• Handbuilding Beginner/Ext 4-8 Weeks

Pottery Basics: A Handbuilding Journey

Handbuilding Beginner/Ext 4-8 Weeks

Handbuilding Beginner/Ext 4-8 Weeks

$360.00
$360.00
Sale Sold out

Low stock: 4 left
INSTRUCTOR: Lynette Ting
SKILL LEVEL: BEGINNER

Enjoy the flexibility to start any Wednesday.

Our handbuilding pottery courses introduce the art of shaping clay by hand — no wheel required. Choose between a 4 Week beginner course or an 8 Week extended programme, both guided by our instructors in small, focused classes.

4 Week Course — Pottery Basics
Learn the fundamentals of handbuilding through essential techniques such as pinching, coiling, and slab-building. Over four weekly sessions, you’ll create functional pieces like bowls, mugs, plates, and small containers, and complete your works with glazing in the final week.

8 Week Course — Sculpting & Form Exploration
Continue beyond the 4 week basics into sculptural work. The extended course introduces you to shaping expressive forms — from faces and figures to animals and abstract designs — combining technical precision with creative exploration. You’ll refine your craftsmanship and develop a deeper understanding of clay as a medium for sculpture.

All courses include:
Clay, use of tools and studio equipment, materials for decorating and glazing, and firing services. With a maximum of 8 students per class, each participant receives close, personalised guidance throughout the course.

As our classes run continuously each week, early confirmation of your attendance is recommended to secure your spot.

Start ANY Wednesday. When signing up, please indicate your preferred Wednesday to begin, or alternatively, you’ll receive a welcome email inviting you to confirm your start date.

Classes are strictly not refundable. If you are unable to attend, you may transfer your slot to a friend to attend the ENTIRE course on your behalf.

Make-up sessions are available. Each student may arrange ONE make-up session for WEEK 4 (glazing, at a later date)—subject to our teaching schedule & availability. If you have to miss a class, please email us and we'll do our best to accommodate what you've missed in the remaining sessions, within reason.

There are no reminder emails sent for collection. If your fired pieces are left with us more than 2 months after your last class, we reserve the right to dispose of them.
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NOT YOUR TYPICAL COURSE

Journey into Pottery

Pottery is an art that requires time and dedication. At Ves, we offer 4-8 session courses to take you on an immersive journey into the world of pottery. Feel the clay in your fingers, experience the momentum of the wheel, and master foundational techniques. Your journey concludes with the creation of your very own ceramic pieces, crafted from scratch by you.

SMALL CLASS SIZES

Personalised Guidance For All

Each budding potter is unique. Our small classes, limited to just 8 students, allow for undivided attention from our teachers. This cozy environment fosters connections and friendships among participants.

TOP-TIER INSTRUCTORS

Taught by Seasoned Professionals

Led by renowned ceramicists with expertise honed since 2000s with residencies in Japan, Australia and China, the vast experience that Ves brings helps mentor both students and our seasoned instructors. Each instructor brings at least 6 years of experience, providing a diverse and comprehensive learning environment.

BENEFITS OF POTTERY

Therapeutic & Relaxing

In the midst of life's hustle, we all crave an escape. Pottery offers that sanctuary—calming, relaxing, and the satisfaction of crafting by hand is unparalleled. Our studio is a warm and inviting space where you can find solace anytime, even after your courses conclude.

What You'll Learn - 4 Weeks

  • Week 1 – Foundations of Pinching

    • Explore the fundamentals of pinching techniques.
    • Craft your first cups through the art of pinching.

  • Week 2 – Learning coiling

    • Progress to creating larger pieces using coiling.
    • Learn the skill of connecting separate clay bodies.

  • Week 3 – Intro to slab-making

    • Learn how to make flatware by making slabs.
    • Experiment with decorating techniques like carving, drawing, and adding attachments.

  • Week 4 – Intro to Glazing

    • Gain insights into the theory of glazing.
    • Experience different glazing applications as a finishing touch

What You'll Learn - 8 weeks

  • Week 1-3 – As above

    • Week 1 - Foundations of Pinching
    • Week 2 - Learning Coiling
    • Week 3 - Intro to Slab-making

  • Week 4/5 – Intro to Sculpting

    • Understand the foundation of sculpture
    • Explore techniques for building form and structure

  • Week 6/7 – Learn detailing

    • Learn how to shape facial forms
    • Experiment with how to bring personality and expression

  • Week 8 – Intro to glazing

    • Gain insights into the theory of glazing.
    • Experience different glazing applications as a finishing touch

REVIEWS

    IN THE PRESS

    "Creative-types will feel right at home when they get their start in crafting through the medium of clay when they enter Ves"

    FAQs

    What course should I take if I am a complete beginner?

    Pottery usually begins with handbuilding so for absolute beginners we will recommend the Introduction to Handbuilding course before getting to wheelthrowing.

    That said, if you'd like to challenge yourself, our Wheelthrowing Beginner/Ext course is suitable for beginners with no experience too!

    What if I have signed up and can’t make it for the classes?

    As our courses are planned months in advance, we do not offer refunds or exchanges for credits for any of our courses.

    That said, we can arrange one make-up session of the same course at another timeslot. However, do note this is subject to availability. If courses are full, this will not be possible.

    Do you have one-off workshops?

    Unfortunately, no. At Ves, we only offer short courses that are at least 4 sessions long.

    Pottery is a craft that takes decades to master. We believe that short courses are the best way to introduce people to the beauty of pottery and properly impart pottery techniques.

    Students also need time to warm up to clay and its properties, and familiarise with new equipment and tools before they start enjoying pottery. We hope you join us!

    When can I collect my class pieces?

    You can collect your pieces one month after your glazing class.

    Do make sure to collect them within 3 months of the glazing class, else we reserve the right to dispose of them. We have ongoing lessons and hundreds of new students pieces being fired daily, so unfortunately we are unable to store your pieces for long.

    We seek your understanding to collect your pieces in time.