Five Day Hand Building Course

Five Day Hand Building Course
From NZD $1,100.00
  • Duration: 5 Days (approx.)
  • Location: Coromandel Town, Waikato


A 5-day long course with Iona Matheson where you will explore different hand building techniques to create sculptures. Over the week become more confident using coil, pinch and slab techniques. Test out different surface textures using stamping, carving, additions and subtractions. Finish with slips and oxides using sgrafitto techniques. 

Suitable for beginners through to more experienced students.


Objectives of the course:

  • to facilitate a safe place for everyone to create and learn the fundamentals of hand building with clay. 
  • To develop confidence and expertise with hand building clay techniques. 
  • To inspire, engage and develop 3D thinking skills. 
  • To gain knowledge of safe pottery practices to ensure students well being.


Course outline:

Monday 26
May, 10 – 4pm

  • Intro/welcome/ inspire
  • Overview hand building techniques
  • Clay preparation and wedging
  • Design considerations
  • Sculpting
Tuesday 27
May, 10 -4pm
  • Coiling technical detail
  • Sculpting time
 Wednesday
28 May, 10 -4pm  
  • Slab and pinch techniques
  • Sculpting using new methods
 Thursday 29
May, 10 – 4pm
  • Surface decoration options: stamping, texturing, piercing carving, additions and
    subtractions to sculptures

Friday 30
May

  • Completion final details sculptures
  • Decoration using slips, oxides and glazing information
  • Firing options
  • Q&A 


Workshop price includes 1 bag of white raku clay, use of tools, and firing of 1x sculpture of 50cm x 50cm, larger works negotiated. Please bring any special clay tools, stamps you might want to use and and tub for slip.

* We do not have any accommodation available on site but you will receive information about local accommodation options and accommodation deals for our students with your booking confirmation.