Six Week Evening Throwing and Glazing Course
What's Involved
Our six week course allows you to gradually build on the fundamental techniques of centering, pulling height, and shaping forms.
You will have time to practice these skills repeatedly, which is key to mastering pottery. Repetition over time helps with muscle memory and refinement of skills.
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.
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!)
When?
Our six week courses run on both Wednesday and Thursday Evenings, 7-9.30pm. The next courses are:
- Wednesday Evenings April 23 - June 4 FULLY BOOKED
- Thursday Evenings April 24 - June 5th FULLY BOOKED
- Wednesday Evenings June 11 - July 23
- Thursday Evenings June 12 - July 24
- Further dates coming soon
In the studio the first couple of weeks concentrate on the learning the basic skills of centering & pulling, cylinders. 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. 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. A longer course lets you experience the various steps of
- throwing
- trimming leather hard clay
- carving
- adding handles to mugs and jugs
- and finally decorating and glazing.
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 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!
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.
Be careful of your back and wrists. Throwing involves bending over the wheel and and putting some force through your wrists. If you have back or wrist problems, consider waiting until they improve.