Make Test Tiles, Not Just Guesses

Welcome to the class where your inner glaze nerd gets to shine and your future pots get way better looking.

This class is perfect for you if you’ve been glazing for a while but are tired of guessing, forgetting, or crossing your fingers at the kiln. You’re curious, a little bit nerdy, and ready to be intentional instead of accidental. You’ll be walked through making test tiles, glazing them, seeing what worked, and comparing results with your classmates.

You’ll love this class if you want your future pots to turn out beautifully - not by luck, but by design. Over four weeks you’ll make test tiles (the good, the weird, and the wildly useful), play with commercial glaze combinations, and keep track of everything in your own Fort Wayne Clay sketchbook like the organized creative you’ve always wanted to be. You’ll experiment on different clay bodies (if desired), layer with confidence, and feel that satisfying shift from “I hope this works” to “I know why this worked.”

What you’ll love most… Week 4’s glaze geek-out — holding fired results in your hands, comparing notes, spotting happy accidents, and realizing just how much you’ve leveled up. You’ll leave with better-looking pots, a clearer glazing process, and the confidence to keep exploring instead of guessing.

“I signed up for the glaze class to explore color layering and try glazes on different clay bodies — and I learned far more about layering and its possibilities than I ever expected.”

- Karen

Let's Get Testing!

Here’s how the magic happens:

• Week 1: Make your testers. We'll use your leftover fails, and also plan it out. It all counts.

• Week 2: Choose your glaze combos and underglaze options, and start plotting like a scientist. You’ll get a Fort Wayne Clay sketchbook to log everything like the 

  organized creative you’ve always aspired to be.

• Week 3: Time to glaze! You’ll keep layering, brushing, dipping, and maybe even toss in a transfer or two if you’re feeling bold. Bring the clay body you want to test on—this is your lab, after all.

• Week 4: Glaze Geek-Out. Fired results in hand, we’ll compare notes, spot happy accidents, and brainstorm your next glaze adventure. Squeals of delight are totally acceptable.

All decorating tools provided—brushes, pencils, fancy tips, you name it.

You’ll bring the clay for your testers (whatever color you want to explore).

You receive your own FWC sketchbook. Because you’re a glaze scientist now.

Button for Glaze Testing Class

Fort Wayne Clay is conveniently located at Georgetown Square between Blueberry Pancake and the Bowling Alley.

Practice and work time is included in this class.

Come in any time during retail hours to work!

Open Studio and Retail Hours

Monday - Thursday           12 - 8 pm

Fridays            12 - 4 pm

Saturdays            10 am - 2 pm

Closed Sundays

“Comparing results with other students at the end was so inspiring — I learned just as much from them as from my own tests.”

- Mindy

Test! Those! Glazes!

FAQS

What if I can't make it to all the scheduled classes?

This is the perfect chance to use your unlimited Open Studio Hours to make it up! We've included these hours with your lessons so you can take full advantage of the studio equipment and grow to your highest potential. 

I've never touched the pottery wheel or clay before. Is this class right for me?

Maybe. This class is best for students who already have some experience with clay. You’ll be making test tiles by hand and on the wheel, so basic familiarity with pottery processes will be helpful. If you’re brand new to clay, this isn’t the best starting place — but if you’ve been making for a while and are ready to level up your glazing with more intention, this class will be a great fit.

What do I need to bring to class?

Bring whatever clay you like to work with — the studio won’t be providing clay for this class — along with your usual pottery tools. You’re also welcome to bring any pots you don’t love to use as testers. The studio will provide all glazes and brushes, and you won’t need to bring plastic bags.

If I want to keep doing classes, how do I know which ones to do next?

There are just so many options, right?! Our teachers will help point you to the class they think you'd enjoy most. They'll have a good understanding of where you're at and help point you toward the next fun adventure. 

Small classes. Supportive community. Ridiculously satisfying results.
Claim your seat before it fills up—this one’s for potters who are done guessing and ready to glaze like a boss.

Which colors will you explore?

Still not sure if it's a good fit? 

Send us a message nicole@fortwayneclay.com