Level 2 | Sgraffito Masterclass with Clara Holt | 2 Day
Join us for a two-day masterclass with Clara Holt, running 28th February – 1st March from 10:00–16:00, for a weekend dedicated to exploring the expressive technique of sgraffito. Participants will learn directly from Clara, gaining insight into her practice while applying the technique to their own work. Participants will be introduced to storytelling through sgraffito, exploring how to bring their own voice into their work.
Over 12 hours, Clara will guide participants through using sgraffito on both flat and curved forms, building confidence through demonstrations, structured exercises, and generous one-to-one support. The workshop includes an introduction to essential tools, materials, and methods; insights into Clara’s creative process and wider artistic influences.
This workshop is ideal for anyone with making skills who are looking to learn the application of sgraffito - using slips, underglazes, and carving techniques - or those wishing to refine and deepen their existing skills.
Please bring an apron, notebooks, sketches, and collected images.
Each participant must also bring the following leather-hard work:
• one tumbler (approx. 12 cm high)
• one small to medium vase
Ensure the surfaces are smooth and even for best application.
See Course Contents for glazing information.
About the Artist:
Clara Holt is an Italian artist, born in 1987 and raised in Pescara. She has a background in classical studies and graduated in neuroscience before discovering her passion for ceramics, especially ceramic decoration, as well as printmaking and etching. Clara is the co-founder of Fuoco Blu, a ceramic studio in Milan. This shared space is dedicated to ceramics and hosts both teaching activities and commissioned work alongside her personal practice.
Clara’s work is rooted in storytelling, driven by a desire to share stories, characters, and experiences. Her narratives draw inspiration from mythology, folklore, legends, and real or imagined tales of the places she inhabits or visits. These stories, passed down through tradition or emerging from the unconscious, are rich with symbols that speak to the most irrational and hidden aspects of human nature.
Level 2 | Skill Development
For more information on our course levels see our Levels Guide
Course Contents
FAQs
What is your cancellation policy?
To request a cancellation and refund, you must email refunds@throwingshapes.ie. Refunds requested more than two weeks prior to the first class are fully refundable. There will be no refunds after this point under any circumstance, nor can we transfer you to another class. Unfortunately we cannot be flexible on this policy for any reason. Should a class not fill sufficiently, we may cancel or reschedule it one week prior to the first class session.
What if I miss a day of my course?
If you miss a day you will not be able to make it back. you must be able to attend each week/day of the same course. You cannot transfer days or make up time. Please check you are available for every date before booking your course.
Are there any additional fees?
No - everything is included in your course. If you'd like to buy your own toolkit you can at checkout when purchasing your class, but tools will be provided either way.
Can I sign my kids up for classes?
No, all students must be 18+ to attend classes.
Can I gift a class to someone?
Of course! You can book them an available class and add their name on checkout, or purchase a gift card for them to decide on their own class.
Can I fire and glaze my own work?
For our taster classes you pick a glaze and we glaze the work for you.
For our 6 week courses you pick 5 of your favourite pieces and glaze them on your 6th week.
For our weekend 2-Day or 3-Day courses you will return 4 weeks later to glaze your own work. You will be notified of this date after you have booked the course.
If I don't see any classes available - when will they be added?
We add new blocks of classes three months in advance of classes starting.
Can I join a waiting list for classes?
Yes you can! Our waiting list works per date - so please go to a date or course you'd like to attend if it became available. You can sign up there and you will get notified if there are cancellations
Can I prebook classes for the next block before they are released?
No, classes are available on a first-come first-served basis and can not be prebooked.
Can I switch between a class our course if my availability changes?
This is subject to availability. You can email info@throwingshapes.ie to see if we have anything available to switch to. If we do not your spot will be cancelled according to our cancellation policy (above).
T&Cs
• All students must be 18+ to register for classes.
• All levels welcome, from beginner to expert. 6-9 people per class. Should a class not fill sufficiently, we may cancel or reschedule it one week prior to the first class session.
• To request a cancellation and refund, you must email refunds@throwingshapes.ie. Refunds requested more than two weeks prior to the first class are fully refundable. There will be no refunds once the class begins in any circumstance, nor can we transfer you to another class.
• For multiple day courses, you must be able to attend each week of the same course. You cannot transfer days or make up time. Please check you are available for every date before booking your course.
• For courses or classes on Mondays - we run through bank holidays from the start date of the course unless otherwise stated.
• If you would like to gift a class you can enter the attendee's name at time of booking or send an email to gifts@throwingshapes.ie.