Introduction to Hand-building with Clay - 5 Week Ceramics Course

A 5-week ceramics course aimed at those wanting to get to grips with the handbuilding with clay!

Discover a range of beginner-friendly techniques to make useful and decorative ceramic objects for your home.No experience required - just bring your curiosity. All materials provided (including inspiration - if you want it!)

WEEK 1, Saturday 7 February 2026, 10am-12:30pm

Pinch Pots - the simplest and most foundational forms of all pottery, tracing a path from ancient cultures to contemporary ceramic practice.

WEEK 2, Saturday 14 February 2026, 10am-12:30pm

Slab Building - discover another ancient technique and explore how to enhance it by carving, scraping, cutting and fixing decoration.

WEEK 3, Saturday 21 February 2026, 10am-12:30pm

Coiling - often used in conjunction with pinching and slab building, coiling has its roots in antiquity and remains the technique of choice among many potters and ceramic artists today.

WEEK 4, Saturday 28 February 2026, 10am-12:30pm

Time to freestyle! Develop and refine the forms you have created to finish a kiln-ready piece.

*Saturday 7 March 2026 - no class this week*

We'll take a break to allow your finished pieces to achieve a bone-dry state and complete their first kiln firing.

WEEK 5, Saturday 14 March 2026, 10am-12:30pm

Glazing! We'll guide you through using our inhouse glazes to dunk or paint your pieces to perfection in preparation for their final firing.

The sessions will run from 10am - 12:30pm on the following Saturdays; 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th Feb, followed by a one week break while pots are fired, glazing session on Saturday 14th March.

This course is for ages 16+ only.

Techniques You Will Explore

Ceramic handbuilding - pinch pots, slab building, coiling and glazing

Materials Provided

• Everything

What to bring

• Relaxed clothing that you don't mind getting a little messy. Bring your own apron if you have one.

Transport

• We are within a short walk from Stockport train and bus station. Parking is available at the Merseyway Shopping Centre NCP.

Refunds and Booking Terms

• Workshop and course bookings can be cancelled and refunded up until 7 days before the scheduled start date. As the workshop fees part support the work we do for as a non-for-profit, and because materials and equipment are ordered in advance, we regret that refunds cannot be offered less than 7 days before the workshop date.

• Unfortunately we cannot offer part refunds if you miss a session or are unable to attend!

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This workshop will be taking place upstairs at the Merseyway Workshop.

Follow us on Instagram or Facebook for more info and view our upcoming events on our website.

www.merseywayworkshop.com