# Stamp Making for Textured Pottery | Domestika

> A course by Sarah Pike · Craft · Beginner
> 15 lessons (3h 27m) · 99% of the 462 student ratings are positive

Ceramic art is the ultimate fusion of visual beauty and tactility—a means of expression that transforms even the most mundane objects into comforting, handcrafted keepsakes. Potter Sarah Pike has perfected this craft through years of experience, using slab-building techniques and handmade stamping tools to create practical pieces with artistic textures. Her distinctive artwork has been featured in publications such as _Pottery Making Illustrated_ and _Forge & Carve_, as well as solo and group exhibitions.

In this online course, learn to build functional pieces of pottery and customize them with any stamped pattern you can dream up. Sarah walks you through the entire process of creating a textured ceramic mug, from slab building and stamp making to glazing and firing. Add a touch of art to everyday moments with handmade ceramics.

## Who is this online course for?

Anyone who wants to create functional and aesthetic ceramic pieces.

## What is this course's project?

Handcraft a ceramic mug with stamped textures.

## Requirements and materials

A basic understanding of clay and wedging is recommended.

As for materials, you need clay, glaze, wax, an MDO board, a cement board, a banding wheel, wooden slats, a rolling pin, rubber and serrated ribs, a fettling knife, a brayer, carving tools, and other accessible items Sarah specifies in the course, as well as access to a kiln.

## Content

### Introduction

Hi! I'm Sarah Pike. Welcome to this Domestika course! I'm happy to have you here, willing to learn more about the art of ceramics. 

In this first unit, I will share how I came to be a full-time potter in the mountains of British Columbia, Canada. I will share my journey into slab-building and textured ceramics, as well as my influences and inspirations.

### Materials and Playing With Texture

In this unit, we will examine the materials and tools we will need to texture our ceramic project. I will show you how to make a variety of texture patterns using differently shaped stamps, and you will also learn to make both clay stamps and texture tools out of non-clay materials.

### Texturing Techniques on Clay Slabs

Let's start creating the ceramic mug! First, I will show you how to roll an ideal slab for slab-building with texture. We will then explore making different patterns with our stamps and the best way to make the best impression. Finally, we will texture our slab in preparation for building the final piece.

### Forming the Slab

In this unit, we will work on basic slab-building techniques, such as forming and stretching our slabs and adding the bottom. I will show you a variety of handle-making techniques, how to attach a handle to the mug, and how to make small refinements in preparation for drying and firing.

### Finishing the Slab-Built Mug

Once the ceramic piece is formed and dry, the next step is glazing and firing. You will learn how to paint your mug with glaze and prepare it for firing. To conclude this unit, I will also show you additional forming techniques to expand your slab-building skills so you can create your own mug designs.

## Audio and subtitles

**Audio:** English, German, Spanish, Spanish (Latam), French, id, Italian, Portuguese, ro, Turkish

**Subtitles:** Spanish, English, Portuguese, German, French, Italian, Polish, Dutch, Turkish, ro, id

[Stamp Making for Textured Pottery](https://www.domestika.org/en/courses/4728-stamp-making-for-textured-pottery)