Hand Building Techniques with Pottery Clay

Making something out of clay with your own two hands is a pretty fantastic experience. One moment, there's a sticky lump – then you squeeze or roll or pinch – and next thing you know, you have a beautiful work of art.

Tanja will help participants in this beginner-level workshop to gain a feel for the clay and create 3 simple small bowls, exploring three different techniques: pinching, coiling and slapping. Which one will be your favourite?At the end of the session, participants will have gained basic hand building skills that will enable them to create many more pieces in their own time – and maybe they will have discovered a new passion...

Hand building with clay offers a wide range of benefits beyond just creating beautiful and functional  artwork. Working with clay is known to be therapeutic and meditative, allowing participants to relax and release stress as they focus on the task at hand. Hand building also provides a sense of accomplishment as participants see their creations take shape right before their eyes.

This workshop is creative, 100% hands-on, and potentially a bit messy – please dress accordingly :) Clay stains may not wash out of some fabrics.

Please note that you can take your bowls home immediately (please bring a sturdy cardboard box or a large wooden board if you are planning to do so).

Unfired work does keep but cannot get wet and is relatively fragile and a bit dusty. Alternatively, you can leave your bowls for Tanja to fire at an additional cost.

Limited to 10 participants, 16 years and older. Bookings are essential. Bookings close Friday, 21st June at 2pm. The workshop will take place in our brand new Clay Play Club near the Riverside Milk Vending Shed.

This workshop is proudly sponsored by the Riverside Community Trust. Please contact Tanja (at education@riverside.org.nz) for workshop questions or to ask about sponsorship options.