Explore experimental approaches to colour, texture, and surface design whilst creating a unique set of ceramic tiles.

  • Create and decorate your own ceramic pieces.
  • Explore different techniques for customising your tiles such as wax resist and embossing.
  • Develop a deeper understanding of ceramics to inspire future projects.

Explore experimental approaches to colour, texture, and surface design in this hands-on Ceramic Surface workshop. Working with stoneware and porcelain tiles, plaster moulds, and slip-casting techniques, you’ll create a series of tiles and investigate a range of processes for creating expressive ceramic surfaces through play, experimentation, and material exploration.

During the workshop you’ll explore:

  • Resist and embossed surfaces: Experiment with wax resist and embossing methods to create layered patterns, depth, and texture.
  • Dusting and printing techniques: Use oxides and ceramic stains to produce subtle tonal effects and transferred imagery.
  • Mono-printing with decorative slips and underglaze colours: Create painterly, one-off surface designs using slips and underglazes with spontaneity and movement.
  • Mark making with underglaze chalks: Draw directly onto surfaces using underglaze chalks to explore line, gesture, and personal expression.

By the end of the workshop, you’ll have developed a deeper understanding of ceramic surface techniques and created a collection of unique pieces to inspire future projects. Your work will be glazed and kiln-fired for you, ready for collection approximately three to four weeks later.

Suitable for all levels, this workshop encourages an open-ended approach to making while helping you build confidence with decorative ceramic techniques.

Overview

This course will take place at Locksbrook Campus, Bath, BA1 3EL.

The next course takes place Thursday 11 June, 10am – 2pm.

This course costs £125 per person. All materials, tools and equipment are included. This also includes the cost of firing your work made throughout the session.

Please bring along an apron or wear clothing you don’t mind being dirty and covered in clay.

Meet the team

Louise Blois is a ceramic artist inspired by her enduring fascination for the natural world and how to capture it creatively. This curiosity began when studying Ceramics at Camberwell School of Art, London and completing her master’s degree at University of Wales, Cardiff.

Louise has worked at BSU as Technical Demonstrator in Ceramics since April 2023 and is also the co-founder of Clay Shed studio in Bristol, a centre for ceramics practice founded in 2019.

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Terms and conditions

Read the terms and conditions for taking part in this short course.

Contact us

For more information about the course please email your enquiries to shortcourses@bathspa.ac.uk .

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