Foundations of Hand-Built Ceramics

This course introduces the fundamentals of working with clay through hand-building techniques. You’ll learn how to prepare clay, build functional and sculptural forms, refine surfaces, and understand the basics of drying, firing, and finishing. Designed for beginners and early intermediates, each lesson focuses on practical skills you can apply immediately in your own ceramic practice.

The Persian Potter

@thepersianpotter

7 lessons

1 min

$69.50

Includes:

Lifetime access
7 video lessons
Watch on any device

Course Content

Understanding Clay & Materials

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Learn the different types of clay bodies, their properties, and how to choose the right clay for your project. This lesson covers clay plasticity, moisture levels, and how clay behaves during forming, drying, and firing.

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Preparing Clay Properly

This lesson teaches essential clay preparation techniques, including wedging methods to remove air bubbles and achieve an even consistency. You’ll also learn how to store clay correctly to keep it workable between sessions.

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Pinch & Coil Building Techniques

Explore two foundational hand-building methods: pinch and coil. You’ll learn how to form basic vessels, control wall thickness, and create strong joins, while understanding when and why to use each technique.

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Slab Construction & Structural Forms

Learn how to roll, cut, and assemble clay slabs to build clean, structured forms. This lesson focuses on slab thickness, joining techniques, and preventing warping or cracking during drying.

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Surface Treatment & Texture

Discover ways to enhance your work through surface design. This lesson covers carving, stamping, layering, and adding texture, as well as how surface choices affect the final fired piece.

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Drying, Firing & Common Mistakes

Understand the critical stages of drying and firing. You’ll learn best practices for slow, even drying, an overview of kiln firing stages, and how to avoid common issues like cracking, explosions, or warping.

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inishing, Glazing & Next Steps

This final lesson introduces basic glazing concepts, including glaze types, application methods, and safety considerations. You’ll also learn how to evaluate finished pieces and plan your next projects with confidence.

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