Students will learn how to make an air dry clay from common household materials and create a lifelike hydrangea. The skills learned in this class can also be used at home to create sugar or gumpaste flowers. We will discuss different types of air dry clay and their uses, how to roll out the clay and cut petals, and how to shape and color them. All tools and materials are included in the fee and students will be able to take home their completed hydrangea, any leftover clay, and a recipe for cold porcelain.

Participants are asked to bring their lunch and to avoid wearing dark-colored or fuzzy clothing (the fibers will show up on the clay).

AGES: 13+

ABOUT THE ARTIST: Amanda is a botanical sculptor from Clarion PA. She was formally trained as a fine artist at the Columbus College of Art and Design and continued as a studio potter for 10 years. She eventually switched to “cold porcelain” when she discovered its ability to hold fine detail, something her stoneware lacked. This characteristic of cold porcelain was perfect for creating flower forms which she had been striving to create. Trillium, Mt. Laurel, primroses, lily of the valley, sweet peas and more line up across her work table as she carefully cuts petals from thinly rolled clay. After drying she paints them and arranges them into bouquets, vignettes, and accessories. Amanda’s other interests- gardening and wild food foraging, have helped her in understanding structure and color unique to each flower. “Living in the PA Wilds has given me a great bounty of unique wild plants to study and work from which gives me a great satisfaction in sharing with others”.

Amanda’s flowers can also be seen at the Robin’s Nest Gallery in Pittsburgh, the Kelly Green Bed and Breakfast in Tionesta, PA, and the Sawmill Center for the Arts in Cook Forest, PA. You can follow her on Instagram @amcale8 or visit her website to learn more about this unique art form, sign up for a class, or schedule a studio visit: petal.indiemade.com

NOTE: This workshop has limited spaces available.

REGISTRATION DEADLINE: May 5th. You MUST pre-register to attend! Your spot is not reserved until we receive your payment.