Ceramic design is not just about making objects, it involves the various techniques and processes in making an object in clay. Surface design on clay is the first visual impact on an onlooker.

The World around us is bursting with beauty of nature, which has a way of calming the human mind and spirit. Creating and making objects by hand nurtures the heart and soul. Add to that, the beautiful surroundings of Micklems Farm, this makes for a unique experience.

No matter what material an object is made of, its visual appeal lies in its surface treatment. It leaves an impression while telling a story. Ceramics has its fair share of various surface design techniques, from bright colours to muted glazes, from hand painting to decal prints. The clay itself is often designed as a surface decoration.

As a professional Ceramic designer/maker, I have explored various surface  techniques. In my current collection I use intricate fine lines in minimalist monotone to develop Sgrafitto on the surface. Sgrafitto comes from Italian word “Sgraffiare” which means to scratch away the surface to reveal the base layer. This workshop is centred around exploring Sgrafitto beyond its traditional form. In a scenic location like Micklems Farm, inspiration can be drawn from the beautiful flowers and plants on the farm.

What’s covered:

• Introduction to the techniques and skills.

• Applying coloured slip on the base.

• A walk around the farm to take pictures or sketch inspiring plants, flowers.

• Developing the design on a tracing sheet or on paper.

• Transfer the design on the base of the pottery supplied.

• Sgrafitto.

• Your pieces will be taken away for firing in a kiln and will be returned to Micklems Farm for you to collect after the course.

• Included on the day:

  • All materials

  • Expert tuition

  • 1 to 1 guidance

  • Detailed demonstrations

  • A selection of tea, freshly brewed coffee, biscuits and delicious cakes. If you have any specific dietary requirements or allergies, please feel free to bring along your own provisions/milk alternatives etc.

  And of course you take your wonderful creations from the day. If you share any photographs of your day here and/or your finished work, we’d love to see them so please tag us @micklemsfarmcreativeworkshops or use the hashtag #micklemsfarmcreativeworkshops

  Terms – Fee is payable on booking. If, having booked, you can no longer attend, we are unable to offer a refund or transfer you to another workshop. However, you may nominate someone else to attend the workshop or class in your place by notifying us using the contact page on the Micklems Farm website. We reserve the right to cancel a workshop up to 48 hours prior to the workshop date. We will only cancel due to insufficient places sold and you will be refunded the full amount paid.

  Level: Beginner

  Number of students: 10

  Follow this link for booking and payment details https://www.micklemsfarm.com/workshops/ceramics-the-world-around-us