Special7-dayMixed Techniques

Wheel Throwing and Crystallized Glazes with José María Mariscal

Throw on the wheel and grow crystalline glazes with José María Mariscal — glaze chemistry, kiln curves and dazzling surfaces.

from €1,600See dates & waitlist

Wheel Throwing and Crystallized Glazes with José María Mariscal

Is this course right for you?

This course is ideal if:

You can confidently and consistently centre and throw pieces over 2 kg, with the fundamental movements of wheel throwing already established as muscle memory.
You're a ceramics student or practising ceramicist with regular wheel throwing experience and would like to refine your technique under the guidance of an internationally recognised master ceramicist.
You already have a basic understanding of glazes and would like to learn more about the chemistry, firing process, and application of crystalline glazes.

You don't need any previous experience with crystalline glazes. However, if you already have a basic understanding of glaze materials and processes, you'll gain even more from the technical and experimental aspects of the course.

Please note that this isn't a beginner wheel throwing course. To get the most out of the week, you should already feel comfortable and consistent on the wheel. If you have limited throwing experience, you may find it challenging to keep pace with the demonstrations and practical exercises.

Dates & availability

24–30 Oct 2027

with José María Mariscal · Studio 3 · €1,600

Sold out

Join waitlist

About this course

This course is designed for ceramics students and professional ceramicists who want to deepen their wheel throwing practice while exploring the fascinating world of crystalline glazes. It's suitable if you're already comfortable at an intermediate wheel throwing level and are ready to spend an intensive week focused on technique, learning, and experimentation.

During the course, you'll refine your wheel throwing skills while learning to create forms that are best suited to crystalline glazes. You'll practice making glaze catchers and pedestals, and gain a solid understanding of the entire crystalline glazing process, from glaze preparation and firing through to analysing your results.

This is a unique opportunity to fully immerse yourself in wheel throwing and crystalline glazing techniques, allowing you to make progress that's difficult to achieve in the middle of everyday life.

Schedule of the week＋

Classes will be held from Monday through to Friday. On Sunday, there will be a welcome dinner and on Saturday, we will bid you farewell. Classes will be 4h each morning (9am–1pm) and 2/3h each afternoon (2–5pm), except one afternoon of cultural activities.

Order of the day:

Yoga (2 classes x week)
Breakfast
First class 9am–10.30am
Break
Second class 11am–1pm
Lunch
Third class 2pm–5pm
Finish

What you'll take home＋

Although the course focuses primarily on developing your skills rather than producing a large number of finished pieces, you'll still be able to keep some of your work.

The course includes the firing and glazing of up to 3 kg of dry clay, which is approximately:

Two medium-sized bowls, or
One large vase thrown from 3–4 kg of wet clay.

If you'd like to fire and glaze more than 3 kg of work, there's an additional charge of €25 per extra kilogram.

You can either take your work home with you or have it shipped after the course. Shipping costs are charged separately and vary depending on the destination.

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.