Ready, Set, Match: Make Your Own Chess Set
Valentine’s Edition — Thursday 2/12
You know how special your grandparents’ heirlooms feel — the quiet magic of something they made, used, and loved in the “good old days”? These are our good old days. This Valentine’s, come create your own family heirloom: a handcrafted ceramic chess set infused with personal meaning, symbols, and intention — made to be played, shared, and passed down for generations.
In this 3.5-hour workshop, you’ll design and hand-sculpt a complete ceramic chess set, including both the board and pieces. Using handbuilding techniques, you’ll form each piece with care, focusing on balance, scale, and expression, then customize your board and pieces with underglaze — adding color, patterns, or symbolic markings that make your set uniquely yours.
This experience is about slowing down, creating together, and making something lasting with your hands — a game that becomes a ritual, a memory, and a timeless heirloom. All firings are included, and your finished chess set will be ready for pickup after firing.
Perfect for:
A romantic date · A solo artist date · Friends night · A meaningful Valentine’s plan · Special occasions
What’s included
All clay, tools, and materials
Hand-sculpted ceramic chess pieces + board
Underglaze colors to customize your set
Firing of all work
Light guidance from our team — this is a minimally led experience, and you are the artist
Each ticket includes a spot for you + one guest to collaborate on a single chess set together.
We recommend planning your design ahead of time.
Think about meaningful symbols, themes, or shared references you’d like to incorporate — for example, celestial motifs, florals, personal icons, or a color story. Feel free to bring small stamps or textures to use in your designs. Keep in mind the pieces will range from approximately 2–4.5 inches tall, so any tools or objects you bring should fit that scale.
Additionally,
Included with your ticket is unlimited Coffee and/or Tea.
You’re welcome to BYOB your favorite drink - we charge a small $12 corkage fee per wine bottle / or six pack of beers which includes use of our wine glasses and fridge storage to keep your drinks perfectly chilled.
How It Works
Arrive on time and check in with us.
We will provide the ceramic tiles pre cut out for your convenience (and for consistency).
Take your time organizing each of the parts of your set (we will provide instructions for this) and start customizing each bundle. You can carve / stamp / or simply paint with underglaze.
Once you are done, we will collect your set and prepare to fire it / the back of the tiles will not be glazed.
Cancellation Policy:
Reservations must be cancelled at least 72 hours in advance for a full refund. Late cancellations may be credited toward a future session. No-shows will not be refunded. For questions, email us at ocislyceramics@gmail.com
Location
📍El Studio, Morningside
5400 NE 4th Court, Miami - please park in the guests spots - make sure you pay for parking - and come through the glass doors.
About OCISLY:
Of Course I Still Love You (OCISLY) Ceramics invites the modern nomad to experience Miami like an artist—exploring the city with curiosity and fresh perspective. We believe art is everywhere, and our mission is to connect people with inspiration in unexpected places.
Follow our journey and updates on future classes here: @ocisly_ceramics
