Ceramics Handbuilding Course

Important venue update: From May onwards, all workshops will take place at our new studio at 377 Station Road, Forest Gate. If you are booking a class scheduled after May, please note the new location when planning your visit.In this ceramic four week course, you will learn the three fundamental hand-building techniques: pinching, coiling, and slab-building. By the end of the course, you will understand all the most important elements of design and construction with clay so you can create original pottery of your own. These foundational practices are the basis for almost all ceramics made by hand-building.You can expect to leave with 1-2 larger detailed pieces or a collection of smaller items.No prior experience in the craft is necessary for this course. It is suited to anyone who is curious to work with clay for the first time as well as those who already have a good knowledge and experience. Our smaller class sizes allow the tutor to spend a higher proportion of their time with individuals who would like deeper insights and to further their skills/understanding.If you don't know what you want to make, don't worry! We have a range of ideas and objects to inspire the design, and we have excellent assistance on hand for the building of your final piece. Think coffee mugs, teacups, pasta bowls, decorative vases, planters, table jugs, wine carafes, candlestick holders, wall hangings, the list goes on.We also welcome anyone who already has decided on a design or idea of what they want to achieve for their final piece - the tutor will help configure the session plans to that idea and ensure the course material is relevant! We will all create in a communal space with support and instruction.Throughout the course, you will learn through discussion, doing, and testing the boundaries to understand the limits of clay - making you a truly resilient potter!The class atmosphere is friendly and supportive, and you should expect to chat and get to know each other as you work - ideas and encouragement are shared throughout. We can’t wait for you to join!Course ItineraryWeek 1 Introduction to Ceramics

• Learn about types of clay and how they differ.
• Learn the three hand-building techniques (Pinching/coiling/slab-building) and try to push them to their limits.
• Understand how clay can be reclaimed.

Week 2 Finessing Ceramics

• Learn about decorating techniques including but not limited to; mark-making, burnishing, simple marbling, inlay.
• Learn how to attach ceramic pieces together.
• Understand how to calculate clay shrinkage.
• Understand what happens as clay dries and why/how it is fired.
• Share and discuss inspirations.
• Start prototyping and experimenting for your final pieces.

Week 3 Developing an Idea

• Fast sculpting mini-project, test your hand-building skills with a fun warm-up exercise.
• Start working on your final pieces, with guidance and discussion from Sorrel and the group.

Week 4 Finishing Your Vision

• Finish building your final pieces ready to be fired.
• Use decoration techniques on your final pieces.
• Choose your glaze colours to be applied by Sorrel.

There is also an optional addition to join a glazing class for £45* (date to be confirmed with the tutor following each course). During this, you can glaze your works yourself before they are fired.Please note: We strive to help you create something amazing during your pottery class. Because each piece is handmade and involves many variables (such as clay handling, glaze, and firing conditions), we’re unable to offer refunds or replacements for defects or damages that occur in items you’ve made. One large ceramic or a small set of ceramic pieces of their own design Read more details