Ceramics Handbuilding – Beginners/Improvers

About this course

Participants develop ceramic forms using pinching, coiling, soft slabs and press moulds, working with both soft and leather-hard clay. The course covers clay preparation and reclaim, colour in clay, slip painting, mark making, collage, printing with underglaze and coloured slips, and resist techniques using paper stencils and latex. Learners glaze a range of forms and examine historical and contemporary approaches through artists’ work. Teaching combines tutor guidance, personalised feedback and Personal Learning Plans, with progress recorded through discussions, notes, photographs and ongoing documentation of practice.

What you'll learn

• Prepare and reclaim clay for handbuilding projects
• Construct forms using pinching, coiling, slab working and press moulds
• Apply decorating techniques including slip painting, printing, mark making and resist methods
• Use glazes and coloured clay treatments to develop ceramic surfaces
• Record details of materials, techniques, dimensions and firing processes in a practice log

Is this course right for you?

The course is designed for complete beginners and learners with some ceramics experience. It involves practical individual making, tutor discussions, feedback and maintaining a record of work. Learners must be aged 19 or over on 31 August before the course starts.

• Suitable for complete beginners as well as learners with prior ceramics experience
• Requires regular practical participation in studio-based making and glazing activities
• Learners develop and review goals through a Personal Learning Plan

Before you go

• Clay must be purchased from the College Shop. Slip, glazes and kiln firings are included in the clay purchase.
• Ceramic tools are provided.
• Learners taking part in glazing activities require an FFP3 mask, available from the technicians’ office.
• Learners are encouraged to keep a sketchbook or digital record, including photographs and details of clay, decoration, glazes, firing temperatures and dimensions.
• Food and drink are not permitted in the studio.
• Learners should allow 15 minutes at the end of each class for tidying up.