Pottery

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<h2 id="isPasted" fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;">What is the course about?</h2>
<p fr-original-style="" style="color: var(--text); font-size: var(--font-size); box-sizing: border-box;">This course tells you all you need to know to make work that is safe for the user. This covers glaze stability and food safety, pots for the kitchen, and all the other aspects of producing good, safe, functional work. For those who make their own glazes, it doesn&#39;t go into the glaze chemistry, which is now in a separate course.</p><p fr-original-style="" style="color: var(--text); font-size: var(--font-size); box-sizing: border-box;">The course is held over six weekly sessions, 19:00 &ndash; 20:30.</p><p fr-original-style="" style="color: var(--text); font-size: var(--font-size); box-sizing: border-box;">These are also recorded and put onto the course web page so you can view them at other times
</p><p fr-original-style="" style="color: var(--text); font-size: var(--font-size); box-sizing: border-box;">All aspects of product safety are covered, giving you the underlying theory, the means to test pieces, how to improve the design, and the relevant standards and legislation.</p>
<p fr-original-style="" style="color: var(--text); font-size: var(--font-size); box-sizing: border-box;">A considerable proportion of the course covers making durable glazes, crazing, leaching and food safety. Attention is also given to all the items that may be used on the table or in the kitchen. Also producing pieces that are frost proof. And general considerations such as stability and waterproofness.</p>
<h2 fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;">What will I achieve?</h2>
<p fr-original-style="" style="color: var(--text); font-size: var(--font-size); box-sizing: border-box;">By the end of this course you should be able to&hellip;</p>
<ul fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Understand glaze stability and how to test it</li>
<li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Understand glaze leaching in both alkaline (dishwasher) and acidic (food) environments</li>
<li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Understand what is meant by "food safe", which materials in glazes are potentially toxic, and you can assess commercial glazes</li>
<li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Understand the effects of thermal stresses on clay and glazes, and how to design to minimise them</li>
<li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Understand the requirements to make pieces safe for the dishwasher, oven, microwave and freezer, and methods of testing their behaviour</li>
<li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Understand the mechanisms of frost damage to pots, and the design and material considerations in making frost proof pieces</li>
<li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Understand the level of waterproofness needed by different pieces, and how to test it</li>
<li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Assess whether a piece is sufficiently stable for its purpose</li>
<li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Understanding the issues in making electric lamps both safe and compliant with the regulations as easily as possible</li>
<li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Design candlesticks and other pieces with an open flame</li>
<li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Understand the legislation and standards covering product safety and testing (UK, EU and USA)</li></ul>
<h2 fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;">What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?</h2>
<p fr-original-style="" style="color: var(--text); font-size: var(--font-size); box-sizing: border-box;">Intermediate.</p>
<h2 fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;">How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?</h2>
<p fr-original-style="" style="color: var(--text); font-size: var(--font-size); box-sizing: border-box;">The course is primarily run through the weekly online sessions, which are a live lecture where you can also ask questions or get a discussion going. These are recorded and put on the course web page for those who cannot make the course times due to time zones or other commitments, or for those who want to replay them.</p>
<p fr-original-style="" style="color: var(--text); font-size: var(--font-size); box-sizing: border-box;">Additional material that you may wish to explore is on the course website. This will help you go deeper into the subject matter, should you wish to do so.</p>
<p fr-original-style="" style="color: var(--text); font-size: var(--font-size); box-sizing: border-box;">There will be a discussion session during the course, where we can discuss any of the course material or any more general questions you may have. This will be scheduled at the start of the course so that everyone who wishes to has the opportunity to participate.</p>
<p fr-original-style="" style="color: var(--text); font-size: var(--font-size); box-sizing: border-box;">There will be suggestions for you to test some of your pieces between sessions.</p>
<h2 fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?</h2>
<p fr-original-style="" style="color: var(--text); font-size: var(--font-size); box-sizing: border-box;">No advance preparation is needed.</p>
<p fr-original-style="" style="color: var(--text); font-size: var(--font-size); box-sizing: border-box;">You may want to test some of your work (which will probably get damaged in the process).&nbsp;<br fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;">This mostly uses standard studio and kitchen equipment, though the following are useful if available:</p>
<ul fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;">A pressure cooker</li>
