CIARA MORAN |BUILDING A CERAMIC MUG
online tutorial Summary
Join artist Ciara Moran, also known as The Wicklow Crafter, for a welcoming and practical course on hand-crafting your very own ceramic mug. This workshop is designed for absolute beginners, proving that you don't need a pottery wheel or a fancy studio to create beautiful, functional art. Ciara expertly guides you through the entire process, from rolling and cutting the clay to assembling and finishing your unique mug.
You will learn how to select the right type of clay and use simple, household items as effective pottery tools, making the craft accessible and affordable. The course emphasises a calm, methodical approach, ensuring you gain the confidence to build a robust mug that is both dishwasher and microwave safe. By the end, you will have not only a handmade mug to use every day but also the foundational skills to continue your ceramic journey at home.
Course Preview
Course FAQ
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The Fundamentals of Hand-Building a Mug: The essential process of constructing a durable, everyday mug from scratch, using the slab-building technique.
Selecting the Right Clay Body: How to choose a durable, mid-range stoneware or porcelain clay that is ideal for creating functional, food-safe mugs.
Preparing & Managing Your Clay: The proper and safe way to wedge, roll, and compress your clay to achieve an even slab, free of air pockets.
Constructing the Core Components: The method for cutting out and assembling the three key pieces of a mug: the body slab, the base, and the handle.
The Principle of Score & Slip: How to effectively score clay surfaces and apply slip, the "clay glue", to ensure your mug holds together firmly through drying and firing.
Refining the Final Form: Essential techniques for smoothing seams, shaping the handle, and refining the rim for a comfortable, professional-looking finish.
Studio Safety & Best Practices: Important guidelines for maintaining a clean workspace, properly handling tools, and managing clay dust to protect your health and your work.
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Clay: Stoneware clay, recommended for hand-building (e.g., Crank or White St. Thomas).
Glaze & Brush: A commercial brush-on glaze and a dedicated glaze brush.
Household Tools:
Rolling pin
Ruler, pencil, and paper (for templates)
Kitchen knife
Old paintbrush
Sponge
Two bowls (one for water)
Fork (for scoring)
An old credit card or loyalty card (as a rib)
Two 5-6mm thick guides (e.g., placemats, breadboards)
2 cylindrical objects : 1 small and 1 larger.
eg. Small cylinder could be a dowel or pencil. Larger cylinder could be the insert for a kitchen roll.Plastic bags
1 square meter of fabric or a plaster bat (as a work surface)
Scissors
sewing pin or needle
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Suitable for all levels.
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The course is composed of two videos, a combined total of 60 mins. Enjoy the benefit of being able to watch and follow along at your leisure for the duration of your access.
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What’s included in my purchase?
You’ll get unlimited access to this individual course, including all videos and supporting materials, for the full 3-month period.How does the 3-month access work?
This is a one-time payment that gives you access to the course for three months. There’s no automatic renewal - your access simply ends after the 3-month period.How do I access my course?
Once you’ve purchased the course, simply log in to your account at schoolhouseforart.com. Click on Account at the top right-hand side of the page, and your course will be available there.Can I extend my access after 3 months?
Yes! If you’d like continued access, you can purchase the course again at any time.What happens after 3 months?
Once the 3-month period is over, your access will expire. You won’t be charged again unless you choose to make another purchase.What if I only need access for a few weeks?
That’s fine. You’ll have access for the full 3 months, so you can move through the material at your own pace.Are refunds available?
We don’t offer refunds, but you’ll have access to the course for the full 3-month period you’ve paid for.Does this purchase give me access to other courses?
This purchase covers one individual course for 3 months. Other courses are available separately.Are there any technical requirements?
All you need is a stable internet connection and a modern web browser to enjoy the course.Can I share my access?
Course access is for individual use only and can’t be shared.Need help or having technical issues?
We’re happy to help. Just reach out to us at info@schoolhouseforart.com
METTE O’CONNOR | ANTICLASTIC RAISING
online tutorial Summary
Join master jeweller Mette O'Connor from Amok Jewellery for a fascinating introduction to the ancient art of anti-clastic raising. In this course, you will learn to transform a flat sheet of silver into a beautiful, three-dimensional flower pendant. Mette guides you through the entire process with a calm and encouraging approach, making this intricate metal-smithing technique accessible and enjoyable.
You will start by designing and cutting your unique floral shape, then discover the magic of shaping metal using hammers and specialised stakes. Mette emphasises an intuitive and organic process, teaching you how to "listen" to the metal as you create curves in two opposite directions. By the end of this workshop, you will have not only a unique piece of jewellery but also a foundational skill in a traditional craft, empowering you to create elegant, sculptural forms from metal.
Course Preview
Course FAQ
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Design & Layout: How to draw and transfer an organic, floral design onto a metal sheet using a marker and scribe.
Precision Cutting: The technique of using a jeweler's piercing saw to safely and accurately cut out your metal shape.
Preparing the Metal: How to file sharp edges for safety and comfort before the shaping process begins.
Adding Decorative Texture: How to use different hammers to create patterned textures on the flat metal before raising.
The Core Technique: Anti-Clastic Raising: The process of using hammers and stakes to create smooth, three-dimensional curves in two opposite directions.
Shaping & Forming: The methodology of starting with gentle curves and progressively working towards tighter, more dramatic shapes without buckling the metal.
Organic Design Refinement: How to twist and adjust the metal by hand and hammer to create a natural, flowing final form.
Finishing & Texturing: How to use a scouring pad to create a matte finish that provides contrast and highlights the form.
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Metal: A thin sheet of silver (0.5mm is ideal) or copper.
Design & Cutting Tools:
Permanent marker and a scribe (a very pointy needle/awl).
Jeweller's piercing saw and blades.
A jeweller's bench peg or a piece of wood to cut over.
Files for smoothing edges.
Shaping Tools:
A selection of hammers (e.g., a polished steel hammer for texturing, a plastic/rubber mallet, and a steel hammer for finer shaping).
Anti-clastic raising stakes (or any rounded, hard surface like specific anvils).
Finishing Touches:
An old scouring pad or sandpaper for adding texture.
(Optional) Drill and wire for assembling into a pendant.
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Suitable for all levels.
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The course is composed of one video, a total of 23 mins. Enjoy the benefit of being able to watch and follow along at your leisure for the duration of your access.
-
What’s included in my purchase?
You’ll get unlimited access to this individual course, including all videos and supporting materials, for the full 3-month period.How does the 3-month access work?
This is a one-time payment that gives you access to the course for three months. There’s no automatic renewal - your access simply ends after the 3-month period.How do I access my course?
Once you’ve purchased the course, simply log in to your account at schoolhouseforart.com. Click on Account at the top right-hand side of the page, and your course will be available there.Can I extend my access after 3 months?
Yes! If you’d like continued access, you can purchase the course again at any time.What happens after 3 months?
Once the 3-month period is over, your access will expire. You won’t be charged again unless you choose to make another purchase.What if I only need access for a few weeks?
That’s fine. You’ll have access for the full 3 months, so you can move through the material at your own pace.Are refunds available?
We don’t offer refunds, but you’ll have access to the course for the full 3-month period you’ve paid for.Does this purchase give me access to other courses?
This purchase covers one individual course for 3 months. Other courses are available separately.Are there any technical requirements?
All you need is a stable internet connection and a modern web browser to enjoy the course.Can I share my access?
Course access is for individual use only and can’t be shared.Need help or having technical issues?
We’re happy to help. Just reach out to us at info@schoolhouseforart.com