The potential of the Pinch Pot: Intro to Handbuilding (4 week course)

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The potential of the Pinch Pot: Intro to Handbuilding (4 week course)

$390.00

Discover the possibilities of handbuilding with clay in this playful and practical four-week course. Starting with the pinch pot, you’ll learn to shape, join, texture and decorate clay while creating a range of functional and sculptural forms. No previous clay experience is required.

Date:	Thursday 8 October 2026
Time:	6.30pm - 9.30pm
Teacher(s):	Sue Cant
Location:	Workshop One

5 SPOTS LEFT

Description

This four-week course is an introduction to handbuilding with clay, using the simple and versatile pinch pot as a starting point for exploring form, texture and surface.

You’ll learn how to shape clay using your hands, develop even walls and strong joins, and transform simple pinch pots into more complex functional and sculptural forms. Along the way, you’ll explore techniques including carving, impressing, stamping, burnishing, slips and underglazes to develop expressive surfaces.

Each week builds on the previous session, moving from basic pinch pot techniques through to joined and altered forms and individual projects. There will be plenty of opportunity to experiment, play with ideas and discover how changes in shape, texture and surface can transform a simple vessel.

By the end of the course, you’ll have developed a foundation in handbuilding techniques and create a collection of hand-built forms that reflect your developing skills and ideas.

Week 1- 8 October: Foundations and Forming – Learn the fundamentals of pinch pot construction, exploring clay consistency, wall thickness, compression and shaping. Create a range of simple forms while discovering how the pinch pot can be adapted into functional or sculptural pieces.

Week 2- 15 October: Building and Joining – Take the pinch pot further by combining, joining and altering forms. Explore techniques for creating more complex vessels and sculptural forms while developing confidence with construction and joining.

Week 3- 22 October: Surface and Texture – Explore ways to bring your forms to life through carving, impressing, stamping, burnishing, slips and underglazes. Experiment with texture and mark-making while continuing to develop your own pieces.

Week 4- 5 November: Refining and Finishing – Refine your work and explore glazing and finishing techniques. Consider how surface, colour and form work together, and share your finished pieces as part of a supportive group discussion.

Teacher Bio:

Sue Cant is a Canberra-based ceramic artist and experienced educator with a long and fruitful involvement at Canberra Potters. She brings a practical approach to teaching, helping students build confidence with clay while encouraging experimentation and individual expression.

With a background in tertiary education and arts management, Sue has extensive experience supporting makers at all levels to develop their skills and creative practice. Her teaching focuses on making ceramics accessible, enjoyable and achievable, with an emphasis on learning through hands-on exploration.

Notes:

Clay and firing are paid for separately.
Clay can be purchased from Canberra Potters at your first class.
Wear: Sturdy, covered shoes, tie back long hair, and leave any precious jewellery at home for safety.

What to Bring:

Basic pottery tool kit- or use tools provided in our well-equipped workshop.
Apron and towel.
Notebook and pencil
Optional texture-making materials such as shells, leaves, stamps or found objects

Important Information

This course is aimed at those with some experience eg. intermediate potters.
Duration: Three hours per week for 4 weeks.
Fees: Includes tuition and studio access. Clay and firing are to be paid for separately.
What to Bring:
- Bring your usual pottery tool kit,
- A notebook and pencil
-  Wear sturdy, covered shoes, tie back long hair, and leave any precious jewellery at home for safety. Bring an old towel and an apron.
Studio Clean-Up: To maintain a safe and healthy environment, it is a requirement of class attendance that participants clean their workspaces and assist with the general clean-up of the workshop at the end of each class.

Terms and Conditions

Refund Policy – Classes & Short Courses:

Class fees will be refunded, less a 10% admin fee, if cancellation is notified more than 10 business days before the first class date.
If less than 10 business days’ notice is given then a refund, less 10%, will only be given if the place can be taken by another student otherwise the full fee is forfeited.
Please view your booking as a commitment to attend.
Classes cannot be transferred from one term to another or one year to another.
If a class is cancelled due to lack of enrolments, 100% of your class fee will be refunded.
All changes to bookings and refunds incur a 10% administration fee.
Canberra Potters will not issue refunds for missed classes or missed emails. Please ensure you have saved the following Canberra Potters emails to your contact list.
Canberra Potters is a teaching facility and students attend our classes to learn about pottery. Imperfect, broken and cracked items are part of the learning process. We do not provide refunds for work that cracks or breaks while drying, during firing or in general class activities.