A Hand-Building Creative Series April 10th & 24th
Invite a little magic into your garden (or your bookshelf!) in this one-of-a-kind workshop. Whether you’re an experienced potter or have never touched clay, this class focuses on the joy of storytelling through sculpture. We will move beyond the basic bowl to create intricate, hollow-formed houses fit for a forest dweller.
Dreaming Up Your Dwelling
Before you step into the studio, we invite you to let your imagination wander. Think about who might live in your creation. Is it a cozy cottage for a garden gnome, a towering castle for a forest sprite, or a moss-covered stump for a shy wood-nymph?
We recommend spending a few days before class "scouting" for inspiration. Take a look at your favorite storybook illustrations or even a walk in the woods to gather ideas for:
The Entrance: Will it have a heavy wooden door with iron hinges, or a round "Hobbit" style opening?
The Texture: Do you want the walls to look like stacked fieldstone, peeling birch bark, or smooth river stones?
The Extras: Think about adding "character" details like a tiny stone chimney, a spiral staircase winding around the outside, or a miniature window box for clay flowers.
Pro Tip: If you see a specific texture you love (like a cool piece of bark or a unique leaf), feel free to bring it in! We can often use these as natural stamps to press incredible textures directly into your clay.
What You’ll Learn
In this guided session, we will use hand-building techniques (no wheel required!) to construct a sturdy base and a removable roof. You’ll learn how to:
Architectural Basics: You will be taught methods to ensure your house survives the kiln.
The Details that Matter: Techniques for "sculpting" textures like tree bark, stone masonry, and thatched roofing.
Whimsical Add-ons: How to securely attach tiny windows, winding staircases, and miniature toadstools.
Finishing Touches: Using specialized glazes and underglazes to give your house a mossy, weathered, or vibrant magical look.
Fun Fact: These houses make excellent outdoor garden features or can be used indoors as unique tea-light holders!
You may also like the following events from Elmhurst Pottery Studio:
Also check out other
Workshops in Waterville.
