I don’t know about you, but this winter has had an intense hold on me. It has felt like the invitation has been to hibernate, full stop. I really don’t mind winter as much as some people. I love a nature-imposed time of sensory-deprivation – a reason to be little quieter, to move a bit slower. But as we move into longer days, there’s something about this time of year—still in the depths of winter, yes—that stirs something in me. While I may not love the mud and wet and piles of brown snow on their way, I appreciate the lengthening days and the signs of new growth on my houseplants! I’m starting to realize I might actually enjoy the anticipation of spring just as much, if not more, than the full-blown riot of green and bloom.
And that brings me to a little bit of excitement as we head into early spring: I’m launching my first full multi-week class session here at Clay Tooth Studio! Whether you're ready to shake off the winter hibernation or simply looking for a way to embrace the season with a fresh creative outlet, I’d love to welcome you to join me in the studio for some hands-on clay work.
So, if you’re feeling the stirrings of spring and want to hop on over from your cozy cave to mine for a while each week and start creating something beautiful out of mud, keep reading to learn more about the classes I’m offering! I’d love to welcome you to Clay Tooth Studio.
Class Options: What’s Available for You?
My upcoming multi-week classes are the perfect way to dive into a deeper exploration of pottery. Whether you're a complete beginner or looking to refine your skills, I’ve designed each class with various skill levels and focuses, so you can jump in at your own comfort level.
For Beginners – Handbuilding Basics Six Weeks; Wednesdays 6:30 - 9:00
Starting March 19
Whether you’re brand new to clay or just looking for a fresh approach and skill-building, in Intro to Handbuilding we’ll explore foundational techniques like working with pinching, coils, and slabs. We’ll use these skills to create a variety of sculptural and functional forms, using your hands and some basic tools to shape the clay. The projects I have in mind are themed around Plants & Planters, drawing inspiration from the coming spring. This is a great starting point if you're new to clay and want to develop the skills to create from scratch – no pottery wheel required!
For anyone with some prior experience and comfortability with handbuilding
Six Weeks; Thursdays 6:30 - 9:00
Starting March 20
Although I throw most of the forms I make, I found myself dissatisfied with my mugs until I started handbuilding them. This class is an opportunity for more experienced handbuilders to learn some of my favorite methods for crafting beautiful, functional mugs. Handbuilt mugs don’t have to be clunky or heavy—we’ll focus on the fine details that make a mug both enjoyable to hold and practical to use. We’ll explore various styles of handles and discuss surface and glazing considerations for function and durability.
Beginner Classes for You and a Friend, Partner or Family Member
Eight Weeks; schedule TBD between instructor and students
NOTE: This Class is full for the Early Spring Session. Reach out if you're interested in scheduling later in the year.
Whether you’ve never touched clay before or want to start fresh and build a solid base of throwing skills, this course will provide demonstrations and close instruction as you work to create wheel thrown pieces you can be proud of! Throwing pots on the wheel is one of those things that looks easy and then can be a bit more frustrating than anticipated. The beauty of working in a 2:1 student to teacher setting is having attentive guidance to help you move through setbacks and challenges to a place of greater confidence. Helping students push through to success and enjoyment of the process is one of my greatest joys as a teacher.
Want to dive a even deeper as a first timer? Have you already gained some experience on the wheel but you're ready to add complexity and nuance to your making? You might want to consider 1:1 Wheel Mentorship. Click to learn more and send in an interest form so we can connect and get started started!
Not Sure Which Class is Right for You?
There’s still a little time to try one workshop in each model! I offer three different project-based Handbuilding Workshops for 2-5 people, and an Intro to Wheel Throwing Workshop for 1 or 2 people. I’ve added in a few extra time options ahead of the first weeks of classes to give more ample opportunity to sign up.
A note on scheduling: All workshops are private bookings, so when you get to the calendar and it says “1 spot left” at a given time, that is a place for you and anyone else in your group, not just one remaining seat.
Why Pottery?
The Perfect Creative Outlet for a New Season
Pottery is about much more than creating beautiful objects–it’s about connecting with the process and the material. It can be meditative, grounding, and a way to bring ideas to life while learning new skills. If you’ve been craving a creative outlet or are looking for a new hobby this spring, I’d love to guide you in your pottery journey.
Ready to jump in? Click here to explore the full schedule and register today! I can’t wait to see you in the studio. If you have any questions, email me at connect@claytooth.com.
If you'd like to learn a little more about my teaching background and my approach to clay, check out another blog entry: My Teaching Journey.
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