Upcoming
Intro to Mold Making & Slip Casting with Michelle Swafford
$ 199 usd
Thu, Oct 15, 2026, 5:30 PM CDT – Thu, Nov 5, 2026, 8:30 PM CST
Dates Breakdown
Thu, Oct 15, 2026, 5:30 – 8:30 PM CDT
Thu, Oct 22, 2026, 5:30 – 8:30 PM CDT
Thu, Oct 29, 2026, 5:30 – 8:30 PM CDT
Thu, Nov 5, 2026, 5:30 – 8:30 PM CST
Slip-casting is a valuable technique for expanding your ceramic practice and gaining a deeper understanding of clay as a material! In this course, you’ll learn the foundational skills needed to create one-part and two-part plaster molds for use with liquid casting slip. Through hands-on instruction, we'll guide you step-by-step in using plaster to make molds from found objects and leather-hard clay. We'll also explore the unique properties of casting slip and how it can open up new creative possibilities in your work.
Please note that the tuition rate for this class is slightly higher than our other classes due to increased material costs and more total class hours (3 per week instead of 2.5)
Course Objectives
- Learn how to properly measure and mix plaster
- Create a one-part plaster mold from found objects (e.g., plastic bowls, cups)
- Create a one-part plaster mold from leather-hard clay forms
- Understand the properties and behavior of casting slip
- Learn how to pour and time your slip casts effectively
Course Level
This course is appropriate for students at the following levels:
- Beginner+ (some prior clay experience)
- Intermediate
Age Level
- Adults 18+
- Teens ages 16-17 (may attend this class independently)
Included in your tuition
- Midrange casting slip
- No. 1 pottery plaster
- Modeling clay
- Firing fees for pieces made in this class
- Use of communal studio tools
Good to know
- There is no Open Studio time included with this course, but drop-in Open Studio sessions are available during our open hours. Learn more here!
- Please wear old clothes that can get dirty or bring an apron to wear over your clothes.
- To cut down on trash, we don't provide paper towels in the studio. We suggest all students bring a hand or kitchen towel for drying their hands.
- Registrations for courses that have not met the required number of students will close 24 hours before the start date of the course.
- Students may return to the Clay Center during Open Studio to finish pieces started in class for one month following the last class day of their registered class.
- If you've never been to the Clay Center, please click here to review our location and parking information.
Missed Class/Make-up Policies
- Due to the unique topic of this course, there will be no make-up options available and missed classes cannot be made up during our Open Studio hours.
Relevant Feedback
Christian is an excellent teacher!
Course: Intro to Mold Making & Slip Casting with Christian Dinh
Instructors
Michelle Swafford
Founder, Clay Center of New Orleans
Contact us
- Clay Center of New Orleans
- in••••o@nol••••y.org
- (504) 517-3721
Classifications
Categories
- Classes
Age Groups
- Adults 18+
- Teens, ages 16-17
Levels
- Beginner+ (some prior clay experience)
- Intermediate
- Advanced