Development - Surface Illustrations and Mugs

Wheel-throwing class focused on new throwing techniques and surface decoration. Practice shaping cylinders and bowls, refine your trimming, and build skills in carving, slip, underglaze, and oxidation glazing.

Dates: Nov 17 – Dec 15
Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Instructor: Sophia Galassini
Experience: Students interested in this class must be able to throw a neat and uniform one (1) pound cylinder. The cylinder should be uniform throughout.
What's Included: Hands-on class instruction Practice with studio reclaim One 25-pound bag of clay in your chosen course clay body Practice during scheduled open studio sessions, including Sundays, starting after week one Make as many pots as you like with your course clay; glazing and firing are included for that work

$250

01 / Outcome

About the Class

02 / Scheduled Classes

01 - Nov 17, 2026

01 - Rib Work, Collaring & Form

Use ribs and collaring to shape cylinders and bowls with greater control. Work at a comfortable size, with demonstrations and practice opportunities using 2–3 lb of clay.

02 - Nov 24, 2026

Wedging, Reclaim & Surface Techniques

Learn spiral wedging and how to process reclaim, from slaking to plaster. Continue practicing cylinders and bowls, and apply slip or underglaze before stretching the clay. Begin keeping your work.

03 - Dec 1, 2026

03 · Trimming & Leather-Hard Decoration

Learn tap centering and trimming with lugs, chucks, and water suction. Add surface detail through carving and water etching, and learn when to apply wax resist. Work at the leather-hard stage for clean, controlled results.

04 - Dec 8, 2026

04 · Handles, Feet & Final Finishing

Pull and attach handles, add thrown feet, and apply slip or underglaze to leather-hard pots. Select pieces to fire and reclaim the rest. This is the final trimming class: all work must be finished, signed, and set out to dry.

05 - Dec 15, 2026

05 · Glazing for Oxidation

Focus on oxidation glazing, including porosity, glazing without tongs, and wax decoration. Glaze your bisque-fired pieces, clean the feet, and prepare your work for the final firing.

Your Instructor

Sophia Galassini

Sophia is a full time potter and artist, in addition to teaching wheel throwing classes at Shared Floor. Sophia has a background in education and takes great pride in a class well taught. Sophias personal work demonstrates illustrative scenes and characters on thrown vessels and functional objects. Sophia is a certified mug making machine