Intro to Clay - Handbuilding July 2024
The fundamental ceramic handbuilding techniques.
What to expect...
The "Introduction to Clay - Handbuilding" course focuses on different hand-building techniques. No work on the potter's wheel is included. This is a class of eight participants guided by an instructor. In the first two sessions, you will learn the basics of clay as a material for constructing vessels, practice the construction of fundamental forms while using different techniques, such as, slabs, pinch pots, and coil construction. You will also learn about different options to create and add handles and textures on your pieces. The third session is devoted to color decoration and glazing (that is, dipping or brushing your vessels with liquid composed of different minerals that, when heated to a high temperature, transform into a colorful, glass-like surface). At the end of the last session, your creations will be ready to go in the kiln for the final (glaze) firing. The glazes that we provide for your use will make the pots waterproof and food safe. There is no limit on how many pieces can be made during this course, provided all your pieces are trimmed and glazed during the allotted time and can be safely fired (pieces that do not meet this level will not be fired). The finished pieces will be ready for pick-up 2-3 weeks after the workshop. Time commitment: 1 session per week, 3 hours each Total of 9 hours of studio time spread over 3 weeks. Price: CHF400 (all-inclusive). Who is this course for? Adults (age 16+) who are total beginners and curious about this craft. The demonstrated techniques are straight-forward and approachable, but a willingness to practice is recommended because learning a new craft requires repetition to build skill and confidence. Please note that this course (or the Intro to Clay – Wheel throwing) is a prerequisite for beginners who want to join our studio during the regular Open Studio sessions, so it is the ideal stepping stone if you are looking for a new hobby. If you would like to make something with clay but you’re not sure if you can commit to all three weeks of this course, then we recommend joining one of our shorter beginners' workshops.
Cancellation Policy
Terms & Conditions: The payment needs to be made online at the time of registering for the workshop. The registration is non-transferable and non-refundable owing to the limited number of seats available at each workshop. Our workshops sell out extremely fast and we cannot provide you with a refund if you could not book the same session as your friend or partner. However, we provide you the option to make a booking directly for 2 participants so that you can enjoy the same session with your partner or one of your friends.
Contact Details
Spalentorweg 7, 4051 Basel, Switzerland
info@ceramicscollectivebasel.ch