Beginning Hand Building Class| Otaki Pottery Club

Beginners Hand Building Class (Level 1)

Whether you're a complete beginner or looking to build on existing skills, our beginning hand building classes are the perfect place to start. Join us and unleash your inner artist!

In the Beginners Hand Building Class, you'll learn a variety of techniques over 16 weeks (two terms) to create your own handmade pottery.

Here are some of the items you'll learn to make:

Pinch and coil pots
Coiled pots and textured bowls
Orbs and textured slabs
Mugs, vases, and utensil/pencil holders
3D slab tiles
Garden art projects like leaves, water bowls, small totems, and things on sticks

Throughout the course, you'll also be introduced to various glazing techniques, such as double dipping, using oxides, and applying slips.

Here's an overview of the techniques you'll cover:

Texture clay with ball clay and plaster moulds
Joining small slabs
Glazing with hot wax, coloured glazes, and over-glazes
Building with slabs and applying sgraffito
Using underglaze and discussing shiny clear/satin glazes
Demonstrate spraying and glaze test tiles

Apply now to join the Beginners Hand Building Class and discover the joy of making your own pottery.

Enrolments

Term 1, 2026 - Weekly Beginners Hand Building Pottery Classes

Day Class Code Time Description Tutor

Monday (A13) 12.30pm–3.30pm   Beginners/Continuing Hand building class. (L1 & L2).   Tutor: Paula Archibald

Monday (A17) 7.00pm - 9.30 pm    Beginners/Continuing Hand building class. (L1 & L2). Tutor: Storm Davenport

Wednesday (A7) 7.00pm–9.30pm Beginners/Continuing Hand building class. (L1 & L2).   Tutor: Rod Graham

Thursday (A9) 1.00pm–3.30pm   Beginners/Continuing Hand building class. (L1 & L2).   Tutor: Rod Graham

Thursday  (A10) 7.00pm–9.30pm   Beginners/Continuing Hand building class. (L1 & L2).   Tutor: Paula Archibald