Class Overview

In this 5-week class, you’ll explore the world of hand built pottery through accessible, foundational techniques — no wheel required. Whether you’re brand new to clay or looking to refresh your skills, this class offers a creative, relaxed introduction to forming functional and sculptural ceramics with your hands.

Each week focuses on a different method of shaping clay — from pinching and coiling to working with slabs — giving you a solid grounding in the major hand building techniques.

What You’ll Learn

Over five weeks, you’ll build your confidence through hands-on projects that introduce new skills each session. You’ll gain a well-rounded understanding of the major handbuilding techniques — while also exploring surface design, form development, and the joy of creative play.

• Week 1 – Pinch Pots: Cups, Bowls, Vases

  • You’ll start with the basics — using your fingers to form clay into simple yet expressive vessels. This week introduces key concepts of thickness, form, and structural stability through the pinch pot method.

• Week 2 – Coil Building: Vases or Bowls

  • You’ll learn how to roll and join coils to create taller or more complex forms. This technique builds on your control of shape and scale, and introduces strategies for clean joins and even walls.

• Week 3 – Slab Construction: Mugs

  • This week brings in flat slabs of clay as your building blocks. You’ll learn how to cut, join, and shape them to construct functional forms like mugs — while paying attention to structure and seams.

• Week 4 – Free Play Week

  • With three techniques under your belt, this week is all about exploration. You’ll have the freedom to combine methods, follow your curiosity, and create a piece that reflects your personal style.

• Week 5 – Glazing Basics

  • To finish off, you’ll dive into glazing — learning about surface preparation, glaze application, and how different choices affect the final look of your work. You’ll glaze your pieces in preparation for their final kiln firing.

By the end of the class, you’ll have the confidence, techniques, and creative spark to become a member and continue your handbuilding journey as part of the Create community — and a small collection of pieces that show how far you’ve come.

What’s Included

• M340 Clay to practice and create your own pieces

• Tools for shaping and finishing (for in studio use)

• Glazes for finishing your pieces

• Bisque and glaze firing of your piece.

what to bring + Personal Safety

Please bring your own apron or clothes you don’t mind getting dirty. For your comfort and safety during this class, please:

• Wear closed-toe shoes

• Ensure long hair is securely tied up and out of the way

• Remove any watches & jewelry that could catch clay or tools

• Avoid loose sleeves or billowy clothing.

Prerequisites

None, this class is beginner friendly.