Day Mixed Throwing and Hand Build Course
What's Involved
Day time mixed courses allow potters to develop their skills in both throwing and hand building, just as they choose.
There will be a wheel each so if you want to just throw that is great! But there will also be the space for you to work on hand building projects if you would like.
Both total beginners, and people who have some experience are welcome. For those with more experience you can work on what projects you would like. Over the six weeks we’ll go at the pace you want, and choose those skills that you want to develop.
For total beginners each week there will be instruction in the basic throwing skills of centering, pulling cylinders, trimming, and adding handles. We'll also cover the fundamental hand building techniques of coiling, slab building, and using forms.
Pottery involves trial and error, and a longer course gives you the freedom to experiment without the pressure of finishing something in a short period.
When?
Our six weekday time courses run on Tuesday afternoons ( 2-4.30), and Thursday mornings ( 10-12.30). The next courses are:
- Tuesday afternoon April 22nd - June 3rd
- Thursday morning April 24th - June 5th
- Further dates coming soon
In the studio the first couple of weeks concentrate on the learning the basic skills of centering & pulling, cylinders, or hand building attaching slabs. When you have a leather hard piece we'll covering trimming and adding handles, and carving to add texture. The next weeks cover shaping to make bowls and vases, and with hand building adding details.
There is a break in the course after week 5 to allow your pieces to dry and be bisque fired. Week 6 is then dedicated to decorating and glazing.
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What will I make?
Pottery isn’t just about throwing; it’s a multi-step process. When you have made your blank canvas (either by hand building or throwing, then you'll need to trimming and refine your leather hard clay, add handles to jugs and mugs and carve and add surface detail if you would like to.
Each of these steps is critical to make your own unique masterpieces.
You will get to keep your favourite four pieces. It's better for the environment if you recycle extras, but if you like them they will be £5 each.
Glazing and Decorating
It's when you decorate and glaze your piece that it really comes to life. You can transform a blank canvas into something stylish and unique.
You can decorate with underglazes (and cover with a clear glaze) to add a pattern to your piece. (This is like painting, but not exactly the same!)
Or if you would like block colours you can choose one of our dipping glazes. These give a uniform coverage, and can add a professional touch to your pieces.
How Many Spaces?
We have a light and airy studio with eight wheels - so the maximum number will be eight people.There is also space for eight people to hand build. So whether you just want to throw, or just want to hand build, there is space for either.
There is plenty of time for individual help with everybody - and importantly plenty of time for everybody to practice on their own and have as many attempts as needed. Trying and failing is part of the process! And remember that all clay is totally recyclable, so nothing is ever wasted. Up until the time that it is fired, all clay - even bone dry - can be squished back together ready for the next class of students to experiment. (Well, carefully in a pug-mill so it’s the right moisture content and without any air pockets!)
Top Tips
We all lead busy lives. If you have to miss any session you are more than welcome to make up the time at one of our open sessions.
Throwing involves bending over the wheel and and putting some force through your wrists. If you have back or wrist problems, consider doing more hand building. That is a more gentle process!