In this class, students will focus on techniques to turn elegant hollow forms with an additional emphasis on the decorative possibilities after completing the vessel. One of the key elements initially covered is developing a sense of form while turning and learning how subtle changes during the turning process can dramatically change the final look of the vessel. Students will make several pieces for personal comparison. Besides learning effective tool use, everyone will also make and use a simple small hook tool for hollowing and a simple diamond-pointed embellishing tool. Students will learn the basics of hollowing the vessel using their own tools as well as the instructor’s boring bars and hook tools, which can be easily made. Students will use and take home a special caliper for wall thickness in the difficult-to-measure areas around the tops of vessels. Another key element of the class is exploring in detail various decorative techniques, including carving, texturing, and piercing. There will be a strong focus on the process of laying out designs and how to make and creatively use an indexing wheel. Methods of transferring designs onto three-dimensional surfaces using both a grid system and frisket materials will also be covered to create unique and personal work. Students will explore the design possibilities and learn the basic techniques of piercing, carving, and texturing using high-speed NSK tools, rotary micromotors, and other power tools. All of the embellishing techniques will be available electronically for students to take home. For class use, the instructor will furnish NSK Presto handpieces and a multitude of carving and piercing burs. Some previous knowledge of turning hollow forms is recommended but not mandatory.