<li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Methylene blue or a similar dark stain (5ml is plenty)</li>
<li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;">pH paper or a pH meter</li>
<li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;">50g of soda ash</li>
<li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;">A digital probe thermometer reading from -20&deg; to 250&deg;C, e.g. a meat thermometer</li></ul>
<h2 fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;">What do I get?</h2>
<ul fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Eight live lectures with questions and discussions, lasting about 90 minutes each week</li>
<li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Recordings of all lectures for later viewing</li>
<li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Additional optional online course material, giving background info and greater depth</li>
<li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;">A discussion period</li>
<li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Downloadable PDFs of all presentations</li>
<li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Premium level access to the Tech part of my web site, containing much more information, references etc.</li>
<li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Course completion certificate</li></ul>
<p fr-original-style="" style="color: var(--text); font-size: var(--font-size); box-sizing: border-box;">Note that the forum, lecture recordings and premium level site access are included at no cost until 4 weeks after the end of the course. After that, continued access is available for the cost of buying me a coffee every month (US$3 a month).</p>
<h2 fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Feedback from students</h2>
<p fr-original-style="" style="color: var(--text); font-size: var(--font-size); box-sizing: border-box;">Feedback is from the previous version of the course, which included a considerble amount of glaze chemistry geared to those mixing up their own glazes.</p>
<p fr-original-style="" style="color: var(--text); font-size: var(--font-size); box-sizing: border-box;"><em fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;">I found the course both informative and enjoyable. Tim has a wealth of knowledge and experience, and a natural ability to present a technical subject in a way that makes it accessible to non-specialist. Recommended!<br fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;"></em><strong fr-original-style="" style="font-weight: 700; box-sizing: border-box;"><em fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Ken<br fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;"></em></strong><strong fr-original-style="" style="font-weight: 700; box-sizing: border-box;"><em fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Edinburgh, UK</em></strong>&nbsp;</p>
<p fr-original-style="" style="color: var(--text); font-size: var(--font-size); box-sizing: border-box;"><em fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;">I am happy to recommend Tim&#39;s online webinar on Product Safety as a great way to improve the quality of your pots. He covers all the aspects of making from design to clay bodies, glaze materials and firing schedules. Coming from an engineering and design background his approach is quite different to that of the average art college. Whether or not you have a scientific background, testing and experimenting will become a natural part of your designing and making. Ideal for potters producing functional pots ranging from domestic ware to garden pots, who aim to improve their product.<br fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;"></em><strong fr-original-style="" style="font-weight: 700; box-sizing: border-box;"><em fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Ros<br fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;"></em></strong><strong fr-original-style="" style="font-weight: 700; box-sizing: border-box;"><em fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;">St Albans, UK</em></strong></p>
<p fr-original-style="" style="color: var(--text); font-size: var(--font-size); box-sizing: border-box;"><em fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Great couse, I&#39;ve learned a lot thanks to Tim. His course is technical, complete and simple. I do recommend it.&nbsp;<br fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;"></em><strong fr-original-style="" style="font-weight: 700; box-sizing: border-box;"><em fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Brune<br fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Paris, France</em></strong></p>
<p fr-original-style="" style="color: var(--text); font-size: var(--font-size); box-sizing: border-box;"><em fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Thank you Tim for your course. Good structure of each lesson, well prepared, I like the way you explain. You did a huge work. You give all your knowledge on the subject but without unusefull controversy. I recommend if someones want to have a large point of vue on product safety. Sorry for my approximative english.</em><strong fr-original-style="" style="font-weight: 700; box-sizing: border-box;"><em fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><br fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Jeanne&nbsp;<br fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;"></em></strong><strong fr-original-style="" style="font-weight: 700; box-sizing: border-box;"><em fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Vannes, France</em></strong></p>
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Tim Thornton

Ceramics

Food Safety

Arts & Crafts

Product Safety for Potters - an online course by Tim Thornton. It covers durable and food safe glazes; oven, microwave and freezer safety; and more...

