Glaze with Confidence
A fantastic new short course on glazing techniques with ceramicist and author Louisa Taylor.
Across three sessions this course covers creative approaches to glazing, understanding glaze application techniques and how to exploit glaze traits.
Brighton-based Louisa Taylor specialises in glaze theory and thrown porcelain tableware. She gained a BA (Hons) degree in Ceramics from Bath Spa University, followed by a Master’s from the Royal College of Art, London. Her work is held in private and public collections across the UK, and she has received numerous design awards and accolades.
Alongside her studio practice, Louisa lectures in ceramics at the University of Brighton and is the author of several books, including The Ceramics Bible (2011, and revised edition 2022), Ceramics Masterclass (2020), Glazes for the Contemporary Maker (2023), and Glaze Inspirations (2026).
Main learning aims
- Creative approaches to glaze development: onglaze/underglaze decoration, stencils, mono-printing, resists, layering. Contrasts between glaze characteristics and how to exploit glaze traits.
- Understanding different glaze application techniques, how to glaze a different colour inside/outside
- Preparing the bisque and firing considerations
Session One
Glaze introduction and how to develop a creative identity with glaze. An overview of Louisa’s practice and how she develops her glaze colours.
Practical Exercise: Capturing the sensitive qualities of a feather using glaze pencils and oxides on bisque tiles.
Session Two
An introduction outlining different approaches to glaze application. Group discussion.
Practical Exercise: Creative decoration methods using resists, stencils and mono-printing on bisque tiles. Slip trailing glazes into a pattern.
Session Three
Overview of colour theory and how to build a glaze/colour palette. We will review the studio glazes, pair colours together and look at the use of matt glazes and shiny glazes. How to get contrasts and exploit textures within work. Bisque and firing considerations. Louisa will demonstrate the main glaze application methods and how to glaze awkward work.
Practical Exercise: Students glaze their own pots using above methods, incorporating techniques covered in the previous sessions (stencils, wax/latex, mono-printing, etc.).
What to bring
Students will need to bring 4-6 pieces of bisqued work, ideally pots. A notepad and paper and apron are beneficial.