Instructor:Â Â Emily Smucker-Beidler
Skill Level: Beginner
Learn some of the fascinating history of early Pennsylvania Redware pottery, including how it was mined and processed, to the role and life of the potter within the Pennsylvania German culture. Students will start with a prepared slab of red clay with white slip and to cut out and at least 5 ornament shapes. Then, using the sgraffito method, we’ll scratch through the colored slip for our Fraktur designs. All provided patterns will be taken from historic Pennsylvania German red ware. Learn how to take traditional images and make them your own through clay. All ability levels are welcome, ages 13-100.
After the workshop, Emily will bisque fire your pieces, cover them in a clear glaze and fire once more. Ornaments can be picked up 4 weeks after the workshop -at the location where the workshop was taught. For an extra fee, Emily can mail participant(s) their ornaments.
The Crossover of Redware and Fraktur: Fraktur was created by Pennsylvania Germans during the eighteenth through the mid nineteenth centuries and features calligraphic text decorated with colorful birds, hearts and flowers. The tradition has its roots in the illuminated manuscripts of medieval Europe but evolved into a distinctive part of the local Pennsylvania German culture. At the same time, early Pennsylvania Germans were creating utilitarian red ware pieces for everyday use. The same images used in Fraktur were used on plates, bowls, and all manner of practical clay pieces.
About the Instructor: Ever since sixth grade, Emily Smucker-Beidler has been creating Fraktur after learning from Roma Ruth, a well-respected Fraktur Artist from Montgomery County, PA. After receiving an Art Education degree and Master’s degree in Art Education, Emily has made her 29-year career in teaching art her passion, while continuing to create custom Fraktur for hundreds of clients. She brings her experience and enthusiasm for teaching to her Fraktur workshops and welcomes artists of all ages and ability levels.
Cancellation/Refund Policy:Â
We understand that plans can change, and we strive to accommodate our participants as best as possible. Please review our refund policy before registering for a workshop:
In order to request a withdrawal from a workshop, students must contact the Guild by phone at 717-431-8706 or contact us here.
Cancellations More Than 7 Days Before the Workshop
If a cancellation is made more than 7 days before the workshop, a 10% administrative fee will be deducted from any refund to the original form of payment to cover credit card processing and administrative costs. A workshop credit of 100% of the tuition may also be offered. Workshop credits expire 6 months after the date of the workshop.
Cancellations Within 4-7 Days of the Workshop
Cancellations made within 4 to 7 days of the workshop are not eligible for a refund to the original form of payment but may be transferred to another class or issued as a workshop credit for future use. Workshop credits expire 6 months after the date of the workshop.
Cancellations 3 Days or Less of the Workshop
Cancellations made within 3 days of the workshop are not eligible for a refund or a workshop credit.
No-Show Policy
If you do not notify us ahead of the class and fail to attend, you are not eligible for a refund or a workshop credit.
Classes canceled by the instructor or the Guild.
Students are eligible to receive a 100% refund to the original form of payment or workshop credit if the workshop is canceled by the instructor or the Guild. Workshop credits expire within 6 months of the date of the workshop.
To purchase a ticket at the member discounted rate, please login here.
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Redware Ornaments
2025-09-20
1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Venue: PA Guild of Craftsmen
Venue Phone: 717-431-8706
Venue Website: www.pacrafts.org
Address: