Glazed & Confused: Wheel-Thrown Donut Vases
Adult Class | Registration opens 5/6/2026 9:00 AM MST
Get ready for a "hole" lot of fun in this intermediate-level ceramics workshop! This class dives into the technical and creative challenge of throwing donut vases—circular, hollow forms that are as rewarding to master as they are striking to display. To keep our energy and inspiration high while we work on these sweet shapes, actual donuts will be provided for snacking in every session!
Students will expand their understanding of form and assembly through the unique mechanics of the donut vase. We will move from the initial "donut-style" throw to sophisticated finishing and surface design techniques. Along the way, we will discuss visual balance and the structural considerations of hollow-ring construction.
Weekly Overview
Week 1 - Throwing the Ring: Introduction to the donut vase technique. Students will learn how to pull two walls to create a sealed, hollow ring.
Week 2 - Trimming and Spouts: Focus on trimming the donut form to achieve a clean, rounded profile. Students will learn how to throw small spouts on the hump.
Week 3 - Alterations and Surface Design: We will explore ways to alter the form including carve outs, adding feet and other attachments. We will cover dynamic surface decoration techniques, including exploring tape-resist.
Week 4 - Completion and Raku Event: The final session focuses on finishing touches and refinement. Students will complete their pieces and participate in an exciting raku firing for those interested in this transformative process!
Clay:
Each class includes a materials fee which covers the cost of firing and glazing. Additionally, this class has a fee which includes all clay that students will use during class time. If students want to participate in ceramic open studios, they will need to purchase their own bag of clay from the registration office on the 1st floor. Clay costs are $20 for 25lbs of stoneware, $25 for 25lbs of porcelain. Please only purchase clay from ASLD, unless approved by the studio manager. No low-fire clays may be used at ASLD.
Tools:
Community tools are available for student use, in exception of a small sponge. If you prefer personal tools, a basic ceramics tool kit, small sponges and large clean up sponges are available for purchase at the Registration Office.
Other supplies:
Students are encouraged to wear clothes that can get dirty to ceramics class, including close-toed shoes. We also recommend bringing an apron and a towel.
Please review the ceramics studio policies before attending the first class: CERAMICS STUDIO POLICIES
- Local Ceramic supply stores:
- Rocky Mountain Clay 1220 W 1st Ave, Denver, CO 80223
- Continental Clay 5303 East 47th Ave., Denver, CO 80216
Stoneleaf Pottery 6611 W 58th Pl, Arvada, CO 80003
Meiningers 499 Broadway, Denver, CO 80203
Nellie Stagg
Nellie has always been a maker - creating across many disciplines including ceramics, printmaking, felting, embroidery, and sculpture. Throughout her creations, Nellie’s keen design eye and playful spirit shine through.
In ceramics, Nellie focuses on crafting functional pieces that bring joy to everyday use. Nellie’s creativity and full range of making techniques is evident in her ceramic works. She particularly enjoys experimenting with the creative possibilities of the raku firing process.
As an educator, Nellie strikes a balance between providing supportive instruction and fostering independent exploration among her students. Nellie cultivates an encouraging learning environment where students can freely experiment with new techniques and develop their own personal style. Nellie is believed to have created the world’s first ceramic hot dog menorah.