Handbuilding Classes in Denver: Intro to Handbuilding
Intro to Handbuilding
Six weeks · clay, tools, glazes & firing included in class, plus student open studio (open studio clay sold separately)
I haven’t touched a wheel in 15 years, but they had me up and running like no time has passed at all.
The teachers are so patient, I had so much fun!
Large, immaculately clean space. Friendly, knowledgeable owner. Playlist on point. The perfect studio for everyone from novice to expert.
Clay, tools, glazes and firing included for class, plus student open studio, where clay is available for purchase. Come build with us.
Handbuilding: Pinch, Coil, Slab, and Fired Work You Made Yourself
Intro to Handbuilding welcomes complete beginners and anyone curious about shaping clay without a wheel. Six weeks of pinch pots, coils, slabs, and surface decoration in a relaxed RiNo studio. Leave with glazed pieces and the know-how to keep building.
Already tried a pottery date night or couples night? These multi-week classes are a great next step when you want more time and learning with clay in your hands.
Never touched clay? A 6-week course is perfect for absolute beginners. The course is built for people with zero experience with ceramics - and if it's been a while since you took a class in high school, this is also a great refresher and place to start.
Open Studio Access
Open Studio is 10am–6pm Mondays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Practice time in the studio for enrolled students — included with this class during your course. Staff is on hand. Clay for open studio practice is available for purchase on the shelf near the aprons. These are student hours, not public studio hours. More about open studio.
Location
Claya
3440 Walnut Street
Denver, CO 80205 (RiNo Arts District)
Street parking near 34th and Walnut, all around the studio. The 38th & Blake light rail station is a short walