Level-Up in Functional Handbuilding

In this ten-week class, students will build upon the basics of hand-building to create larger and more complex functional pieces. Projects will include pitchers, lidded jars, and dinnerware to push past the basics of slab, coil and pinch techniques. Students will have use of slab rollers and extruders, and work with various hump/slump molds to create their forms. In addition to glazing, participants will learn techniques of over-glazing and how to use various resists to create interesting surfaces.

This Next-Level class is designed for those who already have an introductory knowledge of hand-building. Most classes begin with a demonstration of the day’s technique, followed by class work time and individualized guidance from the instructor. The final class will be a fun gathering and potluck where students can share their work, discuss their creative process, and reflect on what they’ve learned.

This is a Level-Up class. Some clay experience is recommended.

Learn more about Nathan Stanfield.

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

What’s Included:

• 1 bag of clay (pick up on the first day of class).
• Access to our studio during open studio hours to work on projects between classes (daily from 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM).
• A personal half-shelf for storing tools, clay, and in-progress work.

What to Bring:

• Basic Pottery Toolkit (should include a cut off wire, wooden knife, wooden rib, metal rib, needle tool, sponge, trimming loop tool and double-ended ribbon tool.)
• Apron or clothes that can get dirty are recommended.

Pottery Northwest has communal tools available for everyone’s use if you cannot afford to buy your own tool kit. Personal tool kits and additional clay can be purchased at the online student store.

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!