In this new, short course of three weekly sessions, students will be taught by an experienced potter with over ten years of professional studio practice.

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A friendly, hands-on introduction to clay, designed for complete beginners as well as curious creatives. Students will explore both hand-building and wheel-throwing, creating functional and decorative pieces across three focussed sessions. 

Here's what to expect...

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Session 1 - Hand-building foundations

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Objectives

* Learn key clay basics: wedging, moisture control, simple tools.

* Explore fundamental techniques for hand-building

* Create a finished, hand-built piece ready for drying

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Activities​

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1. Studio Orientation

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• Safety briefing, tools and equipment overview

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• Clay types, firing process and glazing explained

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2. Demonstration: Hand-building Methods

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• Pinch, coil and slab techniques

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• Joining methods: scoring, slipping, compression

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3. Student Project

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• Chose a form (mug, small vase, planter, tray or sculptural piece)

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• Build with guided support

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• Add handles, feet, texture, stamp impressions and other decorative details

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4. Wrap Up

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• Prepare piece for drying​

 

• Set expectations for trimming/refining in Session 2

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Session 2 - Wheel Throwing & Finishing Hand-built Projects

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Objectives

*Introduction to the pottery wheel

*Throw one or more beginner wheel forms

*Refine and finish previous hand-built piece

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Activities

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1. Demonstration: Wheel Basics

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• Centring Clay

• Opening and pulling walls

• Creating a simple form (cylinder or bowl)

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2. Student Wheel Time

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• One-on-one guidance

• Students aim to create I-2 small pieces

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3. Hand-building Project Finishing

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• Light trimming

• Smoothing, cleaning edges

• Final detailing before first firing

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4. Wrap Up

• Discuss drying and firing schedule

• Introduce Session 3 goals

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Session 3 - Second Throwing Session & Final Finishing

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Objectives

* Build confidence on the wheel

*Attempt a second form with instructor support

* finalise all pieces for bisque firing

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Activities

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1. Demonstration: Improving wheel technique

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• Shape refinement

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• Trimming basics

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• throwing slightly larger or more complex forms

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2. Student Wheel Practice

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• Continue developing wheel skills

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• Throw 1-2 additional pieces

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3. Final Finishing of all Work

• Trim wheel pieces as appropriate

• Refine surfaces, attach handles or feet

• Prepare pieces for bisque

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4. Course Conclusion

• Overview of glazing options

• Invitation to join Clay Club for open-studio glaze time, at an additional cost

• Explanation of pick-up timeline for finished work