Dee Barnes

Decorated Treasure Boxes

13th - 14th June 2026 | 2 Day Workshop | £400

During this two-day workshop students will learn how to slab build their own unique treasure box and decorate using colourful slips.

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WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

The Course in Detail

Join us for a vibrant two-day workshop where students will design and build a unique treasure box using slab-building techniques in clay. Students will have the opportunity to personalise their piece with patterns, textures and imagery, making it a meaningful and functional work of art.

There will be no specific kiln firing during the workshop, however, students’ pieces will be bisque fired, then glazed in a transparent glaze before being fired again. All pieces will be ready for collection a few weeks later.

Each student will have their own dedicated workspace and will receive plenty of individual attention. There will be opportunities for students to discuss their work with their fellow students and on a one-to-one basis with Dee.

Please note, there will be a small additional firing charge for final pieces. Please see our Student Contract for details.

USEFUL INFO

Course Breakdown

Day 1 – Building the box:

  • Introduction and inspirational presentation on the treasure box in ceramics.

  • Demonstration of hand-building techniques: slabbing and construction tips.

  • Guided creation of individual boxes, incorporating personalised design elements.

  • Application of coloured slip and surface preparation.

Day 2 – Decorating with Meaning:

  • Demonstration of decoration techniques including slip and stains, sgraffito and use of stencils and texture tools.

  • Individual decoration time with one-to-one support from Dee.

  • Final preparation for kiln firing.

There will be no specific kiln firing during the workshop, however, students’ pieces will be bisque fired, then glazed in a transparent glaze before being fired again. All pieces will be ready for collection a few weeks later.

Please note, there will be a small additional firing charge for final pieces. Details of our firing charges can be found in our Student Contract. Please read our Student Contract.

Book your space

Key information

  • DATE

    Saturday 13th - Sunday 14th June 2026

  • DURATION

    2 day workshop

  • CLASS SIZE

    Maximum 10 students

  • LEVEL

    LEVEL

    All levels welcome

  • CLAY TYPE

    Stoneware

  • COST

    £400

About Dee 

GUEST POTTER BIO

Dee Barnes grew up in London and won a place to study at the Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance while still in her teens.

After leaving college, she performed in theatres up and down the country. Dee’s yearning to create work less ephemeral led her first to the clay, then jewellery and now she is back with a focus on clay in her every day practice. 

Dee’s home studio is based in Grantham and aside from her creative practice, she has set up and run a number of successful, cutting-edge, contemporary craft galleries. She is registered on the Crafts Council Directory and is an associate member of The Craft Potters association and London Potters. 

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT

The Schedule

  • This workshop will start at 10am and will finish at 5pm.

  • On the second day the session will start at 10am and will finish at 5pm.

  • A two course lunch is provided everyday. Please inform us of any special dietary requirements at the time of booking.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The Ceramic Studio is located on a beautiful orchard in Brenchley, and there are lots of lovely surrounding towns and villages offering numerous places to stay.

    We are happy to arrange transits to and from your accommodation to the studio for the duration of your course. Please get in touch to arrange this. Please email the office team at info@theceramicstudio.co.uk. To see examples of local accommodation, click here.

  • Once the pieces are completed, they will be left to dry and then fired in our kilns. For those who would like their pieces to be glazed in a transparent glaze, our technicians will do this after bisque firing and then they will be fired again. These will be ready for collection a few weeks later (there will be a small additional firing charge).

    • There is a small charge for fired work. Charges are as follows:

    £5 per 500g for glazed work

    £6 per 500g for glazed work with oxide

    £10 per 500g for any glazed work over 30cm in height or width

    £2 per 500g for work that is bisque fired but not glazed

    • Please also note that The Ceramic Studio does not offer a glazing service.

  • Yes! Morning and afternoon refreshments daily, including teas, coffees, sweet treats, and fresh fruit. A freshly cooked two-course lunch, prepared here in the studio, is also provided every day, with dietary requirements confirmed in advance.

  • If we haven’t quite answered your question please click here to view our guest potter FAQs page or email us info@theceramicstudio.co.uk