6 Week Handbuilding Course – £210

Learn how to make your own pottery with just your hands and some simple tools!

What? A 6 week course where you will learn how to make and decorate pottery using a variety of hand-building techniques. You will learn how to make pieces out of slabs and coils, as well as by pinching and sculpting. Find out more about what you will get up to in the weekly breakdown below.

Where? In our studio in the heart of the Brecon Beacons, looking out on Pen y Fan mountain. We are a short 10 minute drive from Brecon, located just outside Libanus.

When? This course will run every Wednesday evening for 6 weeks. We will also run a course on a Friday evening during the same time period. We will aim to run the courses 3 times per year. Exact dates and times are listed below.

Who? This course is suitable for complete beginners or those with some experience working with clay. This is a small group course of up to 8 students so you will get plenty of individual support.

You will be taught by Jess, the potter at Beacons Pottery, who will support and guide you throughout your course.

Please see the FAQs near the bottom of the page for more information.

Course Breakdown:

Each week will start with a short explanation of what we will be covering. Jess will then guide you through the session, demonstrating the techniques used throughout. We will be making set pieces in order for you to learn a series of techniques, but there will be plenty of opportunity for you to make each piece unique and in your own style.

Week 1 – Coil a Berry Bowl

On the first week of the course, you will learn how to use coils to make your very own berry bowl. We will guide you through rolling strong, even coils, how to join them and how to shape your piece. Once you have coiled your bowl, you can then experiment with piercing it in your own design and attach your handles. You will be able to glaze your berry bowl later on in the course.

Week 2 – Sculpt a Wall Tile

In week two, you will sculpt a decorative wall tile. You will be able to design your own 3D tile, featuring your chosen content, that can later be hung on a wall.

You will learn how to roll out slabs of clay as well as the fundamentals of sculpting. We will experiment with how to create different shapes and textures using just your hands and a small selection of tools. Later in the course, once your tile has been bisque fired, you will be able to paint it with ceramic underglaze to add colours and enhance your sculpting.

Week 3 – Slab-build a Mug

In week three, you will make your own mug. We will teach you how to roll out flat pieces of clay and join them to create slab-built pottery. We will further our work on handles from the first week of the course and explore different methods of making them before you attach your preferred handle to your mug. You will get the chance to decorate your mug later in the course.

Week 4 – Pinch a Vase

In the fourth week, we will look at the technique of pinching pottery. You will start with a ball of clay and learn how to pinch it into shape. Once you have learnt to pinch, we will use the method to create your own vase. You will be able to decorate your vase later in the course.

You will also have the chance to make your own small ceramic dish and experiment with creating different patterns and textures to decorate it with.

Week 5 – Slip Decoration

Week five will be the first week we look at decorating your work. You will learn how to decorate using coloured clay slip in a variety of ways. We will practise a variety of techniques on slabs on clay (which can be made into coasters or hanging decorations) before you use a couple of the techniques to decorate your vase and mug.

Week 6 – Underglaze & Glaze

In the final week of the course, you will learn how to decorate using underglaze and how to glaze your work. You will get to decorate your tile from week two as well as glazing it, your berry bowl and your dish.

This is the second time I have been to Jess and yet again it was fab. I made three pots, one large pot and two smaller ones. I am looking forward to the next time I visit. Once again Jess a big thank you!

Judith Prankard

We absolutely loved our pottery workshop. Jess and her mum were a great team, friendly and helpful and lovely to chat to whilst we crafted! We got to make 2 bowls each, a cylinder and a few decorations and it was a fab learning experience. Would definitely do it again!

Tia

Making pottery, she said, we’ll have fun, she said, and she was right, we did! Going with my daughter to this beautifully situated studio at the base of Pen Y Fan was a pleasure in itself. Our host, Jess, gave us a warm welcome and then a demonstration on how to throw a bowl – our task for the afternoon. My daughter had first go while I watched, trying to learn from watching her as well as Jess and then it was my turn. I managed to make a bowl! It was a bit squished and bent over, but my daughter’s was much better. Throwing is much harder than it looks, but it was so interesting as well as such fun I would recommend it to anyone.

