Instructor: Ana Jahannes (She/they)

*At least some clay experience required for this class. If you are unsure, please email ana@vibeisbright.com to explain your experience level, classes taken, etc.

Welcome to the world of slipcasting! Slipcasting is a technique where you use a liquid form of clay and pour it into a plaster mold to help you create a hollow form. You can make simple functional objects like cups or bowls, as well as more complicated shapes that would be otherwise challenging to repeat by hand. Once you’ve made a mold you can use it endlessly! For those with wheelthrowing or handbuilding experience, slipcasting can be a brand new way of working with an already familiar material. It’s just clay a different way. There are a world of possibilities on its own, but you can also integrate it into your existing practice.

In this series, you’ll learn how to:

• Make a 1 part plaster mold

• Pour slip into molds and when to pour it out

• Troubleshoot your slip consistency for better results

• Set up your slipcasting workflow and station
  

Here’s a breakdown of the classes:

While some folks buy pre-made plaster molds, we’ll be making our own simple 1 part molds from a form that you bring in or make. On day 1 of class, we’ll go over the basics of slipcasting and moldmaking, discuss appropriate forms for a 1 part mold and you’ll have a chance to reevaluate your selection before we prep molds on day 2. On the third day, we’ll mix plaster and create our molds. The plaster will set over the next week so it’s ready for us to start using on day 4. We’ll pour slip into the molds on day 4 and you’ll get to witness the magic of slipcasting. You’ll have a chance to remove them from the molds, trim them and cast new forms on day 5. Slipcasting is a slow, time sensitive process, so we’ve structured the Saturday and Sunday sessions so that there’s hands on instruction with Ana (from 10-1 pm), followed by open studio time for you to continue working on your projects on your own.

Dates and times:

*Each 10a-4p day includes a ~1 hr break for lunch. There are places to pick up within walking distance, and we have a mini fridge and microwave available for use.

Friday, May 24  (5:30-7:30):  Overview, demonstrations

Saturday, May 25 (10a-4p): Prep making molds

Sunday, May 26 (10a-4p): Pour plaster, make 2 molds, learn about slip & troubleshooting

---- plaster molds dry ----

Saturday, June 1 (10a-4p): Day 1 of Slipcasting

Sunday, June 2 (10a-4p): Day 2 of Slipcasting

All materials, including plaster & slip, are included.

Bisque firing included with price of workshop. Pieces will be ready to pick up within 3 weeks of the final class.

If you would like to glaze & glaze fire your slipcasted pieces at Byrdie’s, we can coordinate a staff member to glaze them for you for $5/piece, or schedule a private 1.5hr glazing class for $45.

Student Pieces MUST be picked up within 4 weeks of when the teacher notifies them that they are ready for pickup. Unclaimed pieces will be considered “donated” to the Byrdie’s Shop!

WE DO NOT OFFER MAKEUP CLASSES, except for special circumstances. Please only sign up for this class if you can attend all of the dates in the session.

Current Covid Policy:
If someone in class tests positive, they must notify their teacher. We will then take appropriate action based on the current best practices to prevent the spread of COVID19. As of the date of this posting, if a student tests positive and the rest of the class has been exposed, then the positive student must follow current CDC guidelines and the rest of the students must have proof of a negative test result before returning to class.

Cancellation Policy:
Cancellations prior to 5 days before class start will receive a refund minus a 10% cancellation fee. Cancellations within 5 days before class start will receive a 50% refund. There are no refunds once the class has started.