What is Hobby Ceramics about?

For the benefit of those who have not experienced the Hobby Ceramic classroom lets start with the basics.

Green-ware. This is the description given to an item that has been cast in a mould using liquid clay. Once the mould has been opened and the item removed it is allowed to further dry until safe to handle.

Fettling, better known as cleaning up, is the next stage on the way to creating your chosen piece of work. This, in simply terms, is the cleaning off of the marks that remain from the moulding. These marks are quite easily removed although a really steady hand is needed, as at this stage the work-piece is still fragile. Do not be to concerned if you break your first attempt. The lesson learned is part of the experience and everyone has "been there" at some time, even your teacher. Also at this stage you will be shown how to make good any loss of design on the surface.

Firing to Bisque. This task is usually undertaken by your studio and entails the work-piece being placed into a kiln. These are usually electrically heated and capable of temperatures in excess of 1100 degrees. Most studios will give a simple run-through of this procedure to give you an understanding of what happens in the kiln during firing. Suffice it to say at this stage that the work-piece will emerge now ready to be painted in whatever process you decide. Either to finish as a glazed piece, which will require further firing, or stains which are sometimes easier for the beginner to work with.

Well that is a very short summary of what is really an involved process, the problem parts mostly handled by your Studio. However as you gain confidence you will be led into a more "hands on" approach which allows you to totally understand the processes from start to finish. I have yet to meet anyone who does not get a buzz out of the whole procedure. The great feeling of the finished piece and the "I made that all on my own" smile that appears on the face. It is possible for everyone to enjoy that moment.

We have had many people who have fearfully attended that first class. Within a couple of hours the whole thing has taken on a different meaning. The whole classroom atmosphere is so friendly and they realise that all of the others have made that first step as well and are all prepared to make the new comer feel at ease. By the end of your first lesson you will almost certainly be hooked. If you have had that little accident and broken something you will be showered with stories from the others as to what happened to them when they first started. All in all you will be totally relaxed in your new found hobby and have made many friends as well.

If you doubt me and are close enough to get to our Studio then please be our guest for a lesson and then watch your doubts melt away.