair to your pots. Terra sigillata is special clay slip that will give a soft sheen when applied to greenware pots and, if burnished, a high gloss finished look. This application will give your Mica or Horse Hair Raku pot a more refined look. Join Vasudha to learn about terra sigillata, how to apply it, and burnish your pots. You will trim your pots during the workshop so make sure you throw a few pots 1-7 days before to workshop.
Requirements: Bring 2-4 untrimmed pots. Choose a groggy clay if you plan to run it through the raku, mica, or horsehair process.
Date: Saturday, September 14th
Time: 2pm - 4pm

All About Ribs
This workshop will talk about all the different ribs available. You will learn how to hold them, compress with them, and which one to use for different applications. Greg will also demo a two rib method.
Requirements: Must be able to throw unassisted
Date: Friday, September 20th
Time: 12:30pm - 3pm

Glaze Science with Luc!
What exactly goes into a glaze, and why do we use them? What is a celadon, and why? Why do I sometimes get pinholes or weird textures in my finished pieces? Get answers to all your burning glaze questions and learn the basics of glaze chemistry in a lecture style discussion with our resident glaze expert, Luc! This workshop will cover the basics of glaze types (glossy vs matte), the main colorants we use (iron, copper, cobalt, chrome, etc.), as well as the identifying features of certain glazes across cone 10 and 5/6. Knowing ceramic chemistry, we can often predict how different glaze combinations will work with each other and know where to start troubleshooting when our pieces don’t come out as we expect. 80 minutes lecture, 40 minutes Q&A.
Date: Saturday, September 21st
Time: 2pm - 4pm

Bring a Friend Event (You and 1 adult friend or family member)
Bring a friend or family member to see what you do in the studio and try their hand at throwing. We will have a short demo at the beginning and a few teachers to help you teach our awesome craft of pottery.
Date: Friday, September 27th
Time: 6:30 - 8:30pm

FULL	See November 8th for next event

Sculptural Knobs, Handles, and Attachments
Get inspired with Caryn and take your work to the next level with sculptural knobs, handles, and add-ons. This workshop will look at example work and discuss techniques, tools, aesthetics/balance, and how to ensure your add-ons will have a sturdy attachment. Students should bring at least 2 trimmed leather hard pots (either thrown or handbuilt) ready for attachments. Consider bringing one pot with a lid to attach a thrown knob. Optional Tool to bring: Rubber tipped Clay Sharpener tool
Requirements: 1-2 trimmed leatherhard pots
Date: Saturday, September 28th
Time: 2pm - 5pm

OCTOBER

Gold Luster
Learn how to safely apply luster to your pottery. Bring 3-5 small finished glazed pots. The final look of your luster will be determined by the glaze you use. Matte glazes will give you a matte luster and glossy glazes will make the luster shiny. This will work on Mid or High fire glazed pottery. Gold Luster kits are not included.
Requirements: Luster will not be provided. We sell luster kits through our website. Kits purchased through BHC we will be available the morning of the workshop. Bring 2-3 finished glaze fired pots and gold luster. Optional: N95 Vapor mask (BHC will provide clean respirator masks if you don't have your own)
Date: Sunday, October 6th
Time: 10am - 12pm

Pumpkin Event (no reservation needed)
Celebrate Fall with the studio. Join us to make a small handbuilt pumpkin cute enough to display from Halloween through Thanksgiving.
Date: Friday, October 11th
Time: 6:30pm - 8:30pm

Mini Vase People
Paint Whimsical looking people on mini vases with underglaze. A cylinder to paint will be provided but you are welcome to make and bring your own.
Requirements: Optional: Students can bring brushes and greenware cylinders 1-2" wide x 3-6" tall made from a light colored clay
Date: Sunday, October 13th
Time: 10am - 12pm

Trimming the Day Away
Have your pots been coming out from the bisque with cracked bottoms? Trim to perfection with Greg and learn about different trimming tools, how to remove weight, & trim an aesthetically pleasing foot rim to the correct thickness.
Date: Friday, October 18th
Time: 12:30pm - 3pm

