
Ever wonder what actually makes a glaze work?
That’s the question at the heart of our next workshop — and the answer is more fascinating (and more approachable) than you might think.
Join John Vela, owner of Sunset Canyon Pottery, for a deep dive into mason stains and glaze chemistry on Saturday, October 17, from 10 AM to 1 PM.
What You’ll Learn
John has spent 25 years in production ceramics and mixes all of Sunset Canyon’s glazes himself. In this workshop, he’ll pull back the curtain on how color, chemistry, and firing come together.
You’ll learn how to use mason stains to create:
Colored clay
Colored slips
Custom glazes
And most importantly, you’ll learn how to achieve reliable, repeatable results you can bring back to your own practice, no guesswork required.
What’s Included
½ lb of colored clay to take home and experiment with
Handout and recipes so you can keep mixing on your own
All materials and supplies
Instruction and demonstrations
This workshop is best suited for intermediate students with some clay experience.
Workshop Details
Date: Saturday, October 17
Time: 10 AM – 1 PM
Price:Â $125
Location: Sunset Canyon Pottery · 5809 Burnet Rd., Austin, TX
About John Vela
John first discovered ceramics at UT Austin, where the combination of art, science, and hands-on making immediately pulled him in. He joined Sunset Canyon Pottery in 1999 and purchased the studio in 2015.
With 15 years of teaching experience, John has a natural ability to make complex techniques feel approachable and engaging. His classes are grounded in a deep understanding of the craft, with an emphasis on helping students build confidence and develop their own way of working with clay.
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Spots Are Limited
This small-group workshop is designed to give you plenty of hands-on time with John. Space is limited, so don’t wait to reserve your spot.
We can’t wait to see what you create!
— The Sunset Canyon Pottery Team
