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.
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...
Session 1 - Hand-building foundations
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
Activities
1. Studio Orientation
• Safety briefing, tools and equipment overview
• Clay types, firing process and glazing explained
2. Demonstration: Hand-building Methods
• Pinch, coil and slab techniques
• Joining methods: scoring, slipping, compression
3. Student Project
• Chose a form (mug, small vase, planter, tray or sculptural piece)
• Build with guided support
• Add handles, feet, texture, stamp impressions and other decorative details
4. Wrap Up
• Prepare piece for drying
• Set expectations for trimming/refining in Session 2
Session 2 - Wheel Throwing & Finishing Hand-built Projects
Objectives
*Introduction to the pottery wheel
*Throw one or more beginner wheel forms
*Refine and finish previous hand-built piece
Activities
1. Demonstration: Wheel Basics
• Centring Clay
• Opening and pulling walls
• Creating a simple form (cylinder or bowl)
2. Student Wheel Time
• One-on-one guidance
• Students aim to create I-2 small pieces
3. Hand-building Project Finishing
• Light trimming
• Smoothing, cleaning edges
• Final detailing before first firing
4. Wrap Up
• Discuss drying and firing schedule
• Introduce Session 3 goals
Session 3 - Second Throwing Session & Final Finishing
Objectives
* Build confidence on the wheel
*Attempt a second form with instructor support
* finalise all pieces for bisque firing
Activities
1. Demonstration: Improving wheel technique
• Shape refinement
• Trimming basics
• throwing slightly larger or more complex forms
2. Student Wheel Practice
• Continue developing wheel skills
• Throw 1-2 additional pieces
3. Final Finishing of all Work
• Trim wheel pieces as appropriate
• Refine surfaces, attach handles or feet
• Prepare pieces for bisque
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
