Beginner Handbuilding Pottery Workshop | Ipswich
Ladies only
Discover the Joy of Creating with Clay
Curious about pottery but not sure where to begin?
Our Beginner Handbuilding Pottery Workshop in Collingwood Park, Ipswich is the perfect introduction to working with clay. Designed especially for complete beginners, this informative and supportive workshop teaches the three fundamental handbuilding techniques used by ceramic artists around the world—pinching, coiling and slab building.
Held in my welcoming home studio, this three-hour workshop offers a, creative space where you’ll learn at your own pace. With a maximum of two ladies per class, you’ll receive plenty of individual guidance while enjoying a peaceful and inspiring experience.
Whether you’re looking for a new hobby, a creative escape, or simply curious about ceramics, you’ll discover the satisfaction of transforming a simple ball of clay into something uniquely your own.
What You’ll Learn
Throughout the workshop you’ll learn:
- Health and Safety in Ceramics
- Clay and glaze differences and pairings
- Wedging techniques
- Prepare and handle clay correctly
- Create forms using pinch, coil and slab construction
- Score and slip pieces for strong joins
- Roll even slabs and coils
- Shape and refine your work
- Add texture and decorative details
- Understand basic ceramic design principles
- Learn how drying, bisque firing and glaze firing work
- Gain confidence using ceramic tools and equipment
- Basic decorating skills
- Cleaning up processes
No experience is required. Everything is explained step by step in a relaxed and encouraging environment. This is specifically designed as a skills building and learning workshop.
The Novice Way
‘Every ceramic artist begins as a novice.’
There is no perfect first piece—only the excitement of beginning. Every pinch, every coil and every slab teaches us something new. The courage to start is where every creative journey begins.
What You’ll Create
By the end of your workshop you’ll leave with:
- New handbuilding skills
- Greater understanding and confidence working with clay
- An understanding of the ceramic process
- Three to four unique handbuilt ceramic pieces created using the three core handbuilding techniques
Every student’s work is beautifully different, and that’s exactly how it should be.
What’s Included in This Beginner Workshop
Your workshop includes:
- Three hours of tuition
- Maximum of two adult ladies per class
- 3kg of quality Australian clay
- Use of all studio tools and equipment
- Personal guidance throughout the workshop
- A selection of studio underglazes and glazes,
- Tissue transfers and decorative materials
- Bisque firing and glaze firing of selected pieces
- Refreshments: Tea and coffee
Simply bring yourself and wear comfortable clothing you don’t mind getting a little messy. Please wear closed in comfortable footware that can get dirty.
Studio Information
Novice Ceramics is a private home pottery studio located in Collingwood Park, Ipswich, Queensland.
Our studio is also home to three friendly (and occasionally vocal!) dachshunds who love greeting visitors. They’re very much part of our relaxed home-studio atmosphere, so participants should be comfortable around small dogs.
Collecting Your Pieces
Creating ceramics is a process that rewards patience.
After your workshop, your pieces need time to dry completely before being bisque fired, I will then clear glaze your pieces and they will be fired again. This careful process ensures your work is strong, durable and ready to enjoy for years to come.
Finished pieces are usually ready for collection approximately 3–4 weeks after your workshop.
We’ll contact you as soon as they’re ready. If you’re unable to collect them, postage can be arranged at the student’s expense.
Bookings
Once your booking is confirmed, I’ll send you the studio address, parking details and a few helpful tips before your lesson. I can’t wait to welcome you to Novice Ceramics and share the joy of working with clay. See you in the studio soon!
Workshops dates are released monthly.
Private one-on-one lessons are also available and they are booked mutual agreement on the date.
Please read our FAQ page before booking, or contact us if you have any questions.
We look forward to welcoming you to Novice Ceramics.
Come along, slow down, meet like-minded people, create with your hands, and discover the rewarding world of handbuilt pottery.
Continue Your Ceramics Journey
For many students, this workshop is just the beginning.
Once you’ve discovered the joy of working with clay, you’re warmly invited to continue your creative journey through our other future monthly workshops and studio experiences.
Make Your Own Mug Workshop
Create a beautiful handmade mug while learning techniques such as handle construction, shaping, decorating and surface design. You’ll leave with a functional piece that’s uniquely yours.
Garden Décor Workshops
Create handmade ceramic pieces for your home and garden, including herb markers, hanging ornaments, wind chimes, garden stakes, planters and decorative sculptures.
Christmas Decoration Workshops
Celebrate the festive season by creating personalised Christmas ornaments, gift tags, decorations and keepsakes to treasure or give as thoughtful handmade gifts.
Creative Ceramics Studio Sessions
If you’d simply like more time with clay, our Creative Ceramics Studio Sessions provide a relaxed space to continue creating after your beginner workshop. These sessions are ideal for practising your skills, experimenting with new ideas, working on personal projects and gradually discovering your own creative style. While these are self-directed sessions, guidance is always close by if you need a little encouragement.
No matter where your ceramics journey takes you, you’ll always be welcome back at Novice Ceramics.
* Workshops and studio sessions do not operate between December and mid-January.
