PA Guild- Redware Ornaments (9/12/2026)
Workshop | Available
This year, the Chester County Art Association is proud to partner with the Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen to host unique fine craft workshops at CCAA, led by Guild teaching artists.
Redware Ornaments
Learn some of the fascinating history of early Pennsylvania Redware pottery, including how it was mined and processed, to the role and life of the potter within the Pennsylvania German culture. Students will start with a prepared slab of red clay with white slip and to cut out and at least 5 ornament shapes. Then, using the sgraffito method, we’ll scratch through the colored slip for our Fraktur designs. All provided patterns will be taken from historic Pennsylvania German red ware. Learn how to take traditional images and make them your own through clay. All ability levels are welcome, ages 13-100.
After the workshop, Emily will bisque fire your pieces, cover them in a clear glaze and fire once more. Ornaments can be picked up 4 weeks after the workshop -at the location where the workshop was taught. For an extra fee, Emily can mail participant(s) their ornaments.
The Crossover of Redware and Fraktur: Fraktur was created by Pennsylvania Germans during the eighteenth through the mid nineteenth centuries and features calligraphic text decorated with colorful birds, hearts and flowers. The tradition has its roots in the illuminated manuscripts of medieval Europe but evolved into a distinctive part of the local Pennsylvania German culture. At the same time, early Pennsylvania Germans were creating utilitarian red ware pieces for everyday use. The same images used in Fraktur were used on plates, bowls, and all manner of practical clay pieces.
- Instructor: Emily Smucker-Beidler
Skill Level: Beginner
Date/Time: Saturday, September 12th, 2026 from 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Class length: 1 Class, 3 hours Total
Class tuition: $140. per student
Age: Ages 13-100 and all ability levels are welcome.
Minimum # of students: 4
Maximum # of students: 16
All Supplies and Materials are included in the cost of this class.