Slip Casting 101: Pour, Clean and Glaze

MakerSpace Charlotte

1003 Louise Ave, Suite A

Charlotte, NC 28205

3-Class Beginner Series

This beginner-friendly, three-class series introduces students to the slip casting process using one plaster mold and standard studio slip. Classes are scheduled to follow the natural drying and firing timeline, ensuring strong, well-finished ceramic pieces.
Dates

Friday, March 13th, Saturday, March 14th and Saturday, March 21st.

Friday 7pm Saturdays at 2pm.

MUST attend both first Friday and Saturday to pour and unmold.

• Class 1 (Pouring): Day 1

• Class 2 (Cleaning): Day 2 (the day after pouring)

• Class 3 (Glazing): Approximately 1 week after Class 1

• Pickup: Finished pieces ready about 1 week after glazing

You MUST be able to attend the back to back classes to pour and unmold the ceramics. IF you are not able to come to all classes at this time, please register for another session. It is necessary to learn pouring, timing and cleaning in the first two classes.

• Introduction to slip casting and plaster molds

• Understanding slip and wall thickness

• Proper pouring and draining techniques

• Mold handling and care

📦 Pieces remain at the studio overnight to set and firm up

• Releasing pieces from the mold

• Cleaning seam lines and smoothing edges

• Refining rims and details

• Preparing greenware for firing

🔥 Pieces are bisque fired by the studio after this class

• Glaze safety and studio procedures

• Glaze application on slip-cast forms

• Dipping, brushing, and pouring techniques

• Final surface decisions

🎨 Pieces remain at the studio for glaze firing

• Use of one plaster slip mold

• Studio-provided standard casting slip (no colored slip)

• All tools and materials

• Bisque firing and glaze firing included

• Studio glazes

• Total Classes: 3

• Time: 2.5–3 hours per class

• Skill Level: Beginner-friendly

• Age Requirement: 16+

• Take Home: 1 finished ceramic piece

Please wear appropriate clothing for getting clay on.

Refund Policy:

• Transfers to another class follow the same refund rules as your original date.
• 14+ days before the first class: Full refund.
• 7–13 days before the first class: Refund minus a 50% administrative fee.
• Fewer than 7 days before the first class: No refunds.
• Seat transfer: If you find a replacement who pays for and takes your seat before the first class begins, you are eligible for a full refund.

To cancel or request a transfer, please email [email protected]. For general questions, you’re welcome to visit MakerSpaceCharlotte on Wednesdays at 6:30 PM. For urgent, time-sensitive issues with your reservation, contact Steve at (704) 353-3300.

Pottery pieces not picked up after 30 days will be discarded.

Class may be canceled due to low enrollment in which case a full refund will be issued.
Cancellation Policy:

MakerSpace reserves the right to cancel any class with insufficient enrollment. If a class is canceled by MakerSpace, fees are 100% refundable.

About the Instructor:

"Transforming Simple Bisque into Works of Heart"

Hi, I’m E’Marie, and clay has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. I started out working with greenware alongside my mom, eventually learning the art of slip casting — and I’ve been hooked ever since!

In my classes, we don’t just paint bisque… we play with it. I love teaching beginners how to use underglaze to make bold, bright designs and experimenting with glaze combinations that turn a simple piece into a mini masterpiece.

My style is hands-on, friendly, and totally beginner-approved — no pressure, just lots of color and creativity. I also bring years of experience teaching in professional and university settings, which means I know how to guide you step by step while keeping things light and fun.

When I’m not teaching, I’m hunting for quirky, unique molds and dreaming up fresh ways to mix colors. Whether you’re painting your first mug or your tenth, I’ll help you create something that feels like you.

Let’s make something amazing together — and have a lot of fun doing it!

Want more? View our complete schedule over on MakerSpaceCharlotte.org to see what other classes are available!

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