In this overview of handbuilding techniques for beginners, you will learn about key handbuilding techniques and how to glaze your own pots. At the end of the course you will be able to identify and select appropriate techniques and processes to make and decorate basic functional pots.

Our Handbuilding Courses offer a structured approach to learning various bench-based techniques. Whether you’re interested in functional ceramics or figurative sculpture, these courses cater to both beginners and those looking to refine and expand their skills.

Join us for pottery deliciousness. We’re portioning a range of pottery making techniques into bite-sized samplings for our pot luck.

Learn how to use bench-based handbuilding techniques to make pots without a potter's wheel. Course content changes and what we'll be making is a surprise! Fancy taking your chances?

Prerequisites: none

Duration: 1.5 hours

Make a mug for your favourite brew. Need room for a decent cuppa, or is espresso more your thing?

Learn how to make a mug body, make playful handles, and embellish your mug with impressed and moulded decoration.

Your mug will then be fired to stoneware temperature with our glossy transparent glaze to make it ready for use.

Content:

Making mug bodies and handles, body and hand awareness, clay management, finishing and finesse, impressed and moulded decoration.

Prerequisites: none

Fast and filthy. Have a go on a potter’s wheel.

Your experienced tutor will guide you through the steps needed to centre, cone, open, and lift clay on a potter's wheel. They will help you overcome common frustrations of wheel work, and focus on enjoying this uniquely tactile process in a supportive environment. 

Content:

Wheel control, posture, centering, coning, opening up, collaring in, lifting a wall, compressing walls and rims, using a rib, wiring-off, wipe down.

Prerequisites: none

Sunny Bank Mills' annual Threads Textile Festival is back for its third year celebrating textiles through a large Market, workshops to learn new skills or revive old ones, and a series of exciting speaker talks.

The Market located in the 1912 Mill will have 50+ textile stalls each day where you can browse and buy quality fabric and haberdashery supplies, wool and yarn, textile kits, clothing, homewares and more. The Market is open 10am – 4pm| £4 on the door (under 12s free).