Product Safety for Potters - food safe glazes, oven safe and more

General admission

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<h2 id="isPasted" fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;">What is the course about?</h2>
<p fr-original-style="" style="color: var(--text); font-size: var(--font-size); box-sizing: border-box;">This course gives you all the information you need to select, maintain and fire an electric kiln in a safe and efficient way. It also goes over what happens to clays and glazes when they are fired.</p>

<p fr-original-style="" style="color: var(--text); font-size: var(--font-size); box-sizing: border-box;">The course is run over eight weekly sessions at 19:00 &ndash; 20:30.<br fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Also recorded and put onto the course web page so you can view them at other times<br fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Plus an additional discussion session to discuss the course material, and any questions you may have with your kiln and firing - date and time to be set at the start of the course.</p>
<h2 fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;">What will we cover?</h2>
<p fr-original-style="" style="color: var(--text); font-size: var(--font-size); box-sizing: border-box;">The course covers everything you are likely to need to know about electric kilns and firing them. It is ideal for you if you&#39;ve just bought a kiln and want to get to grips with it, or if you use a studio where work is fired for you and you want to understand what happens, or if you&#39;ve had a kiln for a while but aren&#39;t sure if you&#39;re getting the most out of it.</p>
<p fr-original-style="" style="color: var(--text); font-size: var(--font-size); box-sizing: border-box;">The course covers choosing, installing and maintaining your kiln; kiln safety; how a kiln heats up, how we measure it with thermocouples and cones, and how we control it with the kiln controller; what happens to clays and glazes during the firing; how best to load your kiln and when to unload it; and firing faults, their prevention and cure.</p>
<p fr-original-style="" style="color: var(--text); font-size: var(--font-size); box-sizing: border-box;">The course doesn&rsquo;t deal with older technology such as kiln sitters or kilns controlled manually through dials.</p>
<h2 fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;">What will I achieve?</h2>
<p fr-original-style="" style="color: var(--text); font-size: var(--font-size); box-sizing: border-box;">By the end of this course you should have achieved the following:</p>
<ul fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Identify and understand all the components found in an electric kiln and its controller</li>
<li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Know what to look for when buying a kiln, whether new or 2nd hand</li>
<li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Understand the mechanisms by which a kiln heats up, and how different materials used in kiln construction and in kiln furniture (shelves etc.) behave</li>
<li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Understand temperature and heatwork, and how they are measured</li>
<li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Understand how clays and glazes, and their constituent materials, are transformed through the firing process, and what fumes may be given off from the kiln</li>
<li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Loading and unloading your kiln, including the best spacing of shelves and positionimg of pots</li>
<li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Understand and use your kiln controller, and monitor your firing</li>
<li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Determining the best firing schedules for your work</li>
<li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Identify firing faults, their identification and cure</li>
<li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Understand safety issues - heat, electricity, and fumes</li>
<li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Learn about kiln maintenance, and how to diagnose faults</li>
<li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Know about how to install the kiln</li></ul>
<h2 fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;">What do I get?</h2>
<ul fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Eight live lectures with questions and discussions, lasting about 90 minutes each week, plus an additional discussion session</li>
<li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Recordings of all lectures are put on the course web page for later viewing</li><li id="isPasted" fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Downloadable PDFs of all presentations</li>
<li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Additional online course material, giving background info and greater depth</li>
<li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Premium level access to the Tech part of my web site, containing much more information, references etc.</li>
<li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Course completion certificate</li></ul>

