Handbuilding Course

5 Week Course

Thursday Evenings 7-9pm 16/10/25-13/11/25

Week 1 – Pinch Technique Week

2- Slab Technique Week

3- Coil Technique

Week 4- Refine chosen techique

Week 5- Glazing

Discover one of the most versatile and tactile ways of creating with clay. With your hands and a few simple tools, we will explore the three key techniques in handbuilt ceramics; pinching, coiling and slabbing. This course is perfect for beginners and improvers alike and you should expect to have around 3-5 pieces by the end.

Course Outline:

Week 1: Pinch

One of the most basic yet profound methods of working with clay- it is playdough for adults! We’ll use our hands to pinch clay into organic shapes; functional or sculptural, and explore the vast potential possible with pinch pots.

Week 2: Slab

Slabs are perfect for geometric shapes- butterbells, houses, mugs. We will explore what tools and tricks enable us to create sharper edged forms with soft clay.

Week 3: Coil

Coils are perfect for exploring structural integrity- we slowly build up our height with layered rolls of clay, and the form reveals itself. Perfect for larger pieces, organic vases, bigger bowls, and decoration.

Week 4: Independent Work

Choose your favourite technique and work independently, or choose a piece to refine before our glaze week.

Week 5: Glazing

Learn about glazes and decorate with underglaze to finalise our pieces before the final firing.

What’s Included:

• All Clay, tools and glazes
• Ongoing tuition and demonstrations
• All firings