Soda-fired plate by Anika

Soda Solutions: Wheel /Hand Blend
Instructor: Anika Major
Thursdays 7:30pm-9:30pm
11 Weeks! Sept 11th-Nov 20th
$485 (Does not include clay)

Class fee includes putting 2 pots in the soda kiln. If you would like to put in more, you may buy a full “share” as an optional $55 add-on.

Ready to level up your clay skills and explore new surfaces? In this class for returning students, Anika will guide you through wheel throwing and handbuilding projects, while introducing a variety of surface techniques—including slips, underglazes, and washes—that will bring depth and vibrancy to your forms.

Anika’s unique approach blends precise wheel techniques with expressive handbuilding, giving you the tools to create both refined and playful work. You’ll have the chance to expand your skills by combining forms, altering thrown pieces, and building with intention from the ground up.

As an optional bonus adventure, you’ll have the chance to try soda firing—a dramatic and exciting process where soda ash is sprayed into the kiln at peak temperature, creating atmospheric surfaces that glaze your pots in unexpected and beautiful ways. This firing will take place during week 9 (November 4th) at our sister studio, Rat City Studios, and is offered as an optional add-on. Whether you choose the soda side quest or stick with regular RCC firings, Anika will share her passion for surfaces and help you get the most from each stage of the process.

What is Soda-Firing?
We have a special space on Clay Q&A where you can learn more about soda firing. Join Clay Q&A. In Soda Firing, we spray material into the red-hot kiln, which helps to glaze the pots. This happens at the very end of the firing. Follow this link to see a gallery of soda-fired ceramics.

Soda Kiln Firing Dates will be outside the regular class schedule. Participants will be able to put around 5 pots into the soda kiln. Any other projects made during the session may be fired throughout regular firings at RCC.

Load Soda Kiln: Nov. 4th
Fire Soda Kiln: Nov. 5th
Unload Soda Kiln: Nov. 8th (look at finished work in the 11th week of class).

Prerequisites: Ideal for those who have taken at least one ceramics class or possess a basic understanding of centering clay and pulling cylinders, this class is an ideal opportunity to further refine your abilities and explore new possibilities.

Class Level: Recommended for those with one or more throwing classes or be able to throw a 5” tall cylinder. You must be 15+ years of age to participate. This class is a great fit for those wanting to grow their skills with an instructor present to ask questions. There is a 15” maximum size, in any direction, when creating with clay at RCC.

Soda-fired Cup with Crackle Slip by Anika

Materials: Clay is $40 for new clay or at times we have recycled clay for sale for $15. This is a separate purchase from your class fee. Purchase clay HERE and we will have it ready on your first class.

Bring an apron, comfy clothes, a quart-sized container (like a yogurt container), and a beginner's set of tools to the first class.

Tool kits are available for purchase online or at SPS or CAC. Or here is another option on Amazon. The class fee includes all glazing materials, firings, and generous open-studio access for practice time. All levels welcome - come join the fun!

Anika Major

About the Instructor:
Instructor: Anika Major (she/her)

Anika Major is the studio manager at Rain City Clay. She is a Texas-born ceramic artist, and graduated from the University of North Texas, receiving her BFA in ceramics and painting. She moved to Seattle in 2018, and has been teaching a variety of clay classes and managing operations at Rain City Clay. Anika maintains a full-time studio practice in Georgetown, where she creates functional pottery that blends her passions for clay and figure painting. She has been experimenting with soda firing at Rat City Studios within the last year, and enjoys gardening and quilting in her down time!

Class refund policy:

Cancellations must be made via email to info@raincityclay.com
If you want to cancel your class, you may request a refund based on the bullet points below. Then you may rebook yourself for a class that fits better into your schedule. Last-minute cancellations in classes are difficult to fill - please double-check your schedule before committing to an event. Refunds take several business days to process from the date we receive the email request.

  • 100% of tuition (less a $15 processing fee) will be refunded if a student elects to drop a class no later than ten days (10 days) before the first class meeting.

  • 80% of tuition (less a $15 processing fee) will be refunded if a student drops a class within 7 business days before the first class meeting.

  • 50% of tuition (less a $15 processing fee) will be refunded if a student drops a class within 3 business days before the first class meeting.

  • 0% of tuition is refunded if cancellation is made within two days of class for any reason except for documented medical emergencies. (providing a doctor's note). There are no other exceptions to this policy.

  • No refunds or credit will be given for missed classes. Students currently enrolled in 10-week classes may practice during open studio time to build skills even if a class is missed. One-day clay events and lessons do not come with open studio time.

  • We reserve the right to cancel a class or workshop up to 3 days in advance of the first class due to insufficient enrollment. If a class is canceled, you will be offered the option of another class or a full refund.