<h2 fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;">What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?</h2>
<p fr-original-style="" style="color: var(--text); font-size: var(--font-size); box-sizing: border-box;">Beginner to intermediate.</p>
<p fr-original-style="" style="color: var(--text); font-size: var(--font-size); box-sizing: border-box;">You should have some experience of making and firing pots in a pottery studio, whether you do the firing or it is done for you.</p>
<h2 fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;">How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?</h2>
<p fr-original-style="" style="color: var(--text); font-size: var(--font-size); box-sizing: border-box;">The course is primarily run through the weekly online sessions, which are a live lecture where you can also ask questions or get a discussion going.</p>
<p fr-original-style="" style="color: var(--text); font-size: var(--font-size); box-sizing: border-box;">Additional material that you may wish to explore is on the course website. This will help you go deeper into the subject matter, should you wish to do so.</p>
<p fr-original-style="" style="color: var(--text); font-size: var(--font-size); box-sizing: border-box;">There will be a discussion session towards the end of the course, where we can discuss any of the course material or any questions you may have about kilns and firing. </p>
<h2 fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?</h2>
<p fr-original-style="" style="color: var(--text); font-size: var(--font-size); box-sizing: border-box;">There are no other costs or requirements.</p>
<h2 fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Do I get a certificate or anything at the end?</h2>
<p fr-original-style="" style="color: var(--text); font-size: var(--font-size); box-sizing: border-box;">Yes. A course completion certificate (as a PDF) will be sent to all those who wish to receive one.</p>
<h2 fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Feedback from students</h2>
<p fr-original-style="" style="color: var(--text); font-size: var(--font-size); box-sizing: border-box;"><em fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Again, Tim, the course was fantastic! I have learned so much from the three courses that I have taken with you! I feel better prepared to set up my own studio and work safely with the equipment and materials. I highly recommend all of your courses!</em> <strong fr-original-style="" style="font-weight: 700; box-sizing: border-box;">Cathy, Norwich CT, USA</strong></p>
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<em fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;">This is an intensive, indepth course on all aspects of buying and owning a kiln. Tim is very generous with his time and sharing of his considerable knowledge. including additional material and recommendations.&nbsp;</em>
<strong fr-original-style="" style="font-weight: 700; box-sizing: border-box;">Noreen, London, GB</strong>
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<p fr-original-style="" style="color: var(--text); font-size: var(--font-size); box-sizing: border-box;"><em fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;">The Kiln Course was very useful to me as someone who has always been a Night-School potter and now embarking on my own set-up with a kiln</em>&nbsp;<br fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><strong fr-original-style="" style="font-weight: 700; box-sizing: border-box;">Jeremy, Christchurch, GB</strong></p>
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Electric Kilns and Firing - an online course by Tim Thornton. The course covers firing and maintaining your kiln, and the effect firing has on clays and glazes

