Handbuilding Class

Ready to dive into the world of pottery? Our Handbuilding Pottery Workshop is the perfect place to explore your creativity and learn the fundamentals of working with clay! This class is ideal for both beginners and those with some experience who want to build on their skills.

This 6 session class (over 7 weeks) is ideal for beginners age 16+ with no prior pottery experience, but also perfect for anyone looking to refresh their skills. You’ll learn key techniques like coil building, slab building, and how to finish and decorate your pieces. By the end of the class, you’ll have 4-5 one-of-a-kind creations to show off!

Learn the basics of handbuilding

Throughout the class, you’ll learn the pottery basics from expert instructors, focusing on the journey of creating rather than just the final piece.

Understand the process

Explore various pottery techniques to craft unique and personalized ceramic pieces.

Finish your pieces

Understand the firing and glazing process to give your pottery a beautiful finish.

Take home your art

Upon completion, pieces will receive their final firing and be available for pickup within 2-3 weeks.

What Is Handbuilding?

Handbuilding - Handbuilding ceramics refers to creating pottery, using only your hands and simple tools without a potter’s wheel. It’s an ancient technique, predating the wheel, and allows for a more organic and hands-on approach to pottery. The three main hand building techniques are pinching, coiling, and slab building. Handbuilding offers a unique and personal way to connect with the clay and create one of a kind pieces.

Pinching

Pinching involves shaping clay by pressing and manipulating it with your fingers and thumb. It’s a direct method for creating small forms like bowls or cups.

Coiling

This technique uses coils or ropes of clay that are stacked and enjoying to build up the walls of a vessel. The coils are typically scored and slipped (using a clay and water mixture) before being joined together to ensure a strong bond.

Slab Work

This method involves rolling out flat slabs of clay, which are then cut and joined to form the desired shape. Slab building can be used for creating both simple and complex forms, such as boxes, plates, or even larger sculptural pieces.

More info

Classes are offered 3-4 times per year. Please see the Upcoming Events for the next class date. If no classes appear, dates are still TBD. Tickets are limited, and not available to be reserved or pre-purchased. All ticket sales are online, and on a first come- first served basis.

Classes are open for ages 16+, at this time, we do not offer children's classes. We do not offer private classes.

Basic tools and supplies will be provided. Attendees are encouraged to bring the following supplies:

Clothes that can get dirty or an apron
Please ensure lose clothing and hair can be secured
A water bottle - stay hydrated!

Clay Used: Plainsman M340 - this is the default clay for all classes. To learn more about this clay, please click here.

Meet the Instructor:
Naomi Wendorff

Naomi has always been interested in art and creativity. She loves to paint, use mixed media and create in a variety of ways. She started her ceramics journey here at the Oldman River Potters Guild by taking a handbuilding class. She has taken ceramics courses from various local and international teachers and loves to continue learning.

She received her Bachelor of Education at the University of Lethbridge and has always had a passion for teaching. She currently serves as the Oldman River Potters Guild President. She finds working with clay both meditative and challenging and loves the patience and perseverance that clay teaches her. She is excited to meet you and help you start or continue your journey working with clay.