Join experienced tutor and ceramicist Abi Leach on this course to learn how to hand-build with clay.
During this 12-week course, Abi will teach you the fundamental skills needed in hand-building such as pinching, modelling, and coiling. You will learn a wide range of surface techniques, including mono and slip based printing, Sgraffito and surface resist techniques.
This hand-building course is intended to be flexible, allowing you to create individual items and designs under the guidance of supportive and experienced tutor, Abi. She will be on hand to give one-to-one demonstrations to help develop your skills and build confidence throughout your making.
You will be provided with a 12.5kg bag of clay, choosing between a white grogged stoneware clay and a buff crank stoneware, which you will be responsible for over the 12-weeks. This will give you an understanding how to store and prepare clay, an essential skill as a ceramicist.
Please note, this course does not cover throwing on the Potter's Wheel. If you would like to develop this skill, please see our ‘Beginner Wheel Throwing’ and ‘Improver Wheel Throwing’ 6-week courses.
Tutor: Abi Leach
Date & Time: Thursday, 1.45pm - 4.45pm
Venue: Wheel Studio, New Brewery Arts
PRICE: £375.00 (£0.00 VAT)
12-weeks
First Class: Thursday 16th April
No Class: Thursday 28th May
Last Class: Thursday 9th July
Please note that this workshop is for those aged 18 and over.
You are welcome to bring a lidded bottle of water with you but we kindly ask that you do not bring food into the studio.
Refreshments are available at our on-site café Blend until 4pm.
For more information:
Visit our FAQ page
Who is this course for?
Suitable for all, including beginners and those with more experience.
What you will need:
All tools and equipment are provided. We have a choice between a white stoneware clay and a buff crank stoneware clay. One 12.5kg bag is provided as part of the course fee, any additional clay required will need to be purchased. We offer coloured decorating slips and a choice of underglazes, as well as a wide variety of stoneware glazes.
You are welcome to bring your own tools along if you wish, although these cannot be stored at the studio. Personal clays or glazes cannot be used during our courses or fired in our kilns. Our house clays and glazes have been tested and approved to be used in the studio.
Please bring an apron with you or wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty.
Reasonable use of our kilns firings is included in the price of this course. Please note that all work must be bone dry before firing and this can take some time, especially larger pieces. Only work made during the classes can be fired.
Each piece can be bisque fired once and then glaze fired once. If you wish to have your piece glaze-fired for a second time, there would be an additional cost. The whole firing process can take up to 6 weeks, so please bear this in mind when planning your making. Please collect and take it home as soon as possible.
MEET YOUR TUTOR - abi Leach
Abi makes a range of hand built domestic ware in terracotta adding coloured slip for pattern, decoration and colour. Production is in small batches and although all my work shares characteristics, no two pieces are exactly the same as the very nature of hand building ensures this! The pieces are designed to be used everyday and are intended to be humorous & provoke a smile.
Her work is stocked by several galleries throughout the UK, she regularly attends Craft Fairs & Festivals as well as being invited to submit work for specific exhibitions. She is a qualified and experienced teacher, having taught Art & Design at Secondary Schools for 15 years. Abi really enjoys teaching Ceramics and passing on her knowledge, skills & enthusiasm for making in clay to Children & Adults alike.
Tutor Abi Leach
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