Electric Kilns and Firing Live Online Course

<h2 id="isPasted" fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;">What is the course about?</h2>
<p fr-original-style="" style="color: var(--text); font-size: var(--font-size); box-sizing: border-box;">If you mix up your own glazes, whether just picking recipes from books and web sites or running your own R&amp;D program, this course will help you by showing you what makes glazes leach, or not be food safe, or craze, and what you can do about it.</p>
<p fr-original-style="" style="color: var(--text); font-size: var(--font-size); box-sizing: border-box;">Much of the content of this course was in the previous version of the Product Safety course, but I have now taken it out into a separate course as many on the Product Safety course do not mix their own glazes. This also allows me to go into the glaze chemistry in a bit more depth.&nbsp;</p>
<p fr-original-style="" style="color: var(--text); font-size: var(--font-size); box-sizing: border-box;">Six weekly sessions, 19:00 &ndash; 20:30<br fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Also recorded and put onto the course web page so you can view them at other times</p>
<p fr-original-style="" style="color: var(--text); font-size: var(--font-size); box-sizing: border-box;">The course begins with a quick recap of glaze chemistry and structure. It then looks at how glazes can be attacked in acidic (food) and alkaline (dishwasher) environments, and how you can make your glazes more stable. This includes using tools like Stull and limit formulae, as well as testing glazes in the studio and in the laboratory.&nbsp;</p>
<p fr-original-style="" style="color: var(--text); font-size: var(--font-size); box-sizing: border-box;">To consider the food safety of glazes, we look at which components may be toxic and at what levels, and combine this with our work on glaze stability. We also look at food safety legislation .</p>
<p fr-original-style="" style="color: var(--text); font-size: var(--font-size); box-sizing: border-box;">We also consider crazing, to determine in which circumstances it may or may not be acceptable, what causes it, and methods by which you can avoid it.</p>
<h2 fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;">What will I achieve?</h2>
<p fr-original-style="" style="color: var(--text); font-size: var(--font-size); box-sizing: border-box;">By the end of this course you should be able to:</p>
<ul fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Understand what is meant by glaze stability</li>
<li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Know how to use like the UMF, limit formulae, Stull chart and other guidelines to assess potential problems</li>
<li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Understand the mechanisms of glaze leaching in both alkaline (dishwasher) and acidic (food) environments</li>
<li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Understand which materials in glazes are potentially toxic, and how likely it is that a glaze will be toxic</li>
<li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Know how to test glazes in the studio, and sending glazes to a laboratory for testing</li>
<li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Take a glaze formula and improve its stability</li>
<li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Understand the causes of crazing</li>
<li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Take a glaze formula and increase or decrease its tendency to craze</li>
<li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Understand the legislation and standards covering food safety and testing (UK, EU and USA)</li></ul>
<h2 fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;">What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?</h2>
<p fr-original-style="" style="color: var(--text); font-size: var(--font-size); box-sizing: border-box;">Intermediate to advanced. Some basic knowledge of glaze chemistry and glaze formulation is required.</p>
<h2 fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;">How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?</h2>
<p fr-original-style="" style="color: var(--text); font-size: var(--font-size); box-sizing: border-box;">The course is primarily run through the weekly online sessions, which are a live lecture where you can also ask questions or get a discussion going. These are recorded and put on the course web page for those who cannot make the course times due to time zones or other commitments, or for those who want to replay them.</p>
<p fr-original-style="" style="color: var(--text); font-size: var(--font-size); box-sizing: border-box;">Additional material that you may wish to explore is on the course website. This will help you go deeper into the subject matter, should you wish to do so.</p>
<p fr-original-style="" style="color: var(--text); font-size: var(--font-size); box-sizing: border-box;">There will also be a discussion period towards the end of the course, where we can discuss any of the course material or any more general questions you may have. The date and time will be set up at the start of the course, so as many people as possible can participate even if unable to attend the live sessions.</p>
<p fr-original-style="" style="color: var(--text); font-size: var(--font-size); box-sizing: border-box;">In addition, the course has an online forum that you can use at any time.</p>
<p fr-original-style="" style="color: var(--text); font-size: var(--font-size); box-sizing: border-box;">There will be suggestions for you to test some of your pieces and glazes between sessions.</p>
<h2 fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?</h2>
<p fr-original-style="" style="color: var(--text); font-size: var(--font-size); box-sizing: border-box;">No advance preparation is needed.</p>
<p fr-original-style="" style="color: var(--text); font-size: var(--font-size); box-sizing: border-box;">You may want to test some of your work or test tiles (which will probably get damaged in the process).&nbsp;<br fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;">This mostly uses standard studio and kitchen equipment, though the following are useful if available:</p>
<ul fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;">A pressure cooker</li>
<li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Methylene blue or a similar dark stain (5ml is plenty)</li>
<li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;">pH paper or a pH meter</li>
<li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;">50g of soda ash</li>
<li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Vinegar or acetic acid</li>
<li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Lemon juice or citric acid</li></ul>
<p fr-original-style="" style="color: var(--text); font-size: var(--font-size); box-sizing: border-box;">You may also want to have some glaze recipes that you can examine during the course.</p>
<h2 fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;">What do I get?</h2>
<ul fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Four live lectures with questions and discussions, lasting about 90 minutes each week</li>
<li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Recordings of all lectures for later viewing</li>
<li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Additional optional online course material, giving background info and greater depth</li>
<li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;">A discussion period, set up at a date/time for most students to attend even if not able to attend the live sessions</li>
<li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Dedicated online forum for discussion by all students on the course</li>
<li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Downloadable PDFs of all presentations</li>
<li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Premium level access to the Tech part of my web site, containing much more information, references etc.</li>
<li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Course completion certificate</li></ul>

