Age Requirement: 14+

Duration: 7 consecutive weeks / 2hrs per session.

Price: £300

Course Description:

Embark on a seven-week hand-building pottery course that dives deep into the world of clay and its creative potential. This course introduces participants to various clay bodies, each with unique properties, and demonstrates how to work with them effectively. Through hands-on projects, students will learn techniques that highlight colour, texture, form, and finishing methods.

Course Objectives:

This course aims to broaden participants' understanding of clay selection and hand-building techniques while highlighting the merits and characteristics of each clay type. From decorative colour patterns to textural and sculptural methods, each session builds on the last to provide a comprehensive foundation in clay artistry.

Course Outline:

• Weeks 1 & 2: Colour Techniques and Nerikomi

  Begin with an introduction to colour application in clay, using Nerikomi, a Japanese technique that involves layering and shaping colored clays to create intricate patterns. Students will learn to prepare and layer different clay colors, resulting in pieces with vibrant, unique designs.

• Weeks 3 & 4: Texture Techniques and Kurinuki

  In these sessions, participants will explore texture through the Kurinuki technique, a traditional Japanese hand-carving method. Working with various clay bodies, students will carve and shape forms, learning how texture enhances both aesthetic and functional qualities.

• Weeks 5 & 6: Porcelain Jewellery Making

  Shifting focus to delicate forms, students will work with porcelain to create handmade jewellery pieces. This unit will cover techniques specific to porcelain, such as fine detailing and handling, which are essential for crafting jewellery with a refined, polished look.

• Week 7: Glazing and Finishing

  The final session introduces glazing techniques to complete and protect the pieces created during the course. Emphasis will be placed on layering glazes, masking, and ensuring a cohesive finish that enhances each work's texture, colour, and form.

Whats Included:

• All materials, including clay, tools, and glazes.

• Expert guidance from experienced tutors.

• Firing of your completed pieces.

• By the end of the course, you’ll have a selection of handmade pottery to take home and the basic skills needed to continue your pottery journey.

Suggested Follow up Courses:

• Hand-Building: 2 Week Practice Block (Lvl 1)

• Hand-Building: 5 Week Course - Level 1 (The Basics)

• Pottery Wheel: 5 Week Course - Level 1 (The Basics)

• Pottery Wheel: 5 Week Course - Level 1 (Bowls)