Scratching the Surface with Lesley McInally

Dates: October 3-4, 2026

Time: 9:00AM - 4:00PM

Format: Two-day surface decoration intensive

Location: 300 Campbell Avenue, Unit 115, Toronto, ON

Participants: 24

Cost:

• $350 FUSION and Parkdale Pottery Members
• $450 General Public

These workshops are presented in partnership with Fusion Clay & Glass. 

Workshop Description: 

Unlock the full expressive potential of your ceramic work through  surface design. Over two full days, this hands-on workshop  guides you through a curated suite of surface decorating  techniques that can be applied to both hand-built and thrown forms. You’ll experiment, refine, and personalize your surface vocabulary with supportive coaching and feedback from Lesley McInally.

Participants will dive deep into a mix of traditional and  contemporary surface treatments, tailored to support creative risk taking and technical development:

• Lesley will demonstrate and discuss making slip and adding  coloured stains. Intuitive mark making - creating brushes and textures to explore  multiple surface effects and generate artistic expression.
• Mono print - painting with slips and building captivating surfaces  to ignite inspiration for future exploration.
• Underglaze slip trailing and mono print transfers - combining  underglaze with slips for instant dynamic illustrative patterns.
• Clay chalk print transfer - drawing with ceramic chalks/pastels to  explore other possibilities.
• Screen print and transfers - learn how to screen print, transfer  your design onto clay and combine it with ready made transfers.

Across the two days, Lesley will demonstrate each method, break  down key decisions (timing, tools, materials), and help you adapt  techniques to your artistic style.

Pieces are not fired in this class but arrangements may be possible by speaking with Parkdale Pottery. 

Fees for programs cannot be refunded. If you need help or accommodations, please get in touch so we can work together to support you.