Special14-dayGlazing & Surface

Two-week Ceramic Decoration Techniques with Clara Holt

Two weeks of ceramic decoration with Clara Holt — slips, underglazes, sgraffito and illustration techniques to develop your own decorative voice.

from €2,550See 1 available date

Two-week Ceramic Decoration Techniques with Clara Holt

Is this course right for you?

This course is suitable for participants of all levels of ceramic experience.

It is especially designed for individuals with a background or strong interest in illustration, helping them apply their drawing skills to ceramics. If you have an active practice in drawing, illustration, graphics, painting, or visual arts, we highly encourage you to apply.

If you do not have a background or regular practice in drawing, we recommend that you practise beforehand and arrive with a few drawings or designs you’d like to work with.

Dates & availability

16–29 May 2027

with Clara Holt · Studio 3 · €2,550

Available

View availability

About this course

This course is an in-depth two-week introduction to ceramic decoration techniques, focusing in particular on: sgraffito, oxide drawing under glaze, and maiolica over glaze.

The course alternates between theoretical explanations, demonstrations, and plenty of hands-on practice, including:

Decoration techniques on leather-hard greenware (unfired pieces):

Coloured slip painting, using stencils and wax resist
Sgraffito and its variations
Carving techniques and their variants (e.g. Mishima inlay)

Decoration techniques on bisqued pieces (once-fired):

Oxide drawing with underglaze colours, underglaze pencils, and oxides
Maiolica decoration over glaze using oxides and pigments

During the course, students will be provided with a variety of pieces to practice on:

Test tiles in various sizes
3 tumblers (approx. 12 cm) for sgraffito
2 larger pieces (approx. 20 cm) for sgraffito
3 small bisqued plates (approx. 20 cm) + 3 large bisqued plates for underglaze decoration
3 small bisqued plates + 3 large bisqued plates for maiolica decoration

The course places strong emphasis on the creative process, beginning with sources of inspiration and exploring how to find visual references and creative cues. We’ll discuss how to turn an idea into an illustration, how to choose the right decorative materials, and how to adapt your design to the form of the piece, aiming to create harmony between design, shape, and materials/colours.

Compared to the one-week decoration course, this longer version gives you the opportunity to explore each technique in greater depth, gaining a clearer technical understanding. You’ll also have the chance to develop a more substantial personal project during the second week.

Schedule of the week＋

This is an intensive learning week! Teaching is primarily group-based with moments of individual feedback built in. Please note this is not one-on-one tuition.

You will be in the studio from Monday at 09:00 through to approximately 17:00 on Friday afternoon. Studio time is a combination of teaching and non-teaching time. You can expect a typical day to look like this:

08:00 - Yoga in the courtyard (optional)

09:00 - 13:00 - Studio (teaching with a coffee/tea break at 10:30 in the courtyard)

13:00 - Shared lunch in the courtyard

14:00 - 16:30 - Free Studio Time - Afternoon studio hours are primarily self-directed practice, with your teacher available in the studio for guidance

19:00 - Dinners are a combination of eating at local restaurants, home restaurants, and in-house at the studio

Please note

Our program is carefully designed to balance teaching, practice, meals, and cultural experiences, and we do our best to follow the planned schedule. However, all times and activities are indicative and may shift with the season, the weather, or the needs of the group. Studio sessions, meals, and excursions may be adjusted, rescheduled, or substituted at our discretion. Flexibility is part of the Salemi Ceramics experience, and we believe these small changes often add to the richness of your time with us.

During the weekend, the studio will be closed. You will be free to organise your own weekend plans or participate in one of our optional weekend activities.

What you'll take home＋

Students will acquire a rich set of skills across various ceramic decoration techniques.

At the end of the course, students will be able to select which pieces they wish to keep, fire, and ship. The course fee includes glazing and firing of up to 2 test tiles and one small object (either a tumbler or another small piece) for each technique, for a total of 10 test tiles and 5 objects. Additional pieces can be glazed and fired for €25/kg.

Shipping costs are charged separately (we’ll provide you with a shipping fee document closer to the date)

What happens after you book

1
Book your date
Secure your spot on WeTravel with the deposit or the full amount.
2
Confirmation
Two confirmation emails arrive - one from WeTravel, one from us - plus a short form for your personal and travel details.
3
60 days before
If you paid a deposit, the balance is due now. Reminders come 7 days before, 3 days before and on the day.
4
30 days before
Your course info pack: arrival and departure details, course structure, useful tips, transfer and shipping costs.
5
10 days before
You'll be invited to the course WhatsApp group and receive the shipping address form. Then - see you in Salemi!

Common questions

Can I pay a deposit instead of the full amount?＋

Yes - paying the deposit confirms your place. The balance is due 60 days before the course starts, and you'll get automated reminders so nothing sneaks up on you.

What happens right after I book?＋

Two confirmation emails (WeTravel + Salemi Ceramics) and a short form for your personal and travel details. Everything else - info pack, WhatsApp group - follows automatically in the weeks before your course.

What if I need to cancel or change dates?＋

Contact us as early as possible and we'll look at options together. The full cancellation and transfer terms are in the Terms and Conditions.

Do I need to prove my skill level?＋

Beginner courses need no experience at all. Intermediate and advanced courses ask for a short self-assessment before booking, so we can make sure the course fits where you are.