Beginners Six Week Course

 

Book beginners pottery course

Ready to take your love of pottery a little more seriously?
This six week course will arm you with the pottery basics and leave you with at least 9 unique pots to take home after the course. Jude will guide you through week by week, explaining the basics of pottery from wedging the clay, creating intricate designs and colouring your clay.

This course runs for six weeks with classes on Wednesday evenings from 6pm til 9pm with an upfront payment for the total course.
Wednesday morning classes 10am to 1pm.

Week One
It's time to get more familiar with clay!
Jude will teach you how to make your own mould from found objects which you'll create ready to be set for another class. Don't worry, you'll still get your hands dirty... in this class, you'll create two smallish shallow bowls (eg) spoon rest, in-scents burner, garlic shredder, ring holder, etc. etc. Attaching different styles of feet to elevate your creation from the table. 

Week Two
This week you'll be learning about press moulds. You'll use a mould made from wood or fired clay to create two dishes (up to 28cm wide). You'll have the choice of circle, square, oval or rectangle and of course your own choice of designs. You'll also be guided on how to create your own pattern template to use in the future.  Adding rims to these pieces can create a totally different feel to your creation so we will be learning rim treatments to add to your arsenal. 

Week Three
It's the week to level up your creativity!
We're making stamps and a medium sized bowl this week. You'll create your own unique stamps that you'll use to add texture and design to your creation. Importantly, you'll need to make a special stamp with your signature on it so you can let the 
world know it's your design; and all pots MUST have your signature on them before they're fired so we can all recognise which pot belongs to you because they can look very different after firing! You'll then use these stamps to make a beautiful bowl covered in different textures. We will be trying to incorporate handles into your bowl design this week.

Week Four
We will be getting colourful in week four. This week we'll be learning more about colour and slips. You'll create your own slip colour for your designs but don't worry, you won't be limited - Jude has a vast array of colour slips already created for you to use. This week you'll create a humble cylinder or two as most articles from this shape eg. mug, jug, utensil holder, oil burner, lidded container, vase, flask, oil bottle, stein. etc. etc.

Week Five
Lets be game whilst we have many hands to help us achieve a larger mass of clay Platter, it's heavier and more awkward than you may think. This week, you'll build a serving platter and learn the intricacies of joining a foot or why not to. You'll use your slip knowledge and skills learnt so far to colour, texture your platter. Maybe you will choose to use your own stamps. Having a photo or drawing of what has inspired you for your platter prior to this night is important so as to have all necessary moulds and equipment in readiness. Discussions need to be had prior to the event. There is never just one way to achieve something - the possibilities are endless!

While your platter is setting up, you can work on a smaller project using the same theme as your platter - working on two different items in one class will be easy!

Week Six
We're almost at the end of our beginner pottery journey. In our final week together, you'll learn basic knowledge of glazing, preparing your creations, cleaning, waxing, spraying, brushing, dipping, all the way up to placement in the kiln. We have found this to be a much needed addition to the Course and as firing of your pieces is basically the most expensive area it has been decided to include Raw Glazing or once firing into the mix. We are aiming to have your pieces all bisque fired for this night, weather permitting, so you will be glazing all of your own pots ready to be glaze fired the next week. This lesson is most important to further your endless journey into the wonderful world of Ceramics or Pottery, there is no end to what you can achieve.

Congratulations, you have totally made your own collection of pottery, what a great achievement!

Please bring your mask to this class even though we will be working outside.

For safety: you must be 15 years or over to attend any of our classes.


What you'll take home:

  • Sushi plate mould and mini press mould 
  • Two plates made from a wooden mould 
  • Textured bowl  
  • Vase - (up to) 25cm tall
  • Unique coffee mug 
  • Lidded container  
  • Textured trinket bowl *time / weather permitting

 

Class notes 

  • Bring your imagination and a huge sense of playfulness!
  • Wear old clothes and even bring an apron, you will get wonderfully messy (just like you used to when making mud pies as a child)! 
  • Come fully caffeinated or Fonzie Abbot is directly across the road
  • Tea, coffee and light snacks provided 
  • BYO is accepted for any of our evening classes
  • Tie long hair back to avoid getting clay in your hair 
  • Remove jewellery as you'll be working with your hands... and clay!
  • Must wear closed toe, comfortable shoes
  • Your pieces will be dishwasher, microwave, ovenproof and food safe
  • For safety: you must be 15 years or over to attend any of our classes
  • BYO masks for certain classes (see course notes)

3 THINGS TO BRING
To your first class, please bring along with you:
1. A plastic ice-cream sized container with a fitted lid to store your clay scraps.

2. A jam jar sized plastic container with a screw top to store your glue slip.

3. An old towel and maybe a 30 x 30cm board or surface if you wish to take home and complete your creation. By doing this you will get a fantastic insight into how your clay project dries.

  • Can experienced potters attend the studio without classes?

    Absolutely. We welcome you to make use of our space. We highly recommend contacting Jude to discuss your options.

  • I’m not that creative, can I do this pottery course in Brisbane?

    Yes! Jude is here to guide you through, with expert tips, advice and support. You may need a hand building your masterpiece, but you'll be proud of what you create.

  • Do you sell handmade ceramics?

    We do. Jude has a range of items on display and for sale in the studio. Come in for a course to browse, or contact us to see what time is best to pop by and have a look.

  • How do you get specific coloured glazes?

    Glazes are coloured through various scientific makeups, such as oxodisation and alkalines. It’s very advanced and involved, it’s taken Jude decades to hone in on this skill. Ask Jude during a course for advice and help!

  • Can I make a mug?

    Yes of course! Currently this is a part of the Beginners and Intermediate courses as it required more time than a three hour class to create.

    Workshops for mugs are planned for the future, so keep an eye on our website and socials!

  • What sort of clay is used at Artisan Avenue?

    We use Walkers White Stoneware. This clay is used specifically as there’s very little air bubbles, its well prepared and has a small amount of grog in it.

  • Can I use terracotta clay?

    Artisan Avenue doesn't use terracotta clay as it tends to colour the white clay we use.

  • Does Artisan Avenue glaze other peoples pots?

    At this time we do not offer this service. Please contact us to have a chat to see if we can assist.

  • Do you have daytime classes during the week?

    Not currently, but please contact us to have a chat about what you are looking for to see if we can assist.

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