Colour, Pattern and Shape
Casting and Carving Slip Cast Porcelain
harriet caslin13th - 15th July 2026 | 3 Day Workshop | £600
During this workshop students will create sculptural and semi-functional ceramics exploring pattern, texture and vibrancy from simple slip casting moulds. Students will learn casting techniques, carving, smoothing, altering and joining pieces together to transform simple cast forms into dynamic and intriguing pieces, opening up the potential of the fluid and colourful world of slip cast ceramics.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOWThe Course in Detail
In this three-day workshop students can expect to learn how to prepare pigmented casting clay and casting techniques such as layering multiple layers into simple moulds. Students will explore mark making and pattern through various carving techniques, where revealing the colours beneath the surface become the pattern and the texture of the piece.
Students will learn how to join slip cast ceramics and how to explore the modular way of making offered by slip cast ceramics to create one off and intriguing pieces. Students will also learn how to make their own carving tools and simple blades.
There will be no specific kiln firing during the workshop, however, students’ slip cast pieces will be fired and be ready for collection a few weeks later (there will be a small additional firing charge).
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 Harriet.
Please note, there will be a small additional firing charge for final pieces. Please see our Student Contract for details.
USEFUL INFOCourse Breakdown
Day 1
AM - Harriet will introduce the slip casting process, how to prepare pigmented slip and layer multiple layers of clay into simple casting moulds. Students will cast multiple forms using moulds provided by Harriet and The Ceramic Studio.
PM - Using the cast pieces made in the morning Harriet will demonstrate mapping out the pattern on the form, simple mark making and carving the piece. Students will continue to cast forms to firm up and dry overnight ready for carving the next day.
Day 2
AM - Harriet will demonstrate some more detailed carving and smoothing techniques for the students to implement into their own work. Students will map out their designs on the pieces they made the day before and begin carving into their own work.
PM - Students will explore the world of casting and joining pieces together to create more abstract and dynamic pieces. Harriet will demonstrate joining pieces together and how to create a seamless piece. Students will cast more forms to carve, join and finish the next day.
Day 3
AM - Students will carve the pieces cast the day before, joining and refining the work made so far.
PM - Harriet will give a short presentation of her own work and final steps beyond the greenware stage of making into bisque firing, sanding and glazing. Harriet will also talk to students about creating their own carving tools and blades and utilising what can be found around them.
Students will finish up the work made over the three days ready to be fired.
There will be no specific kiln firing during the workshop, however, student’s pieces will be fired and 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.
Please also note, we do not offer a glazing service.
Key information
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DATE
Monday 13th - Wednesday 15th July 2026
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CLASS SIZE
Maximum 10 students
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LEVEL
All levels welcome
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CLAY TYPE
Porcelain
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COST
£600 (flexible payment plans available)
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FOOD & DRINK
A two-course lunch will be provided every day
Harriet is a ceramic artist based on the Essex coast. She makes slip cast lighting and sculptural and semi-functional work. Her work is about the possibility of evoking feeling, movement and intrigue through the exploration of line, repetition and light.
With a background in mould making for cast glass at Falmouth University, Harriet transitioned to working exclusively in slip cast porcelain soon after graduating 16 years ago. Through the process she has created a unique approach to making in clay rooted in plaster, porcelain, translucency and intrigue, exhibiting and selling her work extensively.
After a period of working as the studio manager at a ceramics artist residency centre in Denmark, she has since taught a variety of mould making and slip-casting workshops in universities and studios in China, Denmark the UK and the USA.
About Harriet
GUEST POTTER BIO
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECTThe Schedule
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Welcome Breakfast (from 9am - 10am). The session will start at 10am and will finish at 5pm. Students may continue to use the facilities until 7pm.
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On the second day the session will start at 9:30am and will finish at 5pm. Students may continue to use the facilities until 7pm.
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On the final day the session will start at 9:30 and finish at 5pm. Students may continue to use the facilities until 7pm.
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A two course lunch is provided everyday. Please inform us of any special dietary requirements at the time of booking.
A delicious home cooked two-course lunch will be provided every day
As well as refreshments throughout the day.
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 local accommodation to the studio for the duration of your course. There may be a small fee for this depending on where you are staying. If you know you will require transits please contact us to enquire before booking your accommodation. Please email the office team at info@theceramicstudio.co.uk.
To see examples of local accommodation, click here.
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· 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.
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Yes! During this Guest Potter Workshop, you’ll be treated to a Welcome Breakfast on the first day, plus 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.
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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