Mould Creation for Ceramic Reproduction
A course by Helen JohannessenCeramist and mould maker
A course by Helen Johannessen, Ceramist and mould maker
Create moulds for your ceramic pieces following a step-by-step process.
Unleash your creativity and master the art of ceramic reproduction in this online course. Join professional ceramicist and mould maker, Helen Johannessen, as she guides you through the fascinating process of turning any object into a replicable ceramic piece. In this course, you'll explore the techniques of two-part mould making, plaster mixing, casting, decorating, and more. Discover the endless possibilities of shaping plaster moulds for ceramic reproduction and bring your imaginative ideas to life. With Helen's expert guidance, you'll develop the skills to replicate the beauty of the world around you while adding your own creative touch.
What will you learn in this online course?
16 lessons & 18 downloads
Tools, Materials, and Workspace
8 minutes, 6 seconds
What to Mould? Shape, Size, and Practicalities
12 minutes, 59 seconds
The Stages of Clay
7 minutes, 10 seconds
Decoration Techniques
15 minutes, 21 seconds
Preparing the Model for a Two-Part Plaster Mould
20 minutes, 53 seconds
Mixing Plaster and Demoulding 1
17 minutes, 36 seconds
What's included in this course?
To begin, Helen will introduce you to the tools and materials required for the process. Next, you'll delve into shaping, sizing, and understanding the practical aspects of your chosen object. Through hands-on experimentation with clay and decoration techniques, you'll gain valuable insights into creating unique ceramic pieces. Helen will guide you through the step-by-step process of preparing a two-part plaster mould, ensuring you achieve high-quality results. You'll learn the intricate art of plaster mixing, demoulding, and casting. Additionally, Helen will teach you the bisquiring process, decoration techniques, and even how to apply optional gold luster for that extra touch of elegance. Finally, you'll explore alternative methods to repeat casts and unlock the true potential of your creative ideas.
What is this course's project?
Throughout the course, you'll embark on an exciting journey to create your own replicable ceramic piece. Applying the techniques and knowledge gained from Helen's instruction, you'll shape a plaster mould for ceramic reproduction using your chosen object. With Helen's expert guidance, you'll navigate the entire process from mould making to casting, decorating, and adding optional gold luster. By the end of the course, you'll have a beautifully crafted ceramic piece that showcases your artistic expression and the skills you've acquired.
Who is this online course for?
This course is perfect for anyone seeking to explore their creativity and develop skills in ceramic reproduction. Whether you're a beginner eager to dive into the world of ceramics or an experienced artist looking to expand your repertoire, this course offers valuable insights. Join Helen Johannesson on this artistic journey and unleash your potential in the realm of ceramic mould making and reproduction.
Requirements and materials
To fully engage in this course, you'll need basic knowledge of ceramics and a passion for learning. Having experience working with clay will be advantageous, but it's not a strict requirement. Throughout the course, you'll need access to various materials such as clay, plaster, casting slip, and decorating tools. Helen will provide detailed guidance on the necessary materials, ensuring you have everything you need to participate fully.
Reviews
- 8 months ago
Great course that covers the process in detail. Very clearly explained and demonstrated. There seems to be a lesson missing in unit 3 between casting and bisque firing. The cast needs to be cleaned - the join marks tidied - and where is the part that turns the one piece cast into a lidded pot with leaves on top? I am confident enough to be able to do this myself, but those with little experience may not be. Hopefully this missing part can be addressed in future. Otherwise an excellent course.
- 8 months ago
This was a very thorough course. Fantastic detail. I am able to create what I need now
- 9 months ago
Muy útil para replicar piezas. Buena profesora
- 11 months ago
El curso es muy interesante. Me gustaría una segunda parte, hay mucho que aprender acerca de moldes.
- 1 year ago
Divertido para investigar, no sé si es el mejor lugar para arrancar, creo que para este tipo de cosas es mejor ir a un taller.
Helen's passion for clay, plaster, and casting slip shines through in her artwork. She continually pushes the boundaries of traditional crafting techniques, creating one-of-a-kind artworks that capture the essence of fluidity and light. As an experienced teacher and workshop leader, Helen is committed to sharing her knowledge and inspiring others to embrace creativity. With her patient and curious approach, she empowers students to explore new possibilities, overcome challenges, and discover their artistic potential.
Content
- U1
Introduction
- About Me
- Influences
- U2
Moulds, Clays, and Decoration
- Tools, Materials, and Workspace
- What to Mould? Shape, Size, and Practicalities
- The Stages of Clay
- Decoration Techniques
- U3
From the Mould to the Ceramic Piece
- Preparing the Model for a Two-Part Plaster Mould
- Mixing Plaster and Demoulding 1
- Mixing Plaster and Demoulding 2
- Mixing Plaster and Demoulding 3
- Casting
- Bisque Firing
- Glazing and Decorating 1
- Glazing and Decorating 2
- U4
Optional Detailiing and Cast Ideas
- Applying Optional Gold Lustre
- Alternative Ways to Repeat Casts
- FP
Final project
- Mould Creation for Ceramic Reproduction
What to expect from a Domestika course
Learn at your own pace
Enjoy learning from home without a set schedule and with an easy-to-follow method. You set your own pace.
Learn from the best professionals
Learn valuable methods and techniques explained by top experts in the creative sector.
Meet expert teachers
Each expert teaches what they do best, with clear guidelines, true passion, and professional insight in every lesson.
Certificates
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Get front-row seats
Videos of the highest quality, so you don't miss a single detail. With unlimited access, you can watch them as many times as you need to perfect your technique.
Share knowledge and ideas
Ask questions, request feedback, or offer solutions. Share your learning experience with other students in the community who are as passionate about creativity as you are.
Connect with a global creative community
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FAQs
This course is designed for intermediate learners with some basic knowledge of ceramics, looking to advance their skills in plaster mold making, slipcasting, and decorative techniques.
You’ll need porcelain clay, plaster for molds, slip, modeling tools, soft soap, surf form scraper, sponges, glaze materials, and basic safety gear. A prepared workspace is also recommended.
You’ll learn plaster mold making, slipcasting, hand-building with molds, surface decoration techniques, underglazing, sgraffito, sprig molding, color application, and safe studio practices.
Plaster mold making allows you to create repeatable ceramic forms, enabling slipcasting and consistent production. It’s essential for functional design, decorative work, and studio efficiency.
Some basic ceramics or pottery experience is recommended, as the course covers intermediate techniques and assumes familiarity with clay handling and studio basics.
Slipcasting involves pouring liquid clay (slip) into plaster molds to create hollow ceramic forms. It’s widely used for making consistent, detailed pieces in both art and functional ceramics.
Yes, the course covers decorative glazing techniques, underglaze application, sgraffito, color gradients, sprig molding, and gold lustre for both functional and artistic ceramics.