Intro to Handbuilding
Intro to Handbuilding
Couldn't load pickup availability
Clay, tools, glazes, firing, and open studio time are all included.
Hand-Shape Pottery Without the Wheel — 15 Hours of Instruction Over 6 Weeks
Intro to Handbuilding welcomes complete beginners as well as anyone wanting to explore hand-shaping techniques. Taught by Ethan Billings, this 6-week class covers pinch pots, coil construction, slab building, and surface decoration — no wheel required. Relaxed studio, friendly teachers, and step-by-step instruction. By the end, you'll have the skills (and the muscle memory) to keep making for the rest of your life.
Open Studio Access
Your class includes open studio time for enrolled students: a three-hour session, twice a week for the length of your course. It runs on set days at monitored times with staff on hand. More about open studio.
Location
Claya
3440 Walnut Street
Denver, CO 80205 (RiNo Arts District)
Street parking is free, limited private parking in front of studio. Near the 38th & Blake light rail station.
What's Included
- Clay for class and open studio practice
- All pottery tools (provided)
- Apron or towel each visit
- Glaze library access
- All firing included (bisque + glaze)
- Open studio time for enrolled students: a three-hour session, twice a week during your course
Related Classes & Options
- Intro to Wheel Throwing — Want to try the wheel? Beginner-friendly, several sessions weekly.
- Thrown & Altered — Blends wheel throwing with handbuilding techniques.
- Studio Membership — Practice independently with your own keycode to the studio.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need any pottery experience?
No prior experience required. Intro to Handbuilding welcomes complete beginners. The class covers pinch pots, coil construction, and slab building from scratch.
What should I bring?
Just yourself. Wear clothes you don't mind getting clay on. We provide everything else. Clay, tools, aprons, access to our glaze library. Show up and make.
How is handbuilding different from wheel throwing?
Handbuilding doesn't use the pottery wheel. You shape clay by hand using pinching, coiling, and slab construction techniques. Great for sculptural pieces and anyone who wants to skip the wheel entirely.
Is clay and firing included in the price?
Yes. The $350 covers clay, all tools, glazes, bisque and glaze firing, and open studio access for the duration of your session.
How many students per class?
Small classes for plenty of one-on-one time with your instructor Ethan Billings.
What if I miss a class?
Use your open studio time to catch up. Instructors cannot reteach missed sessions individually.
Do I get to keep what I make?
Yes. All finished pieces are yours after the final glaze firing.
Where is Claya located?
3440 Walnut Street, Denver, CO 80205 — in the RiNo Arts District. Free street parking and close to the 38th & Blake light rail station.
Cancellation Policy
Cancel 5 or more days before class start: a refund to your original payment method, less a $12 cancellation fee.
Cancel less than 5 days before class start: full store credit toward any future class, tool, or membership. Store credit is good for 6 months from the issue date.
Once the class has started: no refund or store credit. That said, please still come! If you missed the first session, you're absolutely welcome to attend the remaining classes. We can easily catch you up to speed and have a lot of fun.
If life happens, email info@clayastudios.com and we'll work something out.
