Form & Function: Beginning Handbuilding

This handbuilding class is for beginners – similar to an intro to wheel class, we will focus on making functional handbuilt pieces. This class is perfect for people who want to focus on technique, with guided projects that emphasize utility instead of sculpture. Don’t have any more room for sculpture but cabinet space for just a few more plates? This class is perfect for you! 

We will learn how to pinch, coil, slab our pieces into existence and how to decorate them too. You will be encouraged to make cups, mugs, bowls, plates and more. By the end of the class, anticipate having an entire set of wares for yourself. Each week, we will be working on a different functional object, you can work on each project step by step, or if you’re especially productive, you could make a set for all your friends too. Our class concludes with a potluck where it will be encouraged to bring a dish made inside something you made throughout the class.

This is a Beginner-Level Class. No clay experience is required.

Learn more about instructor Ryana Lawson.

We believe clay is for everyone! Need tuition assistance? Please visit our tuition assistance page for more information.

What’s included:

• Access to use our studio during open studio hours every day for the duration of the quarter from 10AM to 9PM.
• 1 bag of clay (pick-up first day of class)
• Personal half shelf for storage of tools, clay, and in process work

What to bring:

• A good attitude and a mind open to learning.
• A basic pottery tool kit. (This should include a cut off wire, wooden knife, wooden rib, metal rib, needle tool, sponge, trimming loop tool and double-ended ribbon tool.)
• An apron or clothes that can get dirty.
• A notebook or sketchbook.

Pottery NW has communal tools available. Personal toolkits, bat pins & additional clay can be purchased at the online student store. All items purchased from the store need to be picked up onsite.

Please Note:

• If you are new to the Pottery NW studio, or if you have not attended orientation as of summer 2023 quarter, you must attend the first class to receive the mandatory studio orientation. New students who do not attend the first day will be dropped from the class without a refund of the class fee. On the first day of class, late arrivals beyond 15 minutes after the class start time will not be permitted to join. Returning students should still attend the first day of class as the instructor will not be able to reteach missed lessons and demos to absent students in the proceeding classes.

 • We are in Pioneer Square, so please plan ahead so that you have enough time to park. You don’t want to miss anything!