Pottery Handbuilding Classes
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Pottery Handbuilding Classes

  • Ages 16+

Get your hands dirty and unleash your creativity with pottery handbuilding classes – a fun and relaxing way to explore your artistic side!

By Olivia Azzopardi

Date and time

Tuesday, July 29 · 7:30 - 9pm GMT+1.

Location

Mellards Bar

Market Lane Newcastle-under-Lyme ST5 1AA United Kingdom

Refund Policy

Refunds up to 7 days before event

About this event

  • Event lasts 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Ages 16+
  • Paid venue parking

Welcome to Pottery Handbuilding Classes at Mellards Bar! Get ready to unleash your creativity on July 1, 2025 at 7:30 PM (BST). Join us for a chilled evening of crafting unique pottery pieces. No experience needed - our expert instructors will guide you every step of the way. Come alone or bring your for our first night of workshops. Going on across the month of July, you can dive in withexpert advice from local Ceramic artist Olivia (Livvy) Azzopardi. This class is open ended, meaning it starts with a loose theme of what you could create at the beginning, and then the rest is up to you!

Frequently asked questions

Is my ceramics going to be fired?

Yes! Livvy will put a clear stoneware glaze and fire each of your pieces! These are fired at 1220-1260'C in a communal kiln down at The Spode. All glazes are food safe and can be used at home for your cups of tea. It may take up to a month for your ceramics to be available for collection.

How will I collect my ceramic? How long will it take?

Once your ceramic has been fired and wrapped, you will be notified by email to collect your piece at Mellards Bar . There will be a safe storage basket beneath the bar counter you can collect with your initials. Pick up dates will vary.

Do I have to fire what I make in the session, and bring it home that day?

Yes, you may bring home your clay work from the session without firing. However, the work will dry out and become more brittle upon use. Any rehydration or cleaning of the work will most likely break. It's highly suggested you get your work fired for a longer shelf life :)

How will I decorate my work?

Within the session, there will be a variety of coloured slips and underglazes you can choose from to decorate your clay vessel without the need to use a glaze! There will also be a variety of tools you can use to create texture and carvings into the surface of your design.

What is the age range to this workshop?

This workshop is aimed towards adults 18+ as a way to provide a safe space for improving mental wellbeing. However, if the participant cares for a child or furry friend you can bring them to the session as long as there is minimal disruption to the environment.

Is what I make dishwasher proof and microwaveable?

No, it is not safe. this is down to the type of glaze used. Please be sure to hand wash your pieces under warm water. Do not attempt to microwave your pieces. This can cause small raw materials to leach into your food or drink.

How many ceramics can I make?

In short you are handed 300-500g of clay which you can choose what to make with. It could be several small trinkets to a large mug. Any additional weight in clay may come as an additional charge. This limit is put in place to be efficient with clay waste and keep the workshop a fair price.

What happens if my work breaks?

If an item you create is fired and within the process breaks, the damages will be fixed by Livvy. If, when you come to collect your piece, you are unhappy with the outcome please contact the artist . You will be able to create a new piece in a following session as reimbursement.

I'm not confident in how to make a shape...do I get help?

There is no need to be worried about building your ceramic vessels. During each clay session, Livvy will be providing a demo of how to use different handbuilding techniques including Coil and slab building to mould your form. Templates will also be provided to help if you are visual learner.

Organized by

Olivia runs a variety of pop-up creative workshops and events predominantly in clay, sculpture and painting, hosted in different artistic and cultural spaces across the midlands.

£22.38Jul 29 · 7:30 PM GMT+1