Question 1

How do I test watertightness for my vessels?

Accepted Answer

If you made a mug, bowl, or plant pot in the studio then you will want to make sure it can hold liquids! Here's how you can test it:

1. Fill your vessel with water up to where it would normally be filled for use.
2. Place your vessel onto a dry paper towel where it will not be disturbed and leave it to sit overnight on a waterproof surface like your kitchen counter.
3. Being careful not to spill any of the water inside your piece, remove your vessel from the paper towel.
4. Assess what your vessel left behind:
               a. A ring of or circle of dampness where you vessel was sitting means that you 
                    vessel is not watertight and is not currently suitable to hold liquids.
               b. A dry paper towel; amazing news, your vessel is ready for a long life of holding 
                    liquids!

If your vessel did not pass the watertightness test, this may be due to the construction of the piece, the application of the glaze, or one of many other technical issues. Unfortunately, this is the reality with ceramics and some pieces end up not being watertight by the end of the process with nobody at fault. You can still use your mug, vessel, or bowl for dry goods like pens/pencils, stationery supplies, wrapped candy, uncut fruit, etc.

If your vessel has passed the watertightness test, you may now stress test it to see if if can withstand boiling water at room temperature. Please be aware that stress testing your vessel may render it unusable for it's original intent.

1. Make sure your vessel is room temperature. (People don't usually pour boiling water into a refrigerated or frozen mug) 
2. Place your vessel in your sink and be mindful of potential breaks as you are doing this test.
3. Heat your water and once it has reached boiling, pour it into your vessel.
4. Allow it to cool back to room temperature. You may now pour the water out.
5. Assess how your vessel has reacted:
               a. A broken or cracked vessel did not pass the stress test and will not be able to 
                   hold boiling liquids, or any liquid depending on the break.
               b. A vessel that remains in one piece has passed the stress test! If you wish, you can 
                   perform this test multiple times before you commit to adding it to your cupboard.
       6.  Before using your vessel or performing another stress test to a piece that has 
             passed the first time, you can get a good idea of how well it withstood the initial test 
             by the sound it makes when being tapped by cutlery/utensils. Take a ceramic 
             piece you already own and tap it to have a sound to compare your piece to.
               a. A dull sound from tapping your piece may mean that the structure has been 
                   compromised and it will be likely to not pass another stress test.
               b. A clear, sharp sound from tapping your piece means that the structure has 
                   remained solid and it will likely pass the daily stress test of coffee or tea.

Please use your personal discretion when performing these tests. If your vessel did not pass the stress test, this may be due to the construction of the piece, the application of the glaze, or one of many other technical issues. Unfortunately, this is the reality with ceramics and some pieces end up not being suitable for boiling liquids by the end of the process with nobody at fault. You can still use your mug, vessel, or bowl for dry goods like pens/pencils, stationery supplies, wrapped candy, uncut fruit, etc.

Question 2

Do I have to make exactly the same piece(s) that are in the workshop sample photos?

Accepted Answer

We typically lean towards a more student-driven approach to teaching. In each class or workshop, you will be taught a creative technique, however you are not required to follow our class example. We would prefer that you go home with something you LOVE rather than something you were "put in a box" to create. We are here to boost you and your creativity - not to limit you!

Question 3

How late can I register for a workshop or course?

Accepted Answer

Registrations close online at 9pm the evening before the scheduled start time. To register on the day-of the workshop, please contact us.

Question 4

Can I bring a child younger than 13 years old to a workshop?

Accepted Answer

Children between 6-12 are welcome to attend any workshop with an adult to "supervise" and assist them where necessary. The accompanying adult will have to also register for the workshop but are welcome to create a project alongside the kiddo. We recommend starting with a two-hour workshop to gauge their focus-level.

Question 5

How often do your multi-week hand building courses run?

Accepted Answer

You can expect and plan for Jan-Feb, Mar-Apr, May-June, and Sept-Oct courses to run. They currently run in sequence to each other with an exception during the summer months (July-Aug) where we reduce the amount of ceramics being made to minimize heating up the studio via kiln. We also refrain from an early winter course to keep the studio free for the holiday scramble!

EA S&G

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