Product Design

Product Making

If you mix up your own glazes for your pottery, this course will teach you all about food safety and glaze stability, and understand the underlying chemistry.

Food Safe and Stable Glazes

General Admission

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<div fr-original-style="" fr-original-class="bc-product__description" style="box-sizing: border-box;">
<h2 fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;">What is the course about?</h2>
<p fr-original-style="" style="color: var(--text); font-size: var(--font-size); box-sizing: border-box;">This course gives you all the information you need to run a studio safely, and also how to evaluate how much truth there is in some of the health and safety posts on social media and elsewhere.</p>
<p fr-original-style="" style="color: var(--text); font-size: var(--font-size); box-sizing: border-box;">The course is run over eight weekly sessions, 19:00 &ndash; 20:30, but also recorded and put onto the course web page so you can view them at other times</p>
<h2 fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;">What will we cover?</h2>
<p fr-original-style="" style="color: var(--text); font-size: var(--font-size); box-sizing: border-box;">You will learn about how to identify and resolve risks in the studio, through the whole making process from dealing with clay and other raw materials, through making and firing work to final packaging. You will understand how to identify any potentially harmful materials in the studio, and how to deal with them. You will also get to understand good working practice in the studio, as well as appropriate clothing and the use of PPE. You will also be shown resources that you can use to help decide whether something is a significant risk or not.</p>
<p fr-original-style="" style="color: var(--text); font-size: var(--font-size); box-sizing: border-box;">The course doesn&rsquo;t deal with the specific legal responsibilities of having staff, or of running a teaching studio, though the health and safety aspects are covered.</p>
<h2 fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;">What will I achieve?</h2>
<p fr-original-style="" style="color: var(--text); font-size: var(--font-size); box-sizing: border-box;">By the end of this course you should be able to&hellip;</p>
<ul fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;">
<li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Identify hazards in your studio, and develop a method of resolving them. Be able to classify different levels of risk.</li>
<li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Understand the basics of how substances may enter into and be expelled from the body; chronic and acute exposure levels</li>
<li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Identify any potentially harmful substances in the studio, using the (M)SDS, information on my web site and other information sources</li>
<li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Understand the risks of dust (including silica and other materials); how to minimise the creation of dust; and how to manage it safely</li>
<li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Decide on appropriate clothing and PPE for different activities, and how to use the PPE correctly</li>
<li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Assess any physiological risks from lifting, wedging, throwing and other activities, and how to deal with them</li>
<li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Understand the risks from various methods of firing, and how to manage them</li>
<li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Be aware of the risks of machinery that may be used in the studio</li>
<li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Know how to dispose of studio waste safely, being aware of any environmental risks</li>
<li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Have a good overall understanding of good studio practice from a health and safety viewpoint</li>
</ul>
<h2 fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;">What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?</h2>
<p fr-original-style="" style="color: var(--text); font-size: var(--font-size); box-sizing: border-box;">Beginner to intermediate.</p>
<p fr-original-style="" style="color: var(--text); font-size: var(--font-size); box-sizing: border-box;">You should have some experience of making and firing pots in a pottery studio, whether yours or somebody else&rsquo;s.</p>
<h2 fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;">How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?</h2>
<p fr-original-style="" style="color: var(--text); font-size: var(--font-size); box-sizing: border-box;">The course is primarily run through the weekly online sessions, which are a live lecture where you can also ask questions or get a discussion going. These are recorded and put on the course web page for those who cannot make the course times due to other commitments, or for those who want to replay them.</p>
<p fr-original-style="" style="color: var(--text); font-size: var(--font-size); box-sizing: border-box;">Additional material that you may wish to explore is on the course website. This will help you go deeper into the subject matter, should you wish to do so.</p>
<p fr-original-style="" style="color: var(--text); font-size: var(--font-size); box-sizing: border-box;">There will be suggestions for you to consider specific aspects of your studio between sessions.</p>

