Redware Ornament Workshop with Emily Smucker-Beidler (August 1, 2026)

The Redware Ornament Workshop at Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum introduces participants to Pennsylvania German pottery through the creation of handmade ornaments using traditional sgraffito techniques.

Saturday, August 1, 2026
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM (EDT)

Location:
Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum
2451 Kissel Hill Road
Lancaster, PA 17601

Click Here to Register

Tuition:
$120.00 – $130.00

Classroom:
Museum Store – Second Floor (one flight of stairs)

The Redware Ornament Workshop is a hands-on introduction to traditional Pennsylvania German redware pottery, focusing on the creation of decorative clay ornaments using the sgraffito technique. This workshop combines historical interpretation with practical artmaking, allowing participants to explore the connection between pottery and folk art design.

Redware was widely produced by Pennsylvania German potters in the 18th and 19th centuries. Using locally sourced clay, artisans created functional items such as plates, bowls, and storage vessels. Many of these pieces were decorated with bold and expressive designs that reflect the same visual language found in Fraktur art. This workshop highlights that connection by incorporating Fraktur-inspired imagery into redware ornament design.

Participants will begin by learning about the history of Pennsylvania redware, including how clay was mined and processed, and the role of potters within early Pennsylvania German communities. This context provides a deeper understanding of the materials and techniques used in the workshop.

Each student will start with a prepared slab of red clay coated with white slip. Using templates and design inspiration drawn from historic Pennsylvania German redware, participants will cut out at least five ornament shapes. The focus then shifts to the sgraffito process, where students scratch through the white slip to reveal the red clay beneath, creating decorative patterns and imagery.

Instruction emphasizes both technique and creativity. Participants will learn how to adapt traditional motifs—such as birds, hearts, and floral elements—into their own designs while maintaining the aesthetic qualities of historic redware. The workshop encourages personal expression while staying rooted in traditional forms.

All materials are included in the class fee, and all ability levels are welcome, from beginners to experienced artists. The workshop is open to participants ages 13 and up.

After the workshop, the instructor will complete the firing process. Ornaments will be bisque fired, glazed with a clear finish, and fired again, resulting in durable, finished pieces. Completed ornaments will be available for pickup approximately four weeks after the workshop at the class location. Shipping is available for an additional fee.

The class is held in the second-floor classroom of the Landis Valley Museum Store, accessible by one flight of stairs. The workshop runs from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, making it an ideal half-day creative experience.

🎨 What’s Included

• Prepared red clay slabs with white slip
• Tools for cutting and sgraffito decoration
• Templates and historic design references
• Firing (bisque + glaze + final firing)

🧾 After the Workshop

• Ornaments ready for pickup in approximately 4 weeks
• Optional shipping available for an additional fee

🖌️ Redware & Fraktur: A Shared Tradition

Fraktur and redware developed side by side in Pennsylvania German culture during the 18th and 19th centuries. Both art forms feature similar decorative motifs—birds, hearts, and flowers—and reflect a shared visual language rooted in European traditions and adapted to American life.

This workshop explores that crossover, allowing participants to bring Fraktur-style design into a ceramic medium.

👩‍🏫 Instructor: Emily Smucker-Beidler

Emily Smucker-Beidler has been creating Fraktur since sixth grade, studying under noted artist Roma Ruth. She holds both an Art Education degree and a Master’s degree in Art Education and spent 33 years teaching art.

Emily has created custom Fraktur for hundreds of clients and now shares her passion through workshops that welcome participants of all ages and skill levels.

⚠️ Important Notes

• Ages 13+
• All ability levels welcome
• All materials and firing included
• Class held in the Museum Store’s second-floor classroom
• All sales are final. No refunds
• Proceeds benefit Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum