Teens Pottery Handbuilding Classes - Term 4 2025

Teens Pottery – Term Plan

Wednesdays 5:45 pm – 7:00 pm
10 weeks commencing 16 October 2024

Over this 10-week term, students will explore pottery from the ground up — learning core clay techniques, creating a variety of fun and functional pieces, and adding their own unique style to each project. No prior experience is needed, and all tools, clay, paints, and sealants are provided.

Weeks 1–5: Handbuilding & Clay Techniques

Students will be introduced to a range of pottery skills, including:

• Pinch pot making – shaping clay with your hands for bowls and vessels.

• Coiling – rolling and stacking coils for height, curves, and texture.

• Slip – using clay slurry for joining pieces securely.

• Slab construction – rolling and cutting flat clay pieces for building forms.

• Texture and imprints – pressing patterns, stamps, and natural items into clay for decorative detail.

Guided projects (with freedom to customise):

• Cat or dog themed trinket trays

• Cupcake jars

• Apple trays

• Strawberry-themed toothbrush holders

• Animal wall planters

• Mushroom gnome homes

Weeks 6–8: Painting & Sealing

Once the clay is fully dried, students will:

• Paint their creations with acrylics or specialist paints, experimenting with colour and style.

• Seal their work, choosing between:

  • Varnish – for a matte or glossy protective finish.

  • Resin – for a high-shine, glass-like surface.

Weeks 9–10: Final Project

To wrap up the term, each student will design and create a final project of their own choosing, showcasing the skills they’ve learned. This could be functional, decorative, or purely experimental — the aim is to express their creativity and craftsmanship.

Max of 4 teens per class.

What To Expect:

Note on Air-Dry Clay and Resin:

We use air-dry clay as a beginner-friendly alternative to kiln-fired clay. It’s easy to work with and great for creating sculptures, coasters, and other handbuilt pieces. 

We will be learning a numbers of Hand-building techniques that your child will be able to continue practicing at home too without the need for a kiln. 

After your projects are complete, we seal them with resin or varnish to ensure durability and a smooth, glossy finish, making the creations long-lasting and beautiful.

NEURODIVERSE KIDS WELCOME HERE - run by neurodiverse teachers who embrace the neurodiversity and differences