Encaustic Tile Making: 2 Day Course

A short course using traditional techniques to create decorative tiles.

This short course delivered by Posh Rois Pots will participants the chance to explore the traditional craft of encaustic tile making — blending design, colour, and creativity to produce, functional ceramic pieces. Participants will gain an understanding of the complete encaustic process, and will produce fully finished, durable tiles to take home. The course will be structured over two days, two weeks apart (29th April and 13th May) to allow the tiles to dry and be fired. All materials and PPE will be provided.

Day One: Participants design and create their encaustic tiles using clay and inlay techniques.

Day Two: After the initial firing, participants return to glaze and finish their tiles, learning about surface finishes, glazing chemistry, and firing results.

This workshop is being delivered as part of the All Ireland Heritage Skills Programme public events series, supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund. These workshops aim to increase opportunities for everyone to get involved with and learn more about heritage skills.

Who should attend?

This 2 day course is is open to all and no previous experience is necessary.

Date: Wednesday 29th April and Wednesday 13th May 2026

Time: 10am-4pm

Places are limited to 6 attendees per session in order to maximise participant learning and safety. If you are no longer able to attend, please notify the organiser as soon as possible to allow your place to be released.

Important information for attendees:

This event is limited to a maximum of six attendees at one time. Attendees may wish to wear old clothes or overalls to protect clothing. The sessions are open to those aged 16 and over.

Getting here:

The Posh Rois Pots workshop is in the grounds of Hot Milk Forge, where there is on site parking. The forge is located in Martinstown in the Glens of Antrim, approximately a 15 minute drive from Ballymena. There are also regular buses to Martinstown from Ballymena.

Trainers Overview:

The session will be led by Noelle Higgins of Posh Rois Pots. Noelle creates handcrafted, characterful pieces from her workshop in Glenravel, where she also delivers classes and workshops to share her love of pottery.