Ceramics Beginners Course

Day 1 : Types of ceramics & Pinching / Wheel Basics

Theory (1 hrs):

• Introduction to ceramic traditions worldwide

• Earthenware vs. Stoneware vs. Porcelain vs. Terracotta
  
  

Practical (2 hrs):

• Clay preparation: wedging & moisture control

• Pinching technique: creating small functional forms

• Wheel intro: centering clay and pulling cylinders (guided trials)

Day 2 : Color & Form – From Clay to Glaze

Theory (1 hrs):

• Introduction to color in ceramics:

• Clay body coloration vs. slip/underglaze vs. glaze

• Oxide pigments (cobalt, copper, iron)

• Firing methods that influence color outcomes (oxidation, reduction)
  
  

Practical (2 hrs):

• Coiling technique: building medium vessels

• Wheel practice: reinforcing centering and wall pulling

Day 3 : Pottery Communities & Forming Techniques

Theory (1 hrs):

• Egypt’s traditional pottery communities.

• Materials used, products made, techniques, historical roots.

• Link between geography and pottery style
  
  

Practical (2 hrs):

• Slab building: forming simple boxes or plates or tiles

• Trimming and smoothing techniques for leather-hard pieces

 Day 4 : Glazing & Japanese Village Model

Theory (1 hrs):

• What is glaze? Components, application techniques

• The role of community ceramics in Japan (Onta Yaki - Traditional Japanese Art)
  
  

Practical (2 hrs):

• Applying color (slip painting, oxide staining)

• Simple glaze application (brushing or dipping) on bisque or demo pieces

Day 5 : Kilns, Firing, and Reflection

Theory (1.5 hrs):

• Types of kilns: electric, gas, wood, pit

• Firing stages: bisque, glaze firing

• Safety basics, firing schedules, and temperature ranges

• Group reflection: What we learned & future steps
  
  

Practical (1.5 hrs):

• Kiln loading demo or observation

• Final group discussion: each participant presents their favorite piece and takeaway

• Feedback session & documentation (photos of work)

Materials Provided

• Local earthenware clay

• Basic underglazes and transparent glaze

• Shared pottery wheels (guided rotation)

• Hand tools for pinching, coiling, trimming, decorating

• Basic safety materials