Join Ceramicist and printmaker, Simon Suckling, for a 1-day workshop to create your own one-piece drop out plaster mould. Participants will learn the process of mould making to be able to create multiples of bowls, cups or mugs.
This hands-on workshop introduces participants to the fundamentals of plaster mould making for ceramics.
Each participant will create their own one-piece small cup or bowl plaster mould
Participants will learn:
- Finishing and trimming moulds
- Basic principles of slip casting
- How to make a simple one-piece plaster mould
- Understanding undercuts and mould limitations
- Planning and preparing forms for casting
- Measuring and calculating plaster quantities
- Mixing plaster safely and accurately
What to Bring
- A small wheel-thrown or hand-built cup in a leather-hard state, suitable for trimming and mould making (maximum 12cm high x 12cm diameter). Please ensure there are no undercuts so that the cast slips easily from the mould.
- OR Found form – plastic bowl or cup no larger than 12cm H x 12cm D (no undercuts)
- We recommend watching this YouTube video for information on the process Make a Simple Plaster Mold for Slip Casting
- If you have them – Paddle, sponge, Sureform, trimming/carving tools, calculator, VA Diary, Pen, Face mask, Water bottle, Mug
- Box and towel to take your fresh mould home in (please note the fresh mould will need time to cure/dry before first use). Please leave this box in your car until needed.
- Two (2) Large (approx. 27cm x 27cm) Ziplock bags (there will be the option to purchase some plaster powder on the day to make a mould at home)
We Provide
- Plaster, aluminium flashing, reclaimed clay for sealing mould, rulers, some paddles
DATE: Sunday 4th October, 2026
COST: $130 Members $150 Non-Members
TIME: 9:30AM- 4pm (Workshop may finish earlier)
VENUE: Gold Coast Potters Association, 173 Ashmore Road, Benowa
MORNING TEA PROVIDED *
*As we are potters and not chefs, our events team can’t guarantee that the food provided for attendees with dietary preferences or medical allergies will fit your needs. We request, in these circumstances, that you please bring your own food.
Please note our refund and cancellation policy.
About your Workshop Facilitator
Simon Suckling is a mid-career artist and designer based in Meanjin Brisbane.
Simon is studied Visual Arts at University of Southern Queensland and an MA from Monash University in Melbourne. He has been a practicing ceramic artist for 35 years.
Simon has studied porcelain and studio pottery in Japan and China and currently produces handmade works under the name of Bluehouse Porcelain.
Simon’s ceramic practice incorporates botanical illustration and printmaking, with each drawing rendered in multiple layers of silk-screened vitreous enamel transferred to porcelain surfaces.
His work is held in collection of the State Library of Queensland and the Museum of Brisbane
Simon’s Artist statement
I make intimate portraits of the natural world surrounding my inner-city home in Bardon. It is a place where the natural world collides with the concrete and asphalt of the encroaching city. A place where animals and plants constantly adapt to their changing environment. These are stories of loss and destruction, resilience and hope. My practice is grounded in drawing, a language that allows me to traverse material constraints and communicate across disciplines.
I make small ceramic works as a gentle reminder that nature is not something that occurs elsewhere, it is here on our doorstep to nurture and cherish.
