Improvers Hand Building Pottery Course in West Sussex | Henfield Pottery

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6 WEEK COURSE

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Already discovered a love of clay? Our Improvers' Hand Building Course is designed for those who have completed a beginners' course or have some previous experience and are ready to build on their skills.

Over six inspiring weeks you'll refine your techniques, tackle more ambitious projects and gain a deeper understanding of form, construction and surface decoration. You'll be encouraged to experiment, solve creative challenges and develop your own style, all within a relaxed, supportive studio environment.

This course is less about following instructions and more about giving you the confidence to make your own ideas a reality.

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FORM EXPLORATION

CREATIVE DEVELOPMENT

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Develop skills and deepen knowledge.

SURFACE DESIGN

Construct functional and decorative pieces.

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GLAZING TECHNIQUES

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Experiment with texture and pattern.

Bring your work to life with colour.

Refining hand-building techniques

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Building larger and more complex forms

Proportion, balance and thoughtful design

Handles, lids, feet and attachments

Layering textures and decorative techniques

Surface decoration using slips, carving and underglazes

Combining different construction methods

Planning and completing more ambitious ceramic projects

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

Rather than everyone producing the same piece, you'll work on a series of projects that allow you to develop your own interests.

You might create:

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Larger bowls and serving pieces

Vases and sculptural forms

Lidded jars and canisters

Sets of mugs, cups or tableware

Decorative vessels

Personal projects with tutor guidance

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✔ 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

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This course is ideal if you:

Have completed our Beginners' Hand Building Course or have equivalent experience
Feel confident with pinch, coil and slab techniques
Want to improve your craftsmanship
Would like to make larger or more complex work
Enjoy experimenting and developing your own creative style

If you're unsure whether this course is the right level, just get in touch we're always happy to help.

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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.