Handbuilding pottery for beginners with Antoinette Badenhorst

Whether you're touching clay for the very first time, returning after a long hiatus, or guiding others as an art educator, this course offers a gentle yet thorough introduction to the world of ceramics. No prior experience is required - just a willingness to explore, experiment, and get your hands dirty.
Over six weeks, you'll be immersed in the foundational principles of pottery, learning not just how to shape clay, but how to understand it. Each module is carefully crafted to build your confidence, deepen your understanding, and spark your creativity. You'll be guided through the essential techniques that underpin ceramic practice, with a focus on handbuilding methods that are accessible, versatile, and deeply expressive.

​Handbuilding pottery for beginners online workshop
​

• $249​
• 10 weeks of viewing
• ​43 Videos
  
• All questions answered via email

Register for class

Registration is open.
​10 Weeks will be added to the registration date to get the end date of the class.
​
Scroll down for preview and contents of the class

---

Preview the Handbuilding Pottery online workshop

Contents of the class

Segment 1 - Introduction to pottery and clay

• Introduction and roadmap to the class?
• Basic layout of a pottery studio.
• Tools and materials that we will use during the class.
• What is the origin of clay and where did it start?
• How to choose the correct clay for your project?
• How to wedge clay and why do you need to wedge?

Segment 2 - Pinching clay projects

• Learn how to pinch pottery clay.
• How to reclaim clay.
• How to pinch a functional cup with a foot rim.
• Pinch, decorate and finish-off clay animals.

Segment 3 - Coiling clay projects

• Discussion on porcelain, stoneware and earthenware.
• How to determine clay shrinkage.
• How to make a clay coil pot.
• How to make a patterned coil pot.

Segment 4 - Slab building

• Understand clay particles.
• How to make soft slabs and other fun clay projects.
• How to make a bird feeder with clay slabs.
• How to build a clay bird house with slabs,

Segment 5 - Decorating on wet clay

• Understanding and making slip.
• Decorate with clay stamps and fabric.
• Decorate with texture.
• Decorate with colored slip.

Segment 6 - decorating, glazing and firing

• Decorate bisque clay with engobe and oxides.
• How to prepare bisque clay for pottery glazes.
• Faults and remedies for pottery and ceramics.
• How to glaze pottery objects.
• How to set and control an electric kiln.

---

Registration policy

Who is the target audience? 

• Anyone who wants to begin with pottery lessons.
• Early beginners in ceramics and potters who want to learn interesting handbuilding techniques.
  

What do I need for this e-course?

• You must have pottery clay and access to a pottery kiln.
• You must have consistent access to a computer, iPad or iPhone or related technology.
• You must have basic computer knowledge. (Although we will assist you with the viewing of the videos, we cannot teach you how to use a computer). 

REFUND POLICY

• No refunding.
• Submitting an online registration indicates your agreement with this policy.