Ref: SLW41827
Over three inspiring days, you will explore the creative possibilities of ceramic vessel making, combining form, texture, and decorative surface techniques. This hands-on course invites you to create a series of vessels before dedicating time to developing intricate surface detail through the making and application of sprigs. These decorative elements add depth, character, and individuality to each piece.
Suitable for all abilities, the course offers a supportive and engaging environment for beginners, returning makers, and more experienced ceramicists alike. Beginners and those who prefer hand-building will learn to construct vessels using coiling techniques, while students with throwing experience are encouraged to work on the potters wheel, refining and expanding their skills.
Throughout the course, your expereinced tutor will demonstrate each process step-by-step, from forming and refining shapes to designing and applying surface decoration. You will be guided in making thoughtful decisions about proportion, scale, and composition, ensuring that both form and ornament work harmoniously together.
By the end of the three days,, you will have gained new technical skills and a deeper understanding of how to create vessels with rich surface interest. You will complete several unique works that reflect your personal style and creative development. Finished pieces will be professionally fired and glazed by our technician, and you will be notified when your work is ready for collection.
Whether you are new to clay, returning after a break, or looking to refine your technique, this course offers a rewarding and enriching ceramic experience.
On this course the College will supply all of the materials including clay and glaze– large work in size and quantity may be charged extra.
Apron for each day
A variety of art and craft materials are available to buy in the Gardens Gatehouse Shop.
To look after your back while at the wheel, a hot water bottle might be useful.
Firing and glazing options:
Leave a selection of raw, finished pieces, which you wish to keep, for biscuit firing, basic glazing and re-firing by the College for collection within six months.
Leave a selection of raw, finished pieces for biscuit firing at the College. You can then book a place on a Glazing Day and glaze your own work (allowing four weeks for your work to be biscuit fired). This work will be re-fired after glazing and available for collection within six months.
Take away your unfired pots for firing and glazing elsewhere.
Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio. This includes stout covered footwear, i.e. no open-toes or sandals, and safety boots, if specified.
Arrival day - first date of course
Residential students can arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 6.45pm for registration
Student welcome, followed by dinner: 6.45pm (dinner included)
Teaching session: 8pm-9pm (attendance is essential)
Daily timetable
Course teaching: 9.15am-5pm
Morning session: 9.15am-12.45pm including coffee/tea break
Lunch break: 12.45pm-2pm (lunch included)
Afternoon session: 2pm-5pm including coffee/tea break
Teaching finishes: 5pm
Evening working: students may have access to workshops until 9pm, but only with permission from the tutor and provided any health and safety guidelines are observed.
Departure day - last date of course
Course teaching: 9.15am-3pm (lunch included)
Teaching finishes: 3pm
Residential students will need to check out of rooms by 10am.
Please note, the tutor may make slight variations to the daily timetable as required.
Course Tutor - Foundation Diploma in Ceramics
Jo studied at Bath Spa University gaining Ceramics BA, MA & teacher training qualifications. An experienced tutor, Jo regularly teaches from beginners to MA students. A member of the Royal British Society of Sculptors, her work is exhibited internationally in shows such as COLLECT at the Saatchi gallery.
Residential option available. Find out accommodation costs and how to book here.
Take the next step in your creative practice, with foundation level to Masters in Fine Art study.
Depending on your experience, start with an Online Foundation Certificate in Art and Design (one year, part-time), a Foundation Diploma in Art and Design made up of 10 short courses taken over two years (part-time) or advance your learning with our BA (Hons) Art and Contemporary Craft: Materials, Making, and Place (six years part-time). All will help you develop core skills, find direction in your practice and build an impressive portfolio in preparation for artist opportunities or higher-level study. See all degree and diploma courses.
