Ceramic Surface Decoration Workshop

2026 Heritage Artisan Faire Workshops – Rediscovering the Past Through Craft.

Ceramic Surface Decoration Workshop

Step back in time—then make it your own in this hands-on ceramic decorating experience at Redlands Coast Museum. Guided by Carys Martin of Carys Martin Ceramics, you’ll explore texture, pattern and storytelling as you decorate a nature-inspired, pre-made clay vessel.

Each participant will receive a leather-hard ceramic vessel (approx. 15cm high), ready to decorate, allowing you to focus entirely on creative surface design without the pressure of forming the piece from scratch. A relaxed and inspiring workshop celebrating the landscapes and creative spirit of the Redlands Coast.

Morning 9.30am – 11.30am / Afternoon 12.30pm – 2.30pm

 

Step back in time — then make it your own.

As part of AdventureFest 2026, Redlands Coast Museum invites you to embark on The Heritage Artisan Faire Workshops: a hands-on journey through heritage skills, artistry, and self-discovery. Vintage trades meet modern creativity in a series of immersive workshops that celebrate craftsmanship as a living link between past and present.

 

In this hands-on workshop, you’ll be invited to slow down and focus on the joy of ceramic surface decoration, working directly onto a pre-made clay vessel inspired by nature, place, and story.

Facilitated by Carys Martin of Carys Martin Ceramics, and held at the Redlands Coast Museum, this workshop celebrates the creative spirit of the Redlands Coast – its gardens, bushland, shoreline, and sense of slow, intentional making.

Each attendee will be provided with a leather-hard ceramic vessel (approximately 15cm high), ready for surface decoration. Working with a pre-formed piece allows you to fully immerse yourself in texture, pattern, and storytelling through clay, without the pressure of building the form from scratch.

 

You’ll be guided step-by-step through decorative techniques such as:

• Applying clay sprigs and raised elements

• Carving and incising botanical and coastal-inspired patterns

• Creating simple floral and nature-inspired motifs

• Adding subtle touches of colour to highlight design

• Exploring rhythm, repetition, and balance in surface decoration

 

This workshop is suitable for beginners through to more experienced makers and offers a relaxed, supportive environment. No prior experience is needed – just curiosity and a love of handmade objects.

Once complete, your vessel will be carefully dried, fired, and glazed by the studio in a complementary finish. Finished pieces will be ready for collection a few weeks after the workshop.

All materials, tools, firings, and glazing are included.

Come and create a one-of-a-kind ceramic vessel – shaped by hand, inspired by the Redlands Coast, and made to be treasured.

 

About Studio –

Carys Martin is a ceramic artist, teacher, and community maker based on the Redlands Coast. Through Carys Martin Ceramics, she creates and teaches handbuilt and wheel-thrown ceramics inspired by nature, folklore, and the rhythms of place. Her studio is known for its welcoming, slow-making approach, offering workshops that invite people of all experience levels to connect with creativity, story, and community through clay.

 

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Duration:

2 hours (morning and afternoon sessions available)

Suitable for: Ages 16+ (no prior experience required)

 

What to wear
Comfortable clothing and enclosed shoes.

 

What to bring
Please bring your own apron.

 

Workshop Capacity:

All our Heritage Artisan Faire Workshops have a limited number of participants to ensure you receive all the assistance and direction you require.

 

Ticket Includes:

• Tea & coffee station

• Entry to the Museum to explore our fascinating exhibits*

 

Ticket Types:

• Non-Members

• Redlands Coast Museum Members & Volunteers ($5 discount)

 

Important Information:

• Discounts apply only to valid Redlands Coast Museum Members and Volunteers

• Member and volunteer discounts cannot be used by non-members

• Discounts are not transferable or shareable

 

*Booking fees apply.