Level 1: Hand-Building: 5 Week Course - The Basics

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Discover the creative potential of working with clay using your hands and simple tools to create unique pottery pieces from scratch!

About Level 1: Hand-Building: 5 Week Course - The Basics

Listed Under Workshops Events / Arts and Crafts Events

This 5-week beginner-friendly course introduces you to the essential techniques of hand-building in ceramics. Discover the creative potential of working with clay using your hands and simple tools to create unique pottery pieces from scratch. Ideal for those with little to no experience, this course focuses on three key methods: pinching, coiling, and slabbing, concluding with glazing to finish your work. Expect to create 4-6 pieces by the end of the course.

21st April - 19th May / 6-8pm with Kerry Boyd
26th April - 24th May / 10-12pm with Stephanie McGowan
9th June - 7th July / 6-8pm with Kerry Boyd
14th June - 12th July / 10-12pm with Stephanie McGowan

Course Outline:

Weeks 1-2: Intro to Coil Building / 2 Week Project

Start your course by getting to grips with the coil building method over two weeks. Discover how to roll and stack coils to build large, intricate shapes like vases or bowls, focusing on smoothness and structural integrity.

Week 3: Types of Clay and Clay Preparation / Pinch Pot Project

In this session, we will explore the pinch pot technique, one of the simplest yet most versatile hand-building methods in ceramics. Participants will learn to manipulate and shape clay into a variety of forms, enabling the creation of both functional and decorative pieces. Through hands-on practice, you'll develop your skills in clay preparation and discover the potential of this foundational technique.

Week 4: Studio Equipment and Stages of Clay / Slab Construction Project

In this week’s session, we will delve into slab building techniques, focusing on the creation of cylindrical forms. Participants will learn essential skills for cutting, shaping, and joining clay slabs, enabling them to craft a variety of items, including functional pots and artistic containers.

Week 5: Glazing & Finishing

In the final week, learn the basics of glazing. You’ll apply glaze and underglaze techniques to finish your creations, which will then be fired in a kiln, resulting in beautiful, durable pieces to take home.

Whats Included:

All materials, including clay, tools, and glazes.

Expert guidance from experienced tutors.

Firing of your completed pieces.

By the end of the course, you’ll have a selection of handmade pottery to take home and the basic skills needed to continue your pottery journey.

Suggested Follow up Courses:

Hand-Building: 2 Week Practice Block (Lvl 1)

Hand-Building: 5 Week Course - Level 1 (Sculpture)

Pottery Wheel: 5 Week Course - Level 1 (The Basics)

Pottery Wheel: 5 Week Course - Level 1 (Bowls)

Where possible we will update our listings to notify of cancelled, postponed and rescheduled events, however we STRONGLY ADVISE that you check with the venue/organiser in the first instance for updates.

All information (whether in text or photographs) is supplied in good faith but should not be relied upon as being a statement of representation or fact.

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