Plaster Mould Making for Slip Cast Ceramics with Ed Bentley

Have your ceramic shape ideas transformed from sketches/photos into plaster models and moulds ready for slip casting. You will be taken through this in-depth product development process with expert guidance. Come and learn how to turn plaster shapes on a lathe, power whirler, how to carve plaster shapes, handles, spouts by hand, work on surfaces with various techniques and then make moulds of these shapes for slip casting at home.

You will be able to access over 40 years experience of a professional ceramic shape designer, product developer and educator. I assist all makers with their design ideas and small batch ceramic production projects. From simple drop-out moulds, to more complicated multi-part moulds, every skill and process is covered to industrial standards.

Your tuition will be tailored to your exact individual needs. The first day always begins with a cuppa and a chat about your project, and the best way forward outlined. The fee per day is for one-to-one tuition with me and is available for as many days as your project requires, or your budget allows.

I'm very flexible on potential tuition dates, so please get in touch with me via the 'message the tutor' button to discuss the time required to complete your particular project. I assist industrial designers, craft potters, students, or indeed anyone with a passion for ceramics who wishes to develop their skills further. All skill levels are made very welcome.

You may have a large order to fulfil and wish to speed up the making process by slip casting from plaster moulds, or simply be interested in learning more about industrial methods of ceramic production. In a very friendly, relaxed and informal atmosphere, your project will take shape before your very eyes!

All guests are very welcome to visit my studio, regardless of current skill level and background. From hobbyists with a passion for pottery, to professionals who wish to expand their knowledge, I cater for anyone wishing to use plaster moulds to replicate ceramic shapes. I also work closely with a manufacturer who can fulfil any small-batch ceramic production.

All guests go home with moulds ready to use, once they have been fully dried out.

I cover all the following skills in depth:

• Concept sketching and shape designing.
• Technical/working drawings.
• Tableware, giftware and figurine shape modelling/carving in clay and plaster.
• Lathe and bench whirler plaster turning for circular shapes.
• Plaster sledging/profiling with a metal tool and template for irregular/asymmetric shapes.
• Teapot, sugar and cream jug handle and spout modelling.
• Sprig moulding and relief plaster modelling for surface decoration.
• Jigger/jolley moulding for machine plate and bowl production.
• Plaster mould making (from simple drop-out to multi-part moulds).

You are welcome to bring a current project with you, or start something new with me. Some guests bring along an existing item (such as a found object, existing glazed ceramic shape or wheel-thrown or hand built leather-hard pot) that they wish to make moulds from.

I'm also available to travel and deliver mould making tuition in your own workshop anywhere in the UK, Europe, and worldwide. If you don't require the use of my plaster turning lathe or bench whirler, I can bring a selection of tools and specialist equipment with me to wherever you’re located.

* My specialist tuition is offered ‘on request’ rather than on pre-arranged dates.

What's included in the price?
- Use of specialist tools, equipment and materials.
- If booking more than one day of tuition, I can recommend local accommodation options.
- Complimentary transport can be arranged to and from your accommodation.

Cancellation policy
Easy - Cancellation and a full refund can be obtained up to 2 weeks before the course starts