Beginners Handbuilding

Service Description

This course is a chance to explore the wonderful world of handbuilding, learning how to create pottery using just your hands and a few simple tools. You'll learn three core techniques: pinching, coiling and slab building – before putting your new skills to use on a project of your own. Whether you're a complete beginner or have had a little experience with clay, our friendly teacher will guide you through each technique, with plenty of room to experiment, get creative and make things your own. WHAT CAN YOU MAKE? Bowls, mugs, plates, vases, plant pots, trinket dishes, sculptures and more – there's so much you can make with just your hands and a lump of clay! SCHEDULE Week 1 PINCH Learn to shape clay using your hands, making bowls, cups and other organic forms. Week 2: COIL Build pots and vessels using coils of clay, experimenting with different shapes and sizes. Week 3 SLAB Learn to roll, cut and join slabs of clay to create mugs, boxes, trays and more. Week 4 INDEPENDENT PROJECT Put your new skills to the test! Design and make something of your own, with plenty of guidance and support. Week 5 GLAZING Learn the basics of glazing and start adding colour and personality to your creations. Week 6 GLAZING Continue glazing your pieces, experimenting with different colours, finishes and decorative techniques. ATTENDANCE This is a 6-week course where each session builds progressively on the previous week. If you are unable to attend a class, you may book one make-up session during the course. This is subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed, as spaces are limited. We recommend attending all sessions where possible to get the most from the course and to ensure continuity in your learning and work. PRICING We use a solidarity pricing system to improve access to pottery. At checkout, choose: Low Income: £184 Standard: £204 Lend a Hand: £224 (supports subsidised places) FINISHED WORK Student work will be bisque fired throughout the course and glaze fired at the end. Up to 2.5kg of fired work is included. Additional firing is charged at £6 per kg. Pieces are ready for collection a few weeks after the final firing. WHAT TO WEAR Wear comfortable clothes you don’t mind getting messy. Clay and glaze wash out easily. Please bring an apron if you have one - we also have spares. Participants must be 16 or over.