Cutting Concepts: Exploring Greenware Decoration
Instructor: Sam Oliver
Dates: Aug 23 – 28, 2026
Time: Sunday 5:00 pm – Friday 12:00 pm
Skill Level: Intermediate, Advanced (basic hand-building skills needed)
Tuition Only: $650 (includes lunches and welcome dinner) *You can add additional meals at the end of the registration form
Tuition + Lodging: $1,350 single room, $1,075 shared room (includes all meals)
During this workshop, participants will learn to use stencil-resist techniques on greenware to create engaging, intricate designs on unfired clay surfaces. Students will learn to use a digital vinyl cutter to create reusable stencils from digital and hand-drawn images. Discussions will include elements of design, concept consideration, and keeping a sketchbook. Demonstrations of hand-building techniques and slip applications will help students explore form while experimenting with layering, negative space, and texture within their own work.
- Favorite Clay Tools (including but not limited to):
- Self healing cutting mat (no smaller than 10×10 inch)
- Round Watercolor Paint brushes (variety of large and small with soft bristles) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07QQMLQHX?smid=A1YTHFFH67747H&ref_=chk_typ_imgToDp&th=1
- Blow dryer
- spray bottle https://a.co/d/2Vv6LyA
- Sketch book
- Red Mudtools rib
- Metal ruler
- Newsprint Paper Pad 18×24 https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000WG20SC/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_image_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1
- Drawing Charcoal https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000VXONF4/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1
- Computer, tablet, or phone that can support Circut Design Space Application (please download the free program prior to the workshop)
Optional materials to bring:
- Amaco LUG 1 Black Underglaze
- Personal toiletries (shampoo, hairdryer, etc. — linens and towels are provided)
- Snacks
- Personal tools
- Water bottle
- Layers for cool evenings
- Hiking shoes
- Raincoat
Workshop FAQs
-
Are the studios and lodging facilities air conditioned?
Yes, there is air conditioning in each room and new air conditioning in our ceramics and multi-purpose studio!
-
Is there Wi-Fi at the studios and lodging facilities?
Wi-Fi is available in the retreat center, multi-purpose studio, and ceramics studio.
-
Are pets allowed?
We love pets, but unfortunately, we can’t accommodate them in the studios or lodging.
-
What is Adamah's cancellation policy?
We understand that plans can change, but when you register, Adamah makes significant investments in preparing for your participation. Cancellations made at least 45 days before the workshop start date will receive a full refund minus a $45 cancellation fee. Cancellations made within 44 days of the start date are nonrefundable. All cancellation requests must be submitted in writing to adamah@bethelhorizons.org. If Adamah must cancel a workshop due to low enrollment, instructor illness, or unforeseen circumstances, you’ll be notified 30 days in advance and offered a full refund or the option to transfer to another workshop (based on availability). Please note that Adamah cannot be responsible for nonrefundable travel or lodging expenses.
-
Do you offer scholarships or financial assistance?
We offer work-study options and scholarships for select workshops. Details are available on our website or by contacting us. You need to be accepted to the work-study or scholarship program before registering for a workshop.
Hourly Schedule
Sunday
- 4 PM – 5 PM
- Arrival/Check In
- Participants can arrive anytime between 4 and 5
- 5 PM – 6 PM
- Welcome Dinner
- All participants!
- 6 PM
- Studio Introduction
Monday
- 8 AM – 9 AM
- Breakfast
- 9 AM – Noon
- Studio Instruction
- Noon – 1 PM
- Lunch
- All participants
- 1 PM – 4 PM
- Studio Instruction
- 4 PM – 5 PM
- Break/Open Studio
- 5 PM – 6 PM
- Dinner
- 6 PM
- Open Studio/Free Time
Tuesday
- 8 AM – 9 AM
- Breakfast
- 9 AM – Noon
- Studio Instruction
- Noon – 1 PM
- Lunch
- All participants
- 1 PM – 4 PM
- Studio Instruction
- 4 PM – 5 PM
- Break/Open Studio
- 5 PM – 6 PM
- Dinner
- 6 PM
- Open Studio/Free Time
Wednesday
- 8 AM – 9 AM
- Breakfast
- 9 AM – Noon
- Studio Instruction
- Noon – 1 PM
- Lunch
- All participants
- 1 PM – 4 PM
- Studio Instruction
- 4 PM – 5 PM
- Break/Open Studio
- 5 PM – 6 PM
- NO Dinner – Go out! 🙂
- 6 PM
- Open Studio/Free Time
Thursday
- 8 AM – 9 AM
- Breakfast
- 9 AM – Noon
- Studio Instruction
- Noon – 1 PM
- Lunch
- All participants
- 1 PM – 4 PM
- Studio Instruction
- 4 PM – 5 PM
- Break/Open Studio
- 5 PM – 6 PM
- Dinner
- 6 PM
- Open Studio/Free Time
Friday
- 8 AM – 9 AM
- Breakfast
- 9 AM – 11 AM
- Studio Instruction
- 11 AM – Noon
- Clean up/Group Photo & Workshop Review