Handbuilding Pottery

Handbuilding is a pottery technique where clay is shaped by hand rather than on a potter's wheel. This method allows for greater creativity and freedom through techniques such as pinching, coiling, and slab-building to form unique pieces. This course focuses on creating functional ware—pieces that are both beautiful and practical for everyday use.

Instructor Shahrzad Amin will guide students through an introduction to clay and its properties, essential handbuilding techniques, and the creation of functional pieces like bowls, jugs, mugs, and plates. The course also covers surface decoration techniques including textures, stamping, transfers, sgraffito, and glazing.

The course runs Thursday mornings from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM for six weeks, from November 12 to December 17, 2026, at Beyond Pottery in Burlington. The fee includes clay, tools, glazes, and kiln firings.

Open to complete beginners ages 16 and up. No prior experience is needed.

For comfort, avoid wearing jewelry or having long nails, and bring an apron or old t-shirt and a towel. Finished pieces will be fired during the course; participants can collect their work during sessions or after the course ends. You'll be notified by email when pieces are ready for pickup.