Sgraffito is an Italian phrase that means “to scratch.” It entails applying layers of glaze which to leather hard pottery, in which the artist can begin scratching off the layer of underglaze to expose the clay underneath and create patterns and texture. The origins of Sgraffito are traced to the Italian renaissance in which it performed a big role in its use in outdoor buildings and palaces. After its introduction in Southern Europe, Sgraffito made its manner into art and structure during the Northern Renaissance, mainly in Germany. It also became popular in Iran and the civilians would create animals often.

There are many steps that students have been taught in Ceramics 2 in order to complete projects using the Sgraffito technique. Students are currently making plates and have to use the Sgraffito technique after the glaze of the leather hard clay. For starters, the Ceramics 2 students had to use multiple techniques and machines in order to create this plate. They had to use a machine that flattened out the clay, then lay the flat clay down over a plate and smooth out the clay, making it fit the shape of the paper plate they put underneath. Mrs. Furst has the students draw out their designs before actually putting them on the pottery, which is very effective because students will know exactly what they should be putting on their pottery so there is no confusion. When it comes to the plates, if students are planning on having a very detailed plate, they should trace their design on the plate, and then practice the Sgraffito technique so they know where everything is.

 Coral Glades High School student in Ms.Fursts ceramics 2 class Isabella Watson was 

“At first it was hard and complicated,” sophomore Isabella Watson stated. “Then, once I started doing it numerous amount of times, I got the hang of it. Once I started feeling comfortable, it was very enjoyable to fully experience the world of ceramics.”