handbuilding and surface texture
Monday 10th - Friday 14th November 2025
Summary
This course will provide students with the unique opportunity to gain the practical experience of hand building, glazing and other surface texture techniques that Paul uses in the creation of his distinctive Ellipse and Cylinder forms.
the course in detail
Through demonstrations, group discussions and one-to-ones, Paul will share his knowledge and experience with students to help them develop their skills and experience in hand building and surface texture.
Paul will guide students through his processes, starting with an introduction to glazing and moving onto the planning and making of pieces. Students will learn the techniques of pinching and coiling, as well as complex glazing techniques, and will end the course with a small selection of beautiful vessels.
course breakdown
On day one students will start with an introduction to glazing – students will learn what each glaze material contributes – glass former, flux, stabiliser etc and then go further in depth to understand Paul’s work and the glazes he uses – dry glazes, special effects glazes, volatile materials, texture etc. Students will carry out glaze tests using volcanic glaze, a crawl glaze, a barium glaze and slip. These will be fired at the end of the day, ready to assess results later in the course.
Day two of the workshop will involve drawing, photography and planning in preparation for clay work. Students will then make their first clay pinch pot to understand the technique and process, familiarising themselves with the material and using their hands as tools. After practicing pinch pots students will grow their forms from the base with coils. With one-to-one support and demonstrations from Paul, students will start to create their hand built vessels.
On day three students will be able to assess the results of their glaze test pieces from day one. Students will then start layering slips and glazes and experiment with alternative treatments to glazing. Students will work on larger test pieces to understand the layering process and these will be fired at the end of the day.
On day four students will continue their hand building work, considering their forms and learning how to realise the vessels and shapes they wish to achieve using pinch and coiled techniques. Students will consider how the glazed surface and glazing process will work with their form. Students may also wish to experiment with slabs and plaster moulds and Paul will guide students in the method they wish to pursue.
Day five will be a self-directed day with input and support from Paul and the group. Students may wish to experiment further with their glaze activities or continue with their hand building work.
Students will be able to return at a later date to glaze their finished pieces using the techniques they have learnt during the workshop.
Please note, there will be a small additional firing charge for final pieces. Please see our Student Contract (below) for details.
About paul
Paul Wearing is an award winning ceramicist based in the vibrant Fireworks Clay Studios cooperative in Cardiff. He has two decades of experience as a practitioner and studio director, is a Selected Member of the Craft Potters Association of Great Britain, holding an elected position on their Governing Council 2018-22. He has been the recipient of numerous funding awards from the Arts Council of Wales and is represented on the Crafts Council Directory and Michelangelo Foundation Homo Faber Guide.
THE SCHEDULE
DAY 1 - Arrive 9am Monday 10th November
Welcome Breakfast (from 9am - 10am). The session will start at 10am and will finish at 5pm. Students may continue to use the facilities until 7pm.
DAY 2 - Arrive 9:30am Tuesday 11th November
On the second day the session will start at 9:30am and will finish at 5pm. Students may continue to use the facilities until 7pm.
DAY 3 - Arrive 9:30am Wednesday 12th November On the third day the session will start at 9:30am and will finish at 5pm. Students may continue to use the facilities until 7pm.
DAY 4 - Arrive 9:30am Thursday 13th November On the fourth day the session will start at 9:30am and will finish at 5pm. Students may continue to use the facilities until 7pm.
DAY 5 - Arrive 9:30am Friday 14th November On the final day the session will start at 9:30am and will finish at 4pm.
A two-course lunch is provided every day. Please inform us of any special dietary requirements at the time of booking.
Cost
The cost for this five-day course is £1,100. This cost includes all necessary materials, tools, refreshments and a superb two-course lunch every day. Also included is a Welcome breakfast which will be provided on the first day of the course.
You can pay in full or pay a deposit by clicking on the ‘Book Now’ button above. If you choose to pay a deposit we will contact you to arrange paying the remainder of your balance in instalments.
Before you book a Guest Potter Course, please read our terms and conditions page here.
Please also read our Student Contract here.
TRAVEL AND ACCOMODATION
The Ceramic Studio is located on a beautiful orchard in Brenchley, and there are lots of lovely surrounding towns and villages offering numerous places to stay.
We are happy to arrange transits to and from your accommodation to the studio for the duration of your course. Please get in touch to arrange this. Please email the office team at info@theceramicstudio.co.uk. To see examples of local accomodation, click here.
Date: Monday 10th - Friday 14th November 2025
Venue: The Ceramic Studio (Brenchley)
Class Size: Maximum 10 students
Level: Suitable for all abilities.
Clay Type: Stoneware
Cost: £1,100 (pay in full or in instalments)
