Handbuilding is a form of working with clay by only using your hands and simple tools, not the pottery wheel.
The most common handbuilding techniques are pinch pottery, coil building, and slab building. We offer several classes of this sort, including a Handbuilding 101 workshop which is a great introduction to this technique.
The throwing wheel involves placing a lump of clay in the centre of the wheel, and then forming the clay by squeezing and lifting the clay as the wheel turns. We offer a session of classes on the wheel for both children and adults, as well as a one-day workshop that serves as a great introduction to throwing on the wheel.
The basic differences between stoneware and earthenware are the differences in the types of clay used and the firing temperatures. Earthenware is known as a low-fire clay, and is typically used in bricks, flower pots, and sculptures. It is fired in the range of cones 08 - 3 (up to 1,000 degrees F). Glazes used in this range are typically colorful.
Stoneware is considered a high-fire clay. It is applicable to any use where durability, hardness, and lack of porosity is desired. This means that it is often used for handmade dinnerware, pitchers, outdoor ceramic sculpture, and handmade floor and wall tiles. It is fired in the range of 2100 - 2372 degrees F (cones 3 - 11). Glazes in this range, with exceptions, tend toward an earthy look.
Each of our adult workshops have 16-20 spots with one primary instructor and one mentor. Our classes for kids are limited to a maximum of 12 participants with four mentors for a higher 3:1 student:teacher ratio.
The studio is located on Main and 5th, on the second floor. The entrance to the parking is on 5th and Tweed street but spots are limited. You may want to park several streets over in a the paid lot on 7th!
For services and workshops, you will have 30 days for exchange or credit. Must cancel your spot 5 days before workshop, otherwise it is non-refundable. For products, you will have 30 days for exchange or store credit. Products must be in their original packaging.
