Beginners Hand Building Pottery Course in West Sussex | Henfield Pottery<br/>

Always wanted to try pottery but never known where to start? This six-week beginners' course is the perfect introduction.

Over six relaxed weekly sessions, you'll learn the core hand-building techniques used by ceramic artists to create beautiful, functional and sculptural work. Whether you've never touched clay before or you're returning after a long break, you'll be guided step by step in a friendly, supportive studio where creativity is encouraged and there's absolutely no pressure to be perfect.

By the end of the course you'll understand the fundamentals of working with clay, have developed a range of new making skills, and take home a collection of your own finished ceramic pieces.

A quote in cursive font that says, "Discover the joy of making with clay".

Text that says 'BEGINNER’S HAND BUILDING' at Henfield Pottery in terracotta

6 WEEK COURSE

Group of students participating in a pottery class at Henfield Pottery studio, West Sussex

Text that says 'inside the course' in large green letters

Simple line drawing of a pinch pot cut in half, illustration part of Henfield Pottery

PINCHING

COILING

SLABS

Line drawing of three vases in different shapes and sizes

Line drawing of a ceramic pot being glazed

FORM EXPLORATION

SURFACE DESIGN

GLAZING

Text graphic with a quote: 'Over the next six weeks, you'll explore:' in handwritten style font, dark green colour

Getting to know clay and how it behaves

A star-shaped object in terracotta, part of Henfield Pottery branding

Pinch pots, coiling and slab building.

Joining techniques and building strong forms

Texture, pattern and surface decoration

Underglazes and Glazing

Preparing work for firing

Studio tools and equipment

Developing your own creative ideas

Every session includes demonstrations, plenty of hands-on making time, and individual support from your tutor.

A student making with red clay in Henfield Pottery studio, West Sussex

Text reads 'WHAT IS INCLUDED' in terracotta

Build confidence with the basics.

✔ Six weekly sessions (2.5 hours each)

✔ Small group teaching (maximum 8 people)

✔ All clay, tools and equipment

✔ Glazes and firing

✔ Tea, coffee and biscuits

✔ Your finished pieces to collect once they've been fired

A stylized illustration of a plant with multiple leaves, part of Henfield Pottery branding

This course is designed for complete beginners, so no previous experience is needed.

It's ideal if you:

Have always wanted to try pottery
Enjoy making things with your hands
Want to learn a new creative skill
Are looking for a relaxing weekly activity
Would love to create handmade ceramics for your home or as gifts

'Important Information' text graphic in large, terracotta, block letters

Please wear comfortable clothing that you don't mind getting a little dusty.
Closed-toe shoes are recommended.
Fingernails are best kept fairly short when working with clay.
Your work will need time to dry and be fired after the course. We'll let you know as soon as it's ready to collect.
Pottery is wonderfully unpredictable! While we take every care throughout the firing process, occasionally pieces can crack or break, and unfortunately this is part of working with ceramics.

Booking T&C's