Handbuilding 2.0

Location

Part Time Ceramics - Taren Point, Taren Point Road, Caringbah NSW, Australia

Cost:

$295.00 per person

Duration:

2h

About this experience

Four-Week Handbuilding Pottery Course


Course Overview
This hands-on course will take you through the art of handbuilding pottery, exploring a variety of techniques and creating unique, functional pieces. Each week focuses on a specific skill, culminating in the creation of a beautiful ceramic mirror in the final session.


Who Is This For?



  • Beginners and those with some pottery experience.

  • Anyone interested in crafting handmade, functional ceramics.

  • You don't have to of completed our original handbuilding course to do this one


Duration:
4 weeks (1 session per week, 2 hours per session).



Week 1: Slabs & Moulds 




  • Introduction: Overview of clay properties, tools, and studio safety.


  • Activity: Learn slab-rolling techniques and how to use moulds to shape clay.


  • Project: Create functional or decorative pieces like trays, plates, or bowls using moulds.


  • Goal: Understand slab techniques and produce one or two pieces for bisque firing.


Week 2: Sgraffito & Surface Design 




  • Review: Check progress on Week 1 pieces and discuss surface design options.


  • Activity: Learn the art of sgraffito—carving through colored slips to reveal contrasting clay beneath.


  • Project: Apply sgraffito designs to slab-built pieces or tiles.


  • Goal: Explore creative expression through carving and textural decoration.


Week 3: Creating a Ceramic mirror frame




  • Activity: Construct a handbuilt ceramic mirror fram using slab and coil techniques.


  • Focus: Learn how to create structure for functionality.


  • Design Tips: Explore textural elements, patterns, or other decorative additions.


  • Goal: Complete the mirror frame, ready for drying and bisque firing.


Week 4: Glazing & Finishing Touches - 2 hours 




  • Glazing: Learn glazing techniques like dipping, brushing, or layering to bring your pieces to life.


  • Final Details: Add finishing touches to your ceramic lamp and other creations.


  • Goal: Glaze all pieces and prepare for final firing.



Course Inclusions:



  • All materials (clay, tools, and glazes).

  • Firings (bisque and glaze).

  • Mirror provided but assembly to be done at home.

  • Instruction from experienced ceramicists.


What You’ll Take Home:
By the end of the course, you’ll have several unique ceramic pieces, including a fully functional and beautifully handbuilt mirror frame, as well as a solid foundation in handbuilding techniques.