Introduction to Handbuilding (Level One)

Learn a new skill or revisit an old hobby in this fun introductory class. You will learn the basics of creating functional and sculptural ceramics by hand through pinching, coiling, and using molds. We will cover basic studio use, preparing clay, basic construction techniques, decorating, firing, and glazing.

Skill Level: One (Beginner)

Requirements: None, no experience required.

Perfect for those with no (or little) experience.

Come learn a new skill or revisit an old hobby in this fun introductory class. You will learn the basics of creating functional and sculptural ceramics by hand by pinching, coiling, and using molds. We will cover basic studio use, preparing clay, basic construction techniques, decorating, firing, and glazing.

Week 1:

• Brief tour and orientation.

• Demonstrations: Preparing clay (wedging) and construction using pinching and coil building, slab rolling.

• Projects: Closed pinched form, coil built vessel.

Week 2:

• Demonstration: Making slabs and using molds, attachments, and sculpture techniques.

• Discussion on the stages of clay, drying, and firing.

• Projects: Large footed bowl and adding handles to vessel.

Week 3:

• Demonstration: Using slip, underglaze, washes and glaze.

• Focus: Decoration.

Week 4:

• Demonstration: Cold finishing.

• Focus: Finishing up.

Included with class:

• 15 lbs cone 6 clay

• Firings of all work made during the course

• Studio access outside of class time during the following hours:

  Monday-Thursday 8:30AM-9:00PM, Friday 8:30AM-5:00PM, Saturday & Sunday 10:00AM-4:00PM

You will need to bring:

Clay tools. If you don’t already have some, here are the tools we recommend purchasing:

Serrated Rib/Scraper

Flexible Rib (yellow recommended)

Needle tool

Fettling Knife