<h2 fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;">What do I get?</h2>
<ul fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;">
<li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Eight live lectures with questions and discussions, lasting about 90 minutes each week</li>
<li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Recordings of all lectures for later viewing</li>
<li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Additional optional online course material, giving background info and greater depth</li>
<li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Downloadable PDFs of all presentations</li>
<li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Premium level access to the Tech part of my web site, containing much more information, references etc.</li>
<li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Course completion certificate</li>
</ul>

<h2 fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Feedback from students</h2>
<p id="isPasted" style="color: rgb(91, 107, 114); font-size: var(--font-size); box-sizing: border-box;" fr-original-style=" color: rgb(91, 107, 114);"><em fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;">If you are planning to set up a pottery studio, then taking Tim Thornton&#39;s course on Studio Safety for Potters is a must! Lots of valuable information and things to think about for your studio. Tim is willing to answer all questions and is very helpful. His research is very thorough and he shares links to additional information on his website.<br fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;"></em><b fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><em fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Cathy, Norwich CT, USA</em></b></p><p style="color: rgb(91, 107, 114); font-size: var(--font-size); box-sizing: border-box;" fr-original-style=" color: rgb(91, 107, 114);"><em fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;">I am an amateur ceramicist with my own studio space in our garden shed. Without formal qualifications in ceramics I was a bit lost on how to deal with health and safety regulations and where to find them. This course was really useful and reassuring to me. The concise format and links to Tim&#39;s website provide an excellent source to turn to, and are based on proper official guidelines. Thank you Tim!</em><br fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><strong fr-original-style="" style="font-weight: 700; box-sizing: border-box;"><em fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Susanna, UK</em></strong></p><div data-element_type="widget" data-id="fecfe57" data-widget_type="testimonial.default" style="color: rgb(91, 107, 114); box-sizing: border-box;" fr-original-style=" color: rgb(91, 107, 114);"><i fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Tim is a patient and thorough teacher who really knows what he is talking about. The course material is very well prepared and easily available. I followed two courses already and will probably take other classes in future!</i><br fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Sofie from SOGO keramiek, Belgium</b></div><p style="color: rgb(91, 107, 114); font-size: var(--font-size); box-sizing: border-box;" fr-original-style=" color: rgb(91, 107, 114);"><em fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;">The course gives a good level of studio best practice, and health and safety, to those that have found ceramics later in life and haven&#39;t trained from a young age or worked as Technicians. The course covers everything that may not be found on standard pottery courses for those that want to think about setting up their own studio. Tim is clearly very knowledgeable, and happy to share that knowledge to keep potters safe!</em><br fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><strong fr-original-style="" style="font-weight: 700; box-sizing: border-box;"><em fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Jo,&nbsp;</em></strong><strong fr-original-style="" style="font-weight: 700; box-sizing: border-box;"><em fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Newcastle, UK</em></strong></p>
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Studio Health and Safety for Potters - an online course by Tim Thornton. This covers the risks of dust, fumes, toxic materials and more, and how to deal with them

Arts & Crafts courses about Pottery in Leeds

Online Options

Product Safety for Potters - food safe glazes, oven safe and more

By Tim Thornton

Electric Kilns and Firing Live Online Course

By Tim Thornton

Food Safe and Stable Glazes

By Tim Thornton

Studio Health and Safety for Potters - managing dust, fumes, poisons, ...

By Tim Thornton

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