NEW! Next Level Handbuilding: Session 2
Intermediate Course [Level 2]
Class Description
Tuesdays @ 5:45 - 8:15pm, February 17 - March 24 with Sachi Chen Build bold, functional ceramics in this dynamic six-week handbuilding course focused on precision, creativity, and craftsmanship. Students will construct a series of standout forms including a lidded slab box, a coil-built cookie jar, and a fully functional slab-built teapot while honing skills in measuring, symmetry, clean joins, lid fit, and surface design. Under Sachi's expert guidance, students will push both classic and contemporary approaches, wrapping up with an energetic glazing marathon, advanced layering techniques, and a final class discussion! *Prerequisite: Handbuilding Basics at Clayroom or equivalent handbuilding experience* Week 1: Slab Box Construction We will start off by constructing a lidded slab box, focusing on precision, clean joints, and craftsmanship. Emphasis will be placed on accurate measuring, alignment, and forming a secure lid fit. Students may explore surface texture or decorative carving for added design interest. Week 2: Coil-Built Cookie Jar We will use classic and contemporary jar forms and begin constructing a coil-built cookie jar. Focus will be on symmetry, wall thickness, and maintaining vertical stability while building up height. Week 3: Cookie Jar (Continued) We will continue refining and completing our cookie jars. Focus will shift to smoothing, refining form, and adding decorative elements such as handles, relief carving, or incised patterning. Week 4: Slab-Built Teapot We will begin designing and constructing a functional slab-built teapot, incorporating a spout, a handle, lid, and body. Emphasis will be on thoughtful planning for proportion, usability, and design cohesion. Week 5: Finish Up Teapot We will finish building and refining our teapots, smoothing seams and testing functionality. Final details such as lid fit, handle comfort, and aesthetic balance will be checked before bisque firing. Week 6: Glazing Marathon & Potluck We will learn advanced glazing strategies for complex and functional pieces. Emphasis will be on glaze layering, testing, and applying surface design that complements form and function. A final critique and group discussion will conclude the course! Class includes: - 25 lbs of clay - 6-weeks of 2.5 hours of instruction - Unlimited use of studio during open studio hours - Firing fees - Glazes
Upcoming Sessions
Policies
Class Fees & Schedule: - Class fees cover instructed class time (as listed in specific class schedule), use of tools and equipment, open studio hours, studio glazes and kiln firings - Pottery class fees include 25 lbs of clay - Classes are subject to change if the minimum student quota (7) isn't met - Class switches will only be available one week prior to the commencement of classes and are based on the capacity of classes at time of request Attendance: - It is mandatory for all students who are new to the studio attend the first class - If a class meeting is missed, students can drop into an available class on Clayroom SM's Makeup class spreadsheet if space permits (limit two drop-in's per class meeting) - For adult classes, participants must be at least 14 years of age Personal Belongings: - Any items left behind 30 days after the final class meeting may be discarded without notice Refund Policy: - A refund (minus $20 processing fee) or credit in full will be granted if a cancellation request is received at least TWO WEEKS prior to the day of class - For cancellation requests made less than two weeks before the class start date, a credit (no refund) MAY be granted ONLY if your spot can be filled - No refunds or credits will be granted after attending first class meeting - Classes missed due to failure to attend, planned absences, minor illnesses or vacations will not be credited for future classes Student Open Studio Hours: Monday - Thursday: 10AM - 6PM Friday - Sunday: 10AM - 9PM Hours subject to change upon five days' notice
Contact Us
Clayroom San Mateo
3050 South Delaware Street, San Mateo, CA, USA
(650) 638-8139
contact@clayroomsf.com