Clay, texture and colour: botanical making with air-dry clay

About this course

Participants explore botanical themes such as seeds, roots and plants while learning to handle, shape, join and decorate air-dry clay. Projects may follow a tutor-set brief or develop from individual ideas, with sketchbook planning and practical experimentation supporting the making process. Teaching combines demonstrations, one-to-one guidance, group discussion and personal project work. Learners receive feedback while reviewing their aims and developing a botanical-inspired piece, with activities adapted to different experience levels.

What you'll learn

• Develop ideas for a botanical clay project through sketching and experimentation
• Shape and join air-dry clay to create forms
• Apply texture and colour as part of surface decoration
• Use safe studio practices for working with clay

Is this course right for you?

The course is designed for complete beginners and for learners with some clay experience who want to develop their techniques. A Beginner level suggests an introductory focus, while teaching is adapted to individual progression. Participants can work on a set brief or develop a personal project, with demonstrations, group discussion and individual guidance.

• Suitable for learners working at different experience levels
• Offers a choice between a tutor-set brief and a personal project
• Progress is reviewed through ongoing tutor feedback rather than formal assessment

Before you go

• Basic materials are provided, with access to specialist tools and equipment.
• Visual and written handouts are provided, with accessible formats available if needed; learning resources are also supplied electronically.
• There is no formal homework, although the tutor may suggest research or ideas to support a project.