Ever wondered why some ceramic pieces crack, warp, or even melt in the kiln? Or why certain glazes turn out beautifully while others disappoint? This is your chance to ask us directly! In this 2-hour introductory theory-practice workshop, we’ll explore how clay and glazes behave during the different stages of firing, and the risks that come with it. You’ll gain a clear, beginner-friendly understanding of how to make safer, more successful choices in your ceramic work, helping you avoid common pitfalls and achieve the results you’re aiming for.
 
You’ll leave with a solid foundation in ceramic safety and glaze compatibility, without needing to touch a kiln. (All kiln operations are handled by our studio team.)
 
 
🧠 What You’ll Learn:
Test Tiles & Safety Tips: Why testing matters, how to use bisque tiles, and how to protect your work (and our kilns) from glaze mishaps.
Glaze Application Basics: Overview of brushing, dipping, pouring, spraying, and sponging—plus how to avoid common pitfalls.
Glaze Risks: How mismatched glazes can cause defects like crazing, shivering, or even kiln damage.
You’ll also explore many other fascinating and practical topics, like why Cone 6 isn’t the same as Cone 06, how to choose glazes that are both beautiful and food-safe, and how witness cones help ensure accurate kiln firings, all designed to help you make safer, more successful ceramic pieces.
 
 
🎨 Hands-On Demonstration:
To complement the theory, we’ll offer a short live demonstration on how to dip a bisque-fired ceramic piece using our studio glazes. Each participant will be invited to glaze one piece during the session, an opportunity to apply what you’ve learned in a safe, guided setting. The piece is yours to keep.
 
 
⏰ Duration: 2 hours (one class)
      Date and time: Select one of the following classes from the dropdown menu:
 
🚫 What’s Not Included:
This is mostly a theory-focused session. It does not cover kiln loading, programming, or firing operations. Our trained studio team handles all kiln-related tasks to ensure safety and consistency.
 
 
👥 Who Should Attend
Ages 16+

This workshop is ideal for new students, hobbyists, or anyone curious about the ceramic process who wants to feel more confident before glazing their first piece. No prior glazing experience is needed, just bring your curiosity and a notebook! We’ll provide a PDF with all the key notes so you can revisit what you’ve learned anytime.
 
It’s also highly recommended for anyone interested in becoming a member of Tour Potier Studio Céramique, enjoying open studio hours, or renting our kilns for home-created work. Understanding the risks and responsibilities around glazing and firing is essential before using shared studio equipment, and this workshop is the perfect starting point.
 
 
Other Workshop Details:
Pieces ready for pickup: 3 weeks later.
Cleanup starts: 15 minutes before class ends.
Ages: This workshop is open to participants who are 16+
 
* A private workshop is also available from Tuesdays to Fridays.
🌐 All our workshops are bilingual, in English and French!
 
 
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