Foundations of Hand Building
Learn the foundations of ceramic hand building as you create functional and sculptural clay pieces using pinch, coil, and slab techniques in this welcoming six-week course for beginners
$289
Six-week ceramics course designed to introduce students to the foundational techniques of working with clay by hand.
Throughout the session, students will explore pinch, coil, and slab construction while creating functional and sculptural ceramic pieces that build confidence and craftsmanship week by week. Students will learn how to properly prepare clay, use essential studio tools, and understand important concepts like form, proportion, structural integrity, joining techniques, and surface design. Early projects focus on pinch pots and altered forms before progressing into more complex constructions that combine multiple techniques and components.
Along the way, students will experiment with texture, shaping, carving, and decorative surface treatments while refining their work through smoothing and detail work. The course also introduces students to clay at different stages of dryness, helping them better understand timing, construction, and successful building practices. In the final weeks, students will glaze and finish their pieces while learning foundational glazing techniques and firing processes. Perfect for beginners, this course encourages creativity, experimentation, and hands-on learning in a supportive studio environment.
