Sgraffito dishes – Hand-building in Clay

Saturday, Sept. 20, 2026  |  9am - 11:30am  

Stretch your creative limits with this fun ceramic project that combines hand-building dishes and carving intricate patterns and design into clay! Sgraffito is a decorative pottery technique in which leather-hard clay is painted with colored slip or underglaze, then carefully carved to reveal the natural clay beneath. The word comes from the Italian term meaning “to scratch,” and it’s perfect for creating detailed patterns, line-work, and botanical designs. In this class, you’ll make two small dishes, apply colored underglaze, and explore nature-inspired carving techniques to bring your designs to life.

Following the clay workshop and behind the scenes, your instructor will slowly dry your finished work, bisque fire, apply a clear glaze, and fire again to a higher temperature. Your finished pieces will be available 2-3 weeks after the class.

This 1-day, hands-on ceramic workshop is intentionally limited to a smaller group of participants to ensure personalized instruction in an intimate environment. Held outdoors in the lovely setting of Three Leaf Farm in Lafayette, CO, this class is open to adults (ages 18+). No experience needed - all levels welcome!

Class Details:

Date:  Saturday, Sept 20, 2026 

Time: 9 - 11:30am

Location: Three Leaf Farm, Lafayette, CO

Instructor: Melissa Beckwith, Local Artist & Graphic Designer

Cost: $90 for 1 day clay workshop

Cancellation Policy: Cancellations within two weeks of the class date are non-refundable due to the cost of supplies and preparation time. However, your paid spot can be gifted to a friend in the event you are unable to attend. 

Class Instructor: Melissa Beckwith is a local artist with over 20 years of experience working with clay. She combines an elegant blend of form, function, and detail in both hand-built and wheel-thrown pottery. Her ceramic work is both artistic and functional, with a focus on surface texture and unique glaze combinations. Inspired by the shapes and textures found in nature, she holds a deep appreciation for the history of pottery as one of the oldest forms of self-expression.