Spring Course - Ceramics from Scratch 🌼

5-Session Course for Beginners –

Each workshop has a different theme, and the goal is to learn various techniques.

Who is this course for? The course is for beginners. We recommend attending the "First Time on the Pottery Wheel" workshop beforehand to learn a bit about ceramics.

The workshops start on April 8th and will take place weekly on Wednesdays from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Each workshop has a different theme, and the goal is to learn different techniques.

The course will be led by Marysia from Hopies Ceramics @hopiesceramics.pl

Workshops are conducted in Polish and English

1. Techniques and Fundamentals – Making a Mug

In the first workshop, we will delve into the basics of ceramics and various pottery wheel techniques.

During the class, you will:

- Learn different types of clay and their properties

- Learn how to use tools – what they are for and how to use them

- Learn how to properly center clay, open the form, pull walls, and shape vessels

Also:

- Learn where to start so that the mug is stable and well-proportioned

- Learn to give your vessels the desired shape

- I will show you how to precisely trim the bottom of a mug

- We will practice 4 different techniques for making handles – from throwing to hand-forming at the table

This is the foundation on which we will build in subsequent meetings.

2. Bowls

Time for bowls! You will learn:

- How to achieve the ideal bowl shape – both classic and more elaborate

- How to work with tools that facilitate shaping

- What to pay attention to so that the bowl is both aesthetic and functional

3. Plates

Plates require a completely different technique than bowls or mugs – a flatter form requires a different approach.

In this session:

- You will learn techniques for creating plates on the wheel

- Discover which tools are worth using and how to use them

- Create your own unique plate

4. Nerikomi

In the last class, you will learn the unique, Japanese Nerikomi technique – involving combining colored clays into impressive patterns.

- You will learn how to prepare clay for this technique

- You will create a vessel with a unique, multi-colored pattern that permeates the entire thickness of the ceramic

5. Glazing

At our last meeting, everyone can choose 4 favorite pieces and glaze them.

- You will learn about various glazing techniques, such as liquid glazes, powdered glazes, underglaze paints, and how to create various interesting effects. We will work with Mayco, Terra Color, Botz, and Amaco glazes.

- What tools can be used and which are the best.

The cost of glazing more pieces depends on their size and weight. Everything will be carefully described on a sheet of paper during the glazing workshops.

Organizational matters:

- For questions, please call +48 698-181-773

- Maximum number of participants is 6 people. This allows the instructor to give adequate attention to everyone.

- Coffee, tea, water, and something sweet are available on-site

- If a participant cannot attend a workshop, we can either ask the group to reschedule the workshop to another day or arrange a different date with the instructor.

5-Week Pottery Wheel Course for Beginners

This is a 5-session course designed for beginners, where each workshop focuses on a different topic and technique. The goal of the course is to give participants a solid foundation in wheel throwing while exploring a variety of ceramic forms and methods.

Who is this course for?

This course is intended for beginners. We strongly recommend taking part in the “First Time on the Pottery Wheel” workshop before joining the course, in order to gain basic familiarity with ceramics and the wheel.

Course details:

- Start date: March 10

- Schedule: Every Tuesday

- Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

- Language: Polish & English

- Instructor: Marysia from Hopies Ceramics (@hopiesceramics.pl)

Each session has a different theme and focuses on learning new techniques.

1. Techniques & Fundamentals – Making a Mug

During the first workshop, we will dive into the basics of ceramics and learn essential pottery wheel techniques.

You will learn:

- Different types of clay and their properties

- How to use pottery tools and what each one is for

- How to properly center clay, open the form, pull walls, and shape vessels

Additionally:

- How to start a mug so it is stable and well-proportioned

- How to give your mug the shape you envision

- How to precisely trim the bottom of a mug

- Four different handle-making techniques — from wheel-thrown handles to hand-built ones at the table

This workshop builds the foundation for all the following sessions.

2. Bowls

Time to make bowls! During this session you will learn:

- How to achieve the perfect bowl shape — both classic and more expressive formS

- How to work with tools that make shaping easier

- What to pay attention to so your bowl is both beautiful and functional

3. Plates

Plates require a completely different approach than mugs or bowls due to their flatter form.

In this workshop:

- You will learn techniques for throwing plates on the wheel

- Discover which tools are best for plate-making and how to use them

- Create your own unique ceramic plate

4. Nerikomi Technique

In this session, you will explore Nerikomi, a traditional Japanese ceramic technique that involves combining colored clays to create striking patterns.

You will learn:

- How to prepare clay for the Nerikomi technique

- How to create a vessel with a unique, multi-colored pattern that runs through the entire thickness of the clay

This is a creative, colorful, and highly satisfying way to finish the forming part of the course.

5. Glazing

During the final session, each participant can choose up to 4 favorite pieces to glaze.

You can also glaze your other pieces with an additional cost. The price depends on the size and weight of the piece.

You will learn:

- Different glazing techniques, including liquid glazes, powdered glazes, underglaze paints, and how to create interesting effects

- We will work with Mayco, Terra Color, Botz, and Amaco glazes

- How kilns work, including firing temperatures and firing curves

- Which glazing tools are available and which ones work best

Some more Information

- Each session lasts 3 hours, including cleanup time

- Workshops take place every Tuesday from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM

- The course is taught in both Polish and English

- Maximum number of participants: 6, allowing the instructor to give individual attention to everyone

- Tea, coffee, and cookies are provided

- If you have any questions, please call +48 698 181 773

Attendance policy

If a participant cannot attend a workshop, we can:

- Ask the group about rescheduling the session to another day, or

- Arrange an alternative date directly with the instructor