Our Sunday Beginning / Continuing Wheel Throwing and Beads, Buttons, and Pendants classes start soon, but you still have time to sign up for them.

In the Beginning / Continuing Wheel Throwing class, which begins on October 11, teacher Shannon Nelson says she will "emphasize creative decision-making and encourage students to think beyond technique to begin developing a sense of their own aesthetic (or style)." She adds that "Techniques are like the alphabet - what do you want to say with the pieces you make?" In addition to teaching students to master the basics of throwing, Shannon will introduce a few surface design techniques that use slips, such as stencils and inlay.

Surface techniques will be an important part of the Beads, Buttons, and Pendants class, which starts on October 18. "These small objects are the perfect canvas for experimenting and trying out a variety of surface techniques that you can then use on larger pieces," says teacher Jeanine Center. What's on the agenda for this class? It could include sgraffito, under glazing, slip trailing, sticker resist, monoprinting with slip, melting glass on clay, and water etching (see the video at the end of this issue), all of which can produce spectacular beads, buttons, and pendants for jewelry. As a special offer, this class is eligible for the Early Bird Enrollment discount. Sign up by October 12 to take advantage of this discount.
 
Here's where to register for classes and get in on the fun.