Create your own kitchenware or wedding gifts?
(you knows its the thought that counts!)

Looking for a bit of dirt and excitement? Then take the Go Create 5 day pottery challenge.  Fun, excitement and support from highly experienced tutors guaranteed. Suitable for beginners and returners.  During the week students are taught handbuild pottery techniques but also offered the chance to learn wheel pottery. Experienced potters will be on hand to guide you or to progress more advanced students.

Beginners will be taken through the basics of handbuild ceramics as well as wheel pottery: wedging (preparing clay), to throwing (making pots on the wheel), trimming and turning (finishing pieces off on the base and decorating (using coloured slips or glazes). Students with more experience can receive guidance and support when required. Our tutors coach to your particular level.

Our 5 days class includes: practical demonstrations and plenty of hands on practice. This is a great introduction to pottery and lets you make your gifts, kitchenware, etc. the right way…and for use. The course is open to a maximum of 15 students meaning there is plenty of scope for students to get on a wheel if desired.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN:

Handbuild:

• Health and safety
• Tools and equipment
• Clay types
• Pinch, coil and slab techniques
• An overview of contemporary ceramics plus project inspiration
• Demonstrations
• Surface decoration methods
  
• Use of coloured slips and underglazes
  
• An overview of glazing techniques and kiln firing

Wheel pottery:

• Wedging and kneading
• Centering
• Wheel throwing
• Lifting and trimming
• Turning a plate
  
• Handle pulling
  
• Surface decoration

Please note that there is an additional charge of £3/lb for any pots that require firing and glazing. Pieces that you wish to keep should be selected at the end of the week and a cash or transfer payment made. Pieces need to dry out completely before the first firing. This takes longer in the winter months. After the initial firing pieces need to be glazed before a final firing. If students wish to handprint pieces with brush on glazes or underglazes please let the tutor know so that we can arrange a time to drop by and paint your pieces.

Unlike ceramic cafe's, your piece will be made by your very own hands and from stoneware clay which means that it will be oven, microwave, frost and dishwasher proof. Stoneware glazes are not as bright as earthenware glazes and have to be fired at a higher temperature but the end product is far more durable. It might even last for thousands of years.

REFRESHMENTS