Celebrate the beauty of spring with a creative tile-making workshop right here in the Heart of England Forest. Design, carve, and illustrate your very own terracotta tile, inspired by the awakening woodland. Led by expert ceramicist and Pottery Throw Down finalist David Short, this experience is perfect for anyone who loves the outdoors, enjoys getting creative, and wants to learn new artistic skills.
What to Expect
- Guided Woodland Walk (60 minutes): Begin with a relaxing walk through the springtime woodland, led by a member of the Heart of England Forest team. Gather leaves, flowers, or other natural samples, and take photos to inspire your unique tile design.
- Demonstration by Dave Short (20 minutes): Watch Dave demonstrate the art of low-relief tile carving, sharing expert tips and techniques to help bring your ideas to life.
- Tile Making Session (90 minutes): Under Dave’s guidance, design and carve your tile using beautiful leather-hard clay. Add texture and colour using coloured slip to make your creation truly unique.
After the Session
Take your tile home to dry naturally, or leave it with Dave for professional firing and glazing. Fired tiles will be strong, perfect as keepsakes or gifts and capable of lasting thousands of years! (Firing and glazing: £5 for one tile, £2 per additional tile, including postage.)
If you choose to take your tiles away with you – they will dry over the next week. You can add a clear coat of varnish to help preserve the tile, but it will become brittle and crumbly over time.
This workshop offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in nature while learning a new artistic skill. Whether you're an experienced crafter or a complete beginner, you'll leave with a beautiful handmade tile and closer connection to the Forest.
By registering for this event you are agreeing to us contacting you by email or phone to advise you of any further event information, changes to the event or post-event feedback. The Heart of England Forest events terms can be found here and the privacy policy here.
