The two-day workshop focuses on constructing, assembling, and surfacing a hollow, structurally sound clay rabbit, with an emphasis on character and expression. Day one covers torso construction and assembly, while day two focuses on detailing and texture, and various painting techniques of the finished sculpture
Monday, September 21 &Tuesday, September 22, 11am - 6pm
Day 1: Construction, Engineering, & Trapped Air
Focus: Building a structurally sound, hollow animal form that will survive the kiln.
11:00AM – 11:30 light snacks and introductions
11:30 AM – 12:00 PM | Welcome & Clay Fundamentals
Briefing on clay dust safety and keeping a clean workspace.
Overview of the drying stages: slip, wet, leather-hard, bone-dry.
12:00 PM – 12:15 PM | The Physics of the Kiln
Why does thick or hollow unvented clay explode.
Establishing the "1/2-inch maximum thickness" rule for beginners.
12:15 PM – 2:00 PM | Crafting the Hollow Torso
Students create a hollow pinch-pot/ slab torso to serve as the animal’s body.
Creating all the body parts for assembly. 
Examining whether to build with slab, pinch pot techniques or solid
2:00 PM – 2:30 PM | Lunch Break
2:30 PM – 4:30 PM | Attachment & Assembly
Demonstrating the absolute necessity of the "Slip and Score" technique.
Students attach heads, legs, tails, or wings.
Reinforcing seams with tiny clay coils to prevent structural separation.
4:30 PM –5:45 PM | The Critical Venting Step & Maker's Marks
Every student will pierce a hidden air-escape path into every hollow chamber.
Carving deep, legible signatures on the flat bottom of each piece.
5:45 PM – 6:00 PM | Storing & Clean-up
Wrapping pieces tightly in plastic to keep them leather-hard for Day 2.
Wiping down tables with wet sponges to prevent dry clay dust.
Day 2: Expression, Texture, & Surface Finishes
Focus: Refining features, adding texture, painting, and prepping for the eventual fire.
11:00AM – 11:30 light snacks
11:30 AM – 1:00 PM | Sculpting Facial Features
Demonstrating simple techniques for beginner-friendly eyes, ears, and accessories.
Students refine the character and expression of their animals.
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM | Creating Texture & Surface Depth
Using household items and carving loops to simulate fur.
Smoothing out unwanted fingerprints with a damp sponge or soft brush.
2:00 PM – 2:30 PM | Lunch Break
2:30 PM – 4:30 PM | Finalizing surfaces and expressions 
Creating facial expressions.
Gestures with leg, arm and facial movement.
4:30 PM – 5:30 PM | Underglaze Painting, Oxide Rubs, Acrylic paint
Underglaze application onto greenware.
Oxides and stains on bisqueware.
Discussing Demo.
Acrylic dry brush and spray techniques.
5:30 PM – 5:45 PM | Final Quality Control Check
Instructor inspects all 10 finished pieces for hidden air pockets or blocked vent holes.
Moving projects carefully to the designated slow-drying shelf.
5:45 PM – 6:00 PM | Final Wrap-Up
Explanation of the post-workshop firing timeline (drying, bisque fire, clear coat, glaze fire).
Coordinate with Stormie for pick-up dates for your finished masterpiece.