Make a keepsake box using the Japanese method kurinuki - the process of carving a vessel out of a solid block of clay. Kurinuki is a sculptural, intuitive technique where you slowly carve away material to reveal a unique lidded box.

It is a deeply satisfying, tactile way to work with clay, focusing on raw textures and organic shapes.

You will be guided step-by-step through carving, hollowing, and fitting a lid to your box. We provide all the clay, carving tools, engobes, and firings. We will be using black clay for our boxes and engobes in contrasting colours for decoration.

After the workshop, your piece will be left to dry slowly and evenly before being fired and ready for you to collect a few weeks later.

Come get your hands dirty and make something uniquely yours.

Experience level: Beginners welcome

Tickets are $40 and cover all materials and refreshments provided by our partners Toi Toi wines.

This workshop is suitable for ages 16+

Koha will be accepted upon entry.

About Iulia Simtion

Iulia is a ceramic artist and tutor based in Narrow Neck, Auckland. She first experienced the magic of pottery as a teenager, later returning to the craft while retraining as a primary school teacher. This background in education, combined with her belief that working with your hands is essential for well-being, shapes both her teaching style and her creative practice.

Now a full-time maker and educator, Iulia draws daily inspiration from the rich heritage of her native Romania and the natural beauty of her home here in Aotearoa. Her work and workshops are centered around mindfulness, cultural connection, and the simple, grounding joy of shaping clay.

Contact the host of First Thursdays: Make a Kurinuki ceramic box with Iulia Simtion

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