Ceramics Course for Beginners

Learn foundational hand building skills over four weeks in this beginner-friendly pottery course in Glebe.Week 1 — Pinch Pots We make 2 small round "pots" completely by hand while learning to handle and understand the character of the clay. These two "pots" will be joined into one larger shape so that you can customise it into a piece of your choice—that could be a cup, vase, jug, planter, or any other vessel/sculpture. This session will introduce you to the fundamentals of working with clay, cutting, joining, blending, rolling a coil, shaping, and creating texture. You’ll also learn about the ceramics making process, including drying, bisque, and glaze firing. The pots will be bisque fired, then glazed in weeks 3–4.Week 2 — Slumping In or Over (Draping) Moulds and Adding Coils Using rolled-out sheets of clay (like pastry), you’ll make a new piece from an existing plate or bowl (bring one with you for this class). Add coils to make larger and shaped vessels using ancient (and still widely used) hand-building techniques. Also in this class, we’ll create textures, decorative effects, and glazing possibilities. The vessels will be bisque fired, then glazed in weeks 3–4.Week 3 — Slab Building Learn how to join rolled-out sheets of clay to make geometric forms and vessels. Also in this class, we’ll create surface treatments such as sgraffito, appliqués, and stamping. The vessels will be bisque fired, then glazed in week 4.Week 4 — Glazing Ideally, your project from week 3 will have had time to dry and be bisque fired, ready for glazing in week 4. If not, I can glaze it for you in a matte white, or we can organise something else to suit you. This workshop will introduce you to types of glaze, successfully applying glaze, and glazing techniques.There is free and available street parking. Public transport — busses and light rail are very close. This course is designed to give you experience in the four foundational ceramics hand-building techniques and an introduction to glazing. By the end of the course, you’ll have at least three finished pieces, using one or more of these techniques each week for each piece.There is free and available street parking. Public transport — busses and light rail are very close. Read more details