Saggar Firing
Saggar firing is an alternative final firing method in which bisqueware is fired inside another container. This workshop will teach you what materials will create which effects. You will enclose your pot and chosen materials in aluminum foil and we will fire it. An optional Saggar Pickup Party will be held where you will collect your pot and discuss the finished pots made by you and others. Recommend also attending the Burnishing & Terra Sig workshop in September.
Requirements: 1 Bisque fired pot no larger than 6"Wx6"Dx12"H
Date: Saturday, October 19th
Time: 10am - 11:30am

Demystifying Slips, Underglazes and Oxides (Oh my!)
Confused about slips, oxides and underglazes? You have questions, we have answers! This workshop will cover the basics such as when to apply, how to apply, and the pros and cons of each medium. Workshop will include a lecture, PLUS time for hand-on experimenting. BHC will provide test tiles for you to practice techniques.
Date: Sunday, October 20th
Time: 6-9pm

Mica & Horsehair
Bring 2 bisqueware pot free of glaze. We will provide the horsehair and mica. If you want, you can bring small feathers to place on your pot. Here is more info on horsehair raku:
https://www.thesprucecrafts.com/horse-hair-pottery-2745844.
Here is a video about mica raku: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1siu0uANdMg.
We recommend attending the Burnishing & Terra Sig workshop in September.
Requirements: 2 Bisque fired pots made with 4lbs (each) or less from a groggy clay
Date: Saturday, October 26th
Time: 10am - 1pm

NOVEMBER

Saggar Pickup Party
Optional Event - Come pickup your beauties and discuss finished Saggar pots
Date: Saturday, November 2nd
Time: 11am

Illuminating Clay: Wheel-thrown table lamp
Use your pottery skills to create a beautiful and functional electric lamp! We will discuss artistic and practical considerations for throwing and finishing the lamp base, how to attach lamp hardware, and selection and sizing of lampshades. BHC will provide each participant with lamp hardware. Lampshade not included. (We recommend you purchase the shade AFTER you build the lamp base)
Requirements: Lamp hardware fee $17, you will be sent a payment link upon workshop confirmation. Your spot will be guaranteed upon payment. Intermediate skills. Must be able to throw 8-inch cylinder.
Date: Monday, November 4th
Time: 10am - 1pm

Bring a Friend Event (You and 1 adult friend or family member)
Bring a friend or family member to see what you do in the studio and try their hand at throwing. We will have a short demo at the beginning and a few teachers to help you teach our awesome craft of pottery.
Date: Friday, November 8th
Time: 6:30 - 8:30pm

RSVP for this event

Big Bowls
Tips and tricks on how to throw a large 10 lbs bowl. This workshop is for members that have already thrown large but want to learn how to get more out of their clay.
Requirements: Must be able to center 10 lbs of clay
Date: Friday, November 15th
Time: 12:30pm - 3pm

DECEMBER

Going Larger with Porcelain
Learn how to get more height with a larger piece of porcelain. 6lbs of Cone 5 porcelain will be provided. You are welcome to purchase a bag of porcelain from the BHC store and bring it to the workshop. Don't want to be stuck with a whole bag? Split the cost with a friend or two (or four).
Requirements: Porcelain fee $10/6lbs, you will be sent a payment link upon workshop confirmation. Must have already worked with porcelain and be able to throw unassisted
Date: Friday, December 6th
Time: 12:30pm - 3pm

Cookie Exchange
Swap the clay for sugar! Come to our first Studio Cookie Exchange. We will provide milk, tea, & coffee. Bring your favorite cookie/bar, the recipe ingredients (for allergy purposes), and a container to take cookies home in. You will need to bake enough cookies for tasting as well as sharing. Please RSVP so participants bring enough cookies.
Date: Saturday, December 7th
Time: 1pm

RSVP for this event

Glazing Without Fear
Learn the basics of glaze chemistry plus practical tips that will set you up for glazing success! Workshop will review glaze application techniques including dipping, pouring, spraying and brushing. We will explore different resists methods such as wax, latex and vinyl. Common questions surrounding “food safety”, durability, and vitrification will be covered. This workshop will include lecture, demonstration, and plenty of time for hands-on glazing! Bring your own bisque-fired pieces to glaze, or use test tiles (BHC to provide) to experiment!
Date: Sunday, December 8th
Time: 6-9pm