Most ceramicists glaze by intuition — adjusting, relying on recipes found online, and hoping for consistent results. This four-day intensive offers different approach: understanding the chemistry behind the surface, so every decision becomes intentional.
Designed for ceramists with little or no background in glaze formulation, from raw materials and oxide chemistry to systematic testing and recipe development. By the final day, participants leave with practical tools, a tested recipe, and the ability to read and adapt glaze formulas independently
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the workshop, participants will: Know the key raw materials in glaze chemistry and the role each plays Read and interpret glaze formulas using Unity Molecular Formula Plan and execute structured glaze tests with clear documentation Adjust an existing recipe or build a new one from scratch Use Glazy and other reference resources confidently
Topics Covered
Raw materials: silica, alumina, fluxes, and their sources How glaze formulas work — recipe logic and chemical structure Systematic testing: line blends, triaxial blends, and colorant behaviour UMF and the Stull chart for predicting surface and texture Colorants, opacifiers, glaze defects, and creative corrections Special effects: phase separation, crawling, lava, and crater glazes
Schedule
12/11 & 13/11 17.00–21.00 14/11 & 15/11 11.00–15.00
Day 1 — Glaze fundamentals, raw material families, and flux roles / Lab: First tests and colourant response across different bases
Day 2 — Colorants and opacifiers in depth / Lab: Line blends and triaxial blends Day 3 — UMF, Stull chart, cones, and temperature / Lab: Building and adjusting a recipe using UMF Day 4 — Glaze defects and special effects / Wrap-up: Results review, discussion, and next steps
Technical Notes
Glazes are formulated for mid-range electric kiln firing (cone 6–7,~ 1220–1240°C) but applicable to any temp. All raw materials, test tiles, and firings are included Participants may bring their own test tiles (stoneware to ~1240°C, approx. 2 × 7 cm) — please share clay body details in advance FFP3 dust masks are required during lab sessions and will be provided
Instructor
Riccardo is the founder of Blayse Ceramic Studio in Berlin, where his practice focuses on glaze chemistry and material research. His teaching combines hands-on practice with research, helping makers build real understanding rather than memorising recipes, so they can work confidently in any studio context