DIY Clay Handbuilding

DIY Clay Handbuilding - No Experience Needed!

Handbuilding with clay involves creating without the use of a pottery wheel. Please read the entire description prior to booking - This is not booking for Pottery Wheel Throwing. Visit the calendar for wheel throwing class.

APPOINTMENTS ARE IN 2HR INTERVALS BUT YOU CAN STAY AS LONG AS NEEDED TO COMPLETE YOUR PROJECT(S) DURING YOUR VISIT; AS ALL PROJECTS MUST BE COMPLETED DURING YOUR VISIT.

What is Clay Handbuilding?

Clay handbuilding is a pottery-making technique that involves creating forms without a pottery wheel, using the hands, fingers, and simple tools using clay handbuilding techniques such as coil structures, slab construction, and pinch pots. The sky is the limit as to what you can make. If you're interested in trying hand building yourself, all you need is to come to our art studio, take some clay and drum up some creative inspiration. Hand-built pottery tends to look more rustic and rough around the edges than pottery thrown on a wheel, which makes handbuilding so unique.

Clay Handbuilding Pricing Options

1lb Clay - $35 per person

• 1lb of Clay (includes 1 visit)
• Use of studio tools
• Paint same day on wet clay - about 12 colors - no additional charge
• Includes 1 firing and glazing

2lbs Clay - $45 per person (Single Visit)

• 2 lbs of Clay (includes 1 visit)
• Use of studio tools
• Paint same day on wet clay - no additional charge
• Includes 1 firing and glazing

2lbs Clay - $55 per person (Two Visits)

• 2 lbs of Clay (includes two visits)
• Use of studio tools
• Create your masterpiece, leave it with us for first kiln firing
• Return to the studio to paint
• Leave your painted masterpiece with us for clear glazing and a second kiln firing

Book Your DIY Session

Important Information

*IMPORTANT TO NOTE THAT ON A RARE OCCASION POTTERY and CERAMICS can be very unpredictable during the making, drying, firing and glazing processes. For this reason, we offer NO guarantee of your finished pots made via clay handbuilding. We try very hard to have a successful outcome with instructions given and in all of our classes and workshops, but there are things beyond our control that sometimes happen.

No refunds or credits will be given for any mishap or unpredictable outcome that is less than ideal - unless of course the mishap was on our part.

Thanks for understanding and know this is part of the ceramic process for all potters.

Common FAQs

Are classes required before creating?

No previous classes needed, BUT previous clay experience is helpful when you walk in and play with clay as this is not an instructor led class or workshop. We will provide basic written guide sheet to assist in your building.

What am I paying for?

2lbs of clay, Studio time, painting with special wet pottery glazes, or you can request fired to bisque with or without clear glaze (paint same day with Wet Clay Glazes or fired to bisque you pick up and paint at home with your own paints and paint with acrylic paint after firing). If you select the package with the return visit to paint, then the second visit is included.

Do I need to make a reservation?

Reservations are encouraged, as clay set up may take a few minutes longer than other projects and helps to keep us organized as we now operate with limited seating arrangements but not necessary - you can walk-in and play with clay.

How much clay do we get?

Clay is sold by the pound, and you can make up to 2 small items per pound or 1 medium size item (small or thin pieces may not survive the firing process). $45 per 2 pounds includes painting the item on the day created. $55 includes return visit to paint and 2nd firing.

Is clay building all ages?

Good for ages 6 and up. Younger ages with the assistance of an adult.

Seating Availability

Due to limited seating, we request that your table reservation does not include more than two non-participants. Each non-participant over the allowed two will be charged a studio fee of $18. If they choose to do another studio activity (paint pottery canvas wood or wine glasses) that fee will be applied to their purchase. If you know in advance of the reservation you can pay in advance for non-painters (no refunds or store credit for no shows) or you will be charged at checkout for each non-participating person; does not include kids under age 5.

What can we build?

You can create anything you can imagine; you can come in knowing what you want to create, or check out our clay projects. We provide written guide sheets to help you create masterpieces that will survive the kiln firing process if painting with pottery glazes. Please note that clay is a science and we can't predict if your built piece will not fall apart or break apart; we encourage you to make larger pieces and to take time to properly attach pieces.

When do we get the finished product back?

You get finished items back in 3-4 weeks if painted with pottery glaze. We will contact you when your item is ready for pick up if painted with pottery glazes (drying time varies). You have the option to take your clay creation home and let it air dry and paint with your own paints at home with acrylic paint - no firing required.

What if my creation breaks or is damaged in the firing process?

POTTERY and CERAMICS can be very unpredictable during the making, drying, firing and glazing processes. For this reason, we offer NO guarantee of finished pots made in this class. We try very hard to have a successful outcome in all of our classes and workshops, but there are things beyond our control that sometimes happen. No refunds or credits will be given for any mishap or unpredictable outcome that is less than ideal. Thanks for understanding and know this is part of the ceramic process for all potters.

Ready to get your hands dirty and create something unique? No experience needed - just bring your creativity!