6 week Hand Building Pottery Course
Schedule
Wed Apr 16 2025 at 12:30 pm to 03:00 pm
UTC+01:00Location
Crafty Diane Gift and Art Gallery and Craft Workshops | Lancaster, EN
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You will learn basic hand-building techniques, including pinching, coiling and slab building. No experience needed, just bring your creativity✨all materials and tools provided✨
6 WEEKS HAND-BUILDING POTTERY COURSE
FOR BEGINNERS
This 6 weeks pottery course is designed for complete beginners and focuses on teaching basic hand-building techniques using clay. Over six weeks sessions, we will explore various methods such as coiling, slab-building, and pinching to create your own unique pottery pieces. By the end of the course, you will have gained the confidence and skills to continue exploring pottery on your own.
WEEK 1: INTRODUCTION TO CLAY + BASIC HAND BUILDING TECHNIQUES/
FIRST TECHNIQUE: PINCHING
• overview of materials: different types of clays and tools. Explaining the whole process of making pottery – from raw clay, through different stages of dryness, to final form after firing and glazing.
• introduction to hand-building
• introduction to slip and attaching objects
• focusing on first technique: pinching. learn the pinch method by creating simple bowls or cups.
• first activity: create first piece using the pinch technique.
• introduction to basic decorating techniques (texturing, smoothing, sculpting)
WEEK 2: SECOND TECHNIQUE: COILING
• introduction to coiling: learn how to create coils from clay and build walls.
• learn how to blend coils for a smooth finish
• activity: building with coils - create a small vase
• decorate pots using moulds, cutters and stamps.
• make the base out of slab, hint of the next class theme: slab building
WEEK 3: THIRD TECHNIQUE: SLAB BUILDING
• introduction to slab technique: how to roll out and cut slabs of clay.
• introduction to joining slabs with scoring and slip.
• building a mug using slab building method
• learning different shapes and forms of handle and how to attach it to the pot
• making a plate using slab building technique (if there’s time – if not – continuing next week)
WEEK 4: MAKING PLATES, BOWLS AND SPOONS
• creating plates, bowl and spoons by combining previously learnt techniques
• introduction to decorating pots by using slip
• allowing guests to experiment with shapes, forms and techniques
WEEK 5: MAKING A SMALL LIDDED TRINKET DISH
• making small lidded trinket dish using slab building technique
• focusing on decorating by sculpting or using cutters, moulds, or slip
WEEK 6: FINAL SESSION – GLAZING
• introduction to glazing
• explaining the difference between glazes and underglazes
• overview of the kiln firing process and how it affects your clay pieces.
• decorating hand built pieces that have been fired and are ready to be glazed
• wrap up: final Q&A and tips on continuing your pottery journey after the course ends
COURSE INCLUDES:
• all materials (clay, tools, aprons, glazes, firing, studio fee and refreshments)
• 6 weekly workshops, each lasting 2.5 hours
If you’ve ever wanted to try pottery in a fun and relaxed environment, this is your chance. Don’t miss out on this hands-on creative experience!
Join us for an afternoon or evening group session, limited to just 6 participants, where you'll have the opportunity to create your own unique crafts. Booking is essential, so don't delay! Call 07974 119059 or email [info@craftydiane.co.uk](mailto:info@craftydiane.co.uk) to secure your spot.
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Where is it happening?
Crafty Diane Gift and Art Gallery and Craft Workshops, Unit 4 Bridge House Marina and Caravan Park Nateby Crossing Lane,Lancaster, Lancashire, United KingdomEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
