Introduction to Handbuilding: Beginner

Learn the foundations of hand-built pottery while creating unique ceramic pieces you'll be proud to take home.



2 x 3.5 hours Class size 1 to 10 guests       £140 (PayPal Pay in 3 available)

Session One: Coiling & Pinching
We'll begin by exploring two of the oldest pottery techniques—coiling and pinching. You'll learn how to build strong, sculptural forms by hand, with guidance on shaping, joining, and refining your work. You're welcome to create individual pieces or begin a larger project that you'll continue in the second session.
Session Two: Slab Building
In the second class, you'll learn slab-building techniques, using rolled clay to construct functional or decorative forms. This session is a great opportunity to combine techniques—for example, creating a coiled lampshade with a slab-built base or incorporating slab elements into a project started in the first class.
Throughout both sessions, you'll decorate your work using underglazes, carving, texture, and other surface decoration techniques, so your pieces are ready for their first kiln firing.
If you'd like to give your finished work an extra level of depth and colour, you can choose to add an optional third glazing session when booking. During this session, you'll apply professional reactive glazes before your work receives its final firing.
Whether you're completely new to pottery or looking to expand your hand-building skills, this course offers a fun, supportive environment to learn, experiment, and create beautiful handmade ceramics.
What you'll get
A completed project or multiple works!
Knowledge required
Beginner.
Session repeats

This class series runs over 2 consecutive sessions, which are 1 week apart.

Location

Wild Clay Studios

Introduction to Handbuilding: Beginner location
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Your teacher

Wild Clay Studios
Wild Clay Studios

5.0 (87)
female Women-owned

Hello! I'm Jess from Jess Made This Mess and I offer a wide variety of ceramic workshops at Wild Clay Studios! My workshops are intended to be a safe and creative space that encourage people to try something new using hand building techniques such as slab building, coiling and pinching. I aim to make pottery accessible to everyone and anyone that wants to give it a go! You don't need all the bells and whistles to make a gorgeous pot, and thats the brilliant thing about pottery.

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class 1E57MXLBSX b30fa37a8c654059964d2a78c24cea95 production bristol Bristol South West GB bristol