Make your own mold for casting clay slip and gain the skills to continue making one and two piece plaster slip molds independently.
About this Class
Slip‑casting is an efficient, repeatable forming method that allows you to produce consistent ceramic shapes with precision. This class introduces the core technical skills behind plaster mold‑making, giving you a solid foundation in model preparation, mold design, plaster mixing, and controlled casting workflows. You’ll work through each stage hands‑on, learning how to plan for undercuts, determine part lines, and troubleshoot common issues. By the end, you’ll have a functional mold you made yourself—and the practical knowledge to continue producing accurate one‑ and two‑piece slip‑casting molds independently in your own studio.
You will also leave with 2 unique molds and the skills and knowledge to continue making two piece slip molds independently! If you would like to bring your own object to mold, please email jj.bunch@tcmaker.org in advance.
Session 1
Welcome & Overview
Casting into an existing mold (instructor demonstration, followed by hands-on practice)
Practice making your first mold: an orange or other citrus fruit
Planning your mold
Clay up and cottle
Mix and pour plaster (Make the first half of your fruit mold)
Lunch Break
(Make the second half of your fruit mold)
Cottle and clay up
Mix and pour plaster
Homework: find an object suitable for a 2-piece mold (your second mold)
Session 2
Remove and clean cottles and molds
Examine results (repair, if needed)
clay up and cottle your object
Pour the first half of your second mold
(lunch break)
Examine results (repair, if needed)
Make the final half of your second mold
Session 3
Casting with your mold
Instructor will check in with each student, review slip-pouring, and troubleshoot if there are issues with student-made molds.
Recommended Experience Level
A basic foundation in ceramics hand building is encouraged.
Registration Details
Questions or trouble signing up for this class? Email ceramics@tcmaker.org.
Title: Cast it in Clay: Intro to Slip Casting & Mold Making
Dates: Saturday, Dec 5; Sunday, Dec 6; Saturday, Dec 12
Time: 10 am - 4:30 pm (lunch break 1:00 pm - 1:30 pm)
Items to Bring/Wear for Class
- Closed‑toe shoes — Required for safety when working with plaster and tools.
- Clothes you don’t mind getting messy — Plaster and slip can splash; comfortable studio wear is best.
- Apron — Optional but helpful for keeping clothes clean.
- Notebook — For process notes and mold‑making reference sketches.
- Water bottle — Staying hydrated makes long studio sessions easier.
- Hair tie or headband — If you have long hair, keep it secured while working.
Your successful cast pieces will be bisque fired at our studio to cone 04.
You may also like to sign up for a glazing workshop to glaze what you make in this class.
About the Instructor
JJ (they/them) is a teaching artist, designer, and handyperson living in South Minneapolis and serves on the TCMC volunteer leadership team. JJ teaches a variety of classes across the Twin Cities and Greater MSP region and completed their Masters of Fine Art in sculpture in intermedia at the University of Iowa in 2022. Their creative practice engages with phenomenologies in playful connection, eco-gratitude, and material experimentation. JJ is passionate about sharing knowledge and witnessing their students succeed in learning, achieve their goals, and enjoy creative play.
