Introduction to Pottery: Hand Building

Curious about pottery but not sure where to start? This beginner-friendly hand-building workshop is the perfect introduction to working with clay. Designed for pottery newcomers, it’s a relaxed and creative way to try your hand at making your own ceramic piece without needing any previous experience.

In this 2.5-hour session, you’ll be introduced to the hand-building technique of slab building, learning how to transform flat sheets of clay into unique functional or decorative forms. You’ll also receive a demonstration of coiling, another traditional hand-building technique, which can be used alongside slab building to add structure, detail, or creative elements to your piece.

The class begins with a demonstration of slab-building techniques, where you’ll learn how to roll, shape, join, and construct with clay. You’ll then choose from a range of templates to create a piece that inspires you, whether it’s functional, decorative, or something completely unique.

Feeling more confident? You’ll also have the opportunity to design your own template using the provided card and scissors, allowing you to bring your own ideas to life and create a truly personal piece.

This workshop is all about the making process. You’ll spend the session focused on building your ceramic creation, with guidance and support throughout as you learn how to transform a simple slab of clay into something handmade and meaningful.

Once your piece is complete, you can choose from a selection of beautiful glazes to have it finished for you. Alternatively, if you’d like to explore the decorating process, you can book onto a Tuesday glazing session where you’ll return to underglaze/ glaze your piece yourself. Perfect for anyone who has always wanted to try pottery but hasn’t known where to begin, this workshop offers a friendly introduction to clay, creativity, and the joy of making something with your own hands.