Joyce

A friend and I spent a morning with Jess having booked on a Pottery Experience workshop.

Jess is an excellent teacher with a lot of patience. The studio is in a beautiful setting with wonderful views which added to the experience.

To my surprise, I also managed to make a bowl and a pot!

Nikki Alderslade

A wonderful Christmas workshop with Jess, learned lots of new things, relaxing and so much fun. Thanks for a great experience! We will definitely be joining more sessions x

Justine

I had a brilliant couple of hours with Jess. She was fun, instructive and patient. All in a stunning setting. And I finished up with actual bowls, beautifully glazed! Throwing pots with Jess is highly recommended.

Sara

We had a really absorbing and fun time as complete novices. Jess explained everything simply and showed us what to do in a relaxed and easy-going way. Thoroughly enjoyed it and ended up with something so chuffed to bits!

Mervyn Jones

Bought the experience as a birthday present for my sister, we both had an amazing time and would highly recommend it to anyone who wants to give pottery a go.

Jess was very knowledgeable and very helpful and patient.

Steve Yendle

My friend and I had a two-person throwing class with Jess and we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves! Jess was super patient, a great teacher and the time flew by. We’re both really pleased with how our bowls turned out and would happily take another class with Jess.

Gabrielle Treanor

We attended the 2 person throwing experience it was excellent in every way. We will be back.

Jane

Excellent pottery tuition tonight. Thoroughly enjoyed the session. I made a vase, a bowl and some butterflies to hang up.

Dawn

I had a great time learning to throw a pot on the potters wheel. Jess is a great teacher and guided me through every step. Very pleased with the results.

Pauline

I booked a session for 13 guests with Jess for my friends hen weekend. She presented the whole session so well, provided us with refreshments and a balloon and flowers for the bride! It was an amazing experience, we all thoroughly enjoyed it. Thank you Jess! x

Rebecca

We had a fabulous time with Jess. It all started with a 2h throwing course & quickly turned into a 6 week course. Jess is a brilliant teacher and very encouraging. We’d highly recommend trying a throwing experience as you can learn a lot and it is so much fun! We’ll definitely be back for more…

Kyle & Katrin

Jess was a star. She was patient, very informative, she offered support and help without taking over.
Her studio has the most amazing view of the Beacons and on the glorious day we were it was a real treat. We both came away having made two items now waiting for them to go through the kiln.

Lynda

Great fun to learn to throw clay, and have some decent bowls to show for it! The lesson was very practical, lots of opportunity to practice and the setting is a beautiful corner of Powys. Great find!

Lelanie

I had a 1-2-1 lesson, a birthday present. It was a wonderful, absorbing and fulfilling two hours, that felt like 5 minutes. Jess, you are a great teacher, clear and supportive, building confidence. I had a brilliant time and a really mindful experience, also down to you Jess. Thank you!

Jayne Williams

We really enjoyed our morning spent learning how to throw. Jess was very informative and patient, showing us each step before guiding us through making our own bowls. We were spoilt with views of the mountains from the studio and unboxing our final pieces a few weeks later was very exciting!

Jess & Liz Hennessy

Bought a voucher for my mum so we could make memories together in 2024. Jess and Chris were lovely hosts. It’s so nice to see a bond between a mum and daughter. We had a few giggles during the evening. Made several items, very productive class. Enjoyed every minute. THANK YOU!

Hayley Arrowsmith

First time ever trying pottery after wanting to try it for years. Had a great time and really enjoyed it, can’t wait to see the finished product! Highly recommend

Rob

Booking Information:

The courses with their dates and times are listed below, just add your preferred option to you basket and checkout to complete your booking.

Upon booking you will will receive a confirmation email with the course information.

Want more information? See FAQs below.

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us.

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FAQs:

 There's something very therapeutic about squishing a bit of wet clay in-between your fingers!

Pottery can alleviate the symptoms of anxiety, depression, arthritis and even PTSD.

  • Reduce Stress - Working with clay can be very relaxing. The tactile nature of ceramics provides a unique sensory experience that can lead to lowered stress levels. Research has found that that art activities, including using clay, can lower the stress hormone cortisol, after just 45 minutes.
  • Turn Your Brain "Offline" - Disconnect from the information overload and endless tasks of daily life. The meditative state achieved when working with clay allows your frustrations and worries to melt away. Just a few hours of working with ceramics can rejuvenate and recharge your mental state.
  • Sense of Accomplishment - There's a special satisfaction that comes from creating something from start to finish. Whilst it might not be the perfect work of art to start with, it’s something that you made from scratch and something to look at and be proud of. Seeing your own finger marks, intentional and accidental in the clay, means that you are forever connected with it. Your pottery has the potential to last forever and serve as a constant reminder of your achievements.
  • Enhanced Creativity - Pottery helps you to express your creativity. It’s a good way for people of all ages to explore the things they can do. You may be more creative than you think and there’s no right or wrong way in pottery.
  • Exercises Hands, Wrists, and Arms - The movement of making pottery is gentle yet strengthening to the hands, wrists, and arms. This can be beneficial to those prone to arthritis in the hands, as it promotes joint movement, dexterity and fine motor skills.
  • Experience Joy - Clay is messy and squishy! Playing with clay is fun regardless of age or ability.

Handbuilding is an ancient pottery technique that involves creating forms without a pottery wheel, using just your hands, fingers and simple tools. The most common handbuilding techniques are pinch pottery, coil building and slab building.

The cost of the course covers 6 weeks tuition from Beacons Pottery as well as all the materials provided, kiln firings for your pieces and delivery of your finished pieces.

If you would like to book onto a course and pay in instalments, we can arrange this for you, just contact jess@beacons-pottery.co.uk

The course is based in my studio, on my farm in the heart of the Brecon Beacons. The road to the farm is a typical single track country lane, so please take care when driving as there may be oncoming vehicles. NB: The postcode may take you to our neighbours' property, please carry on to the end of the lane.

Clay is messy by nature, so wear clothes you don't mind getting dirty. Aprons are provided and clay will usually wash out of clothing. Beacons Pottery takes no responsibility for any damage to your personal items.

Anyone can have a go at pottery with us! Adaptations to the course can be made for all needs, just let us know how we can help upon booking.

The studio is fully wheelchair accessible, however we do not currently have a wheelchair accessible toilet - please bear this in mind.

Please contact us if you have any concerns - jess@beacons-pottery.co.uk

Participants must be over 18.

You will get to keep all of your main makes as well as a couple of your smaller pieces once they have been glazed and fired. Due to the nature of the firing process, some pieces may be damaged in the kiln. If this happens, you will be sent a small complimentary product from Beacons Pottery.

Your pottery can be collected or delivered to you a maximum of 6 weeks after your lesson. This allows time for pieces to be fired, glazed, fired again and then delivered, which is a slow process. You will be notified when your products are on their way to you.

Course bookings are able to be transferred to an alternative course where there are spaces available, however this needs to be completed 30 days prior to the course start date.

After this time, if there are extenuating circumstances that mean you are unable to complete the majority of the course, then we may be able to transfer you to a course at a later date. Considerations about this will be made on a case by case basis.

Sessions start on time and if you are late you can join in but unfortunately time cannot be made up at the end.

Once the course has started, if you are temporarily unwell and/or unable to attend a week of the course, then where possible you may be able to attend the same week on a later course where there are spaces available. However, unfortunately we are unable to give you priority over new bookings.

If there are extenuating circumstances that mean you are unable to complete the majority of the course, then we may be able to transfer you to a course at a later date. Considerations about this will be made on a case by case basis.

All bookings are non-refundable.

Courses will only run where there are 4 or more people booked in. Where this is not the case, customers will be notified as early as possible that the course will not be going ahead. If a course is cancelled, you will be offered a full-refund or a place on a later course where spaces are available.

Please be aware you are in a working studio and due care and attention must be given. We expect all participants to be respectful of the space, work and everyone else attending the course, as well as following instructions that are given. We reserve the right to exclude any participant if they consistently fail to meet any of these conditions. Appropriate refunds will be given if this is the case.