You might know China Blue in Totnes for our wonderfully fun Paint Your Own Pottery studio, where you can add your artistic flair to ready-made ceramics. But did you know you can delve even deeper into the marvelous world of clay with our hands-on pottery workshops designed especially for adults?
If you've ever felt the urge to actually make something from scratch, to feel the cool clay in your hands and shape it into your own unique creation, then our workshops are the perfect place to start! Forget just decorating – this is your chance to learn fundamental pottery techniques and experience the deep satisfaction of creating ceramic forms yourself.
Beyond the Brush: Explore the Magic of Making
Our pottery workshops offer a different kind of creative immersion compared to paint your own studio. Here, the focus is on learning the skills to transform a ball of clay into a functional or decorative piece. You might explore techniques such as:
- Hand-building: Discovering methods like pinching, coiling, and slab building to create vessels, sculptures, tiles, and more, all without the potter's wheel.
- Pot Throwing: As part of some workshops, you might also get an introduction to the mesmerising art of shaping clay on the wheel.
- Specific Projects: We often run workshops focused on creating particular items, like cat sculptures or exploring coloured clays.
What Workshops Can You Join?
We host a variety of creative workshops throughout the year. Some popular options include:
- Evening Pottery Workshop: This fantastic 3-hour session, held on the last Wednesday evening of the month, is perfect for an after-work creative escape. It includes expert tuition in both pot throwing AND hand-modelling techniques. You'll typically create around 3 unique pieces, and the price (£60 per person) includes a return visit to our PYO studio to paint your creations after they've been fired.
- Other Hand-building Sessions: Keep an eye out for workshops dedicated purely to hand-building methods, exploring different projects and forms.
The best way to see exactly what's coming up, including dates, times, specific details, and prices, is to check our Events & Workshops page.
Why Join a China Blue Pottery Workshop?
- Learn a New Skill: Under the friendly expert guidance of our instructors, you'll learn genuine pottery techniques in a relaxed, supportive environment.
- Therapeutic & Mindful: There’s something incredibly grounding and calming about working directly with clay. It’s a wonderful way to de-stress and focus your mind.
- Create From Scratch: Experience the immense satisfaction of taking raw clay and turning it into something totally unique and personal.
- Perfect for Beginners: No prior experience? No problem! Our workshops are designed to be accessible and enjoyable for complete novices.
- A Great Social Activity: Join us solo and meet like-minded people, or book with friends for a fun, creative get-together or a unique date night idea.
What to Expect:
Get ready to roll up your sleeves (literally!) and embrace the clay! You'll learn specific techniques, create your own pieces during the session, and yes, you might get a little wonderfully messy – it's all part of the fun! Afterwards, you'll leave your creations with us for the essential drying and first firing process. As with our Evening Workshop, the price often includes that all-important return visit to paint and glaze your pieces, making them fully finished and ready to use or display.
Booking Your Creative Adventure
Our workshops are popular and spaces are often limited, so booking in advance is essential. You can find all the details and secure your place easily via our online booking system.
Make It An Outing!
Planning your workshop visit? Why not make it even more special?
- Grab a delicious pre-workshop lunch or post-workshop coffee and cake at our award-winning Wild Thyme Deli & Kitchen.
- Allow time for a browse around the tempting gifts and homewares in our Lifestyle Store.
Ready to move beyond the paintbrush and get truly hands-on with clay? Explore the wonderful world of pottery making with us!
Check the Events page for upcoming workshops here!
Book your workshop spot online here!
Find out more About Us or visit our FAQs for general information.
