Level 1: Glaze: 5 week Course - The Basics

Sorry you are too late, this event has been and gone!

This course is designed for those who have some experience making pottery who are interested in furthering their ceramic knowledge by learning the basics of glaze mixing and glaze chemistry.

About Level 1: Glaze: 5 week Course - The Basics

Listed Under Workshops Events / Arts and Crafts Events

This course focuses on establishing a good understanding of what glaze is, and the components that make glazes work, as well as the processes for mixing and testing batches of glaze for personal use.

Participants in this course will learn about a variety of raw materials used in the ceramic industry as they work individually and in groups to test the effects of various materials on selected glaze recipes. Participants will learn the process of volumetric blending to achieve desired glaze results. At the end of this course each participant will have made a small batch of their own unique glaze to use on their work.

Course Schedule:

16th April - 14th May 5-8pm with Brandon Pena
5th June - 3rd July 4-7pm with Brandon Pena

This course will run for a duration of 5 consecutive weeks in 3 hour sessions. Due to the rolling developmental nature of this course it is expected that participants attend each session as we will be firing and analysing test samples on a weekly basis. The test results will ultimately drive the course. The 6 week schedule will run as follows.

Week 1: Introduction to Glaze Development, Preparing Test Materials.

This week we will discuss glazes, glaze testing, and what to look for in a ceramic glaze. We will talk about setting up and designing tests to best achieve a desired result in glaze development. And we will be using clay to make and prepare testing materials and supports. To be used for the duration of the course.

Demonstration and Objective: Making slab test tiles.

Week 2: Batch Mixing and line blends

This week we will briefly discuss raw materials and the roles they play in forming the glaze surface, along with a discussion on safety when working with raw materials. Participants will learn how to safely and effectively mix a small batch of glaze for testing. Each participant will mix a test batch of glaze from a given recipe. Participants will learn about measuring specific gravity to ensure glaze accuracy, and will test their glaze mixtures by dipping test tiles for various amounts of time to see what the glaze will look like when applied thick or thin. With any leftover glaze material participants will pick a partner to do a line blend with their glaze mixtures to see if and how a glaze surface changes by changing the recipe’s contents.

Demonstration & Objective: Batch mixing, volumetric blending (line blend)

Week 3: Glaze Analysis, and Making pots for final glaze

This week we will be looking at the fired results of the base glazes from the previous week and using the results to select an area of focus moving forward into our glaze development. Participants can choose to work either from the original glaze recipe, or they can choose a focus area from the line blends. If selecting a glaze from the line blends participants will calculate the new glaze recipe prior to mixing their batch. After batches are mixed and new test tiles are dipped, the remainder of time will be given to make small bowls or cups to glaze for their final project.

Demonstration & Objective: Calculating a glaze from known recipes.

Week 4: Glaze Analysis, Quadraxial blends, Oxides and Opacifiers

This week we will be looking at the fired results from week 3 to ensure that our base glazes are suitable for use, and we will be diving into the world of colour, and surface by adding oxides, stains, and opacifiers to our glazes. Using a quadraxial blend, participants will select 4 colourants to add to their glaze recipe, and they will mix 4 small batches for each colourant. Using volumetric blending participants will create a colourful grid displaying how the oxides interact with the glaze and with each other. If time, participants will trim or fettle their work from the previous week.

Demonstration & Objective: Batch mixing, large scale volumetric blends.

Week 5: Final Analysis, Batch Mixing and Glazing.

This week will be the most exciting as we will be looking at the final results of our quadraxial blends and selecting one glaze to mix in a larger batch for participants to use as they please. Participants will use their glaze for the small pots made in the weeks prior. Participants are encouraged to discuss glaze results and exchange glaze recipes.

Whats Included:

All materials, including clay and tools.

Expert guidance from experienced tutors.

Suggested Follow up Courses:

Hand-Building: 7 Week Course - Level 1 (Sculpture)

Pottery Wheel: 5 Week Course - Level 1 (The Basics)

Pottery Wheel: 5 Week Course - Level 1 (Bowls)

Pottery Wheel: 5 Week Course - Level 1 (Mugs)

Where possible we will update our listings to notify of cancelled, postponed and rescheduled events, however we STRONGLY ADVISE that you check with the venue/organiser in the first instance for updates.

All information (whether in text or photographs) is supplied in good faith but should not be relied upon as being a statement of representation or fact.

GOT AN EVENT TO SHARE? It's free to post your events on What's On Glasgow, click here to find out more!

Want to be the first to hear about what's happening in Glasgow? Just hit 'Like' on our Facebook page, join the What's On Scotland Facebook Group and 'Follow' on our Twitter account and you're all set!

Similar events you might like...

All The Young Nudes

Selected dates between 13th January 2025 - 24th November 2025

Sloans Bar & Restaurant, Glasgow City Centre

All The Young Nudes, the longest running life drawing club in Scotland, is held weekly on Monday evenings at Sloans!

Soya Candle Making Workshop

Selected dates between 16th February 2025 - 22nd June 2025

Braw Wee Craft Club, Glasgow City Centre

Unleash your creativity and learn the art of candle making at Braw Wee Craft Club's Soy Candle Workshop!

Jesmonite Bum Pot Workshop

Selected dates between 22nd February 2025 - 21st June 2025

Braw Wee Craft Club, Glasgow City Centre

Join Braw Wee Craft Club for their Jesmonite Workshop and you'll go home with a couple of coasters or tea light holders and your own Bum Pot!

BRSHES: Mini Clay Magnet Workshop

Selected dates between 23rd March 2025 - 6th July 2025

BRSHES, Glasgow City Centre

Discover the fun of crafting with polymer clay in this hands-on Mini Clay Fridge Magnet Workshop at BRSHES!

Ukulele Classes For Wee Fingers

Selected dates between 24th March 2025 - 1st March 2026

Amplify Academy of Music, Glasgow South Side

Looking for the perfect way to introduce your child to music? Amplify's fun and engaging ukulele classes are designed just for 5 to 8-year-olds—the perfect stepping stone into music education!

Adult Music Workshops

Selected dates between 24th March 2025 - 1st March 2026

Amplify Academy of Music, Glasgow South Side

Always wanted to play an instrument? Now's your chance! Join Amplify Music Academy for their relaxed, one-hour daytime group lessons for adults!

BRSHES: Intro To Eco Resin

Selected dates between 6th April 2025 - 27th July 2025

BRSHES, Glasgow City Centre

Discover the magic of working with Eco resin, a sustainable, eco-friendly alternative to traditional resin, in this hands on workshop at BRSHES!

BRSHES: Love Heart Decoden Cream Charm Box Workshop

Selected dates between 20th April 2025 - 13th July 2025

BRSHES, Glasgow City Centre

In this fun, hands-on workshop at BRSHES, you'll use Decoden cream glue to decorate a loveheart-shaped box with adorable charms, gems, and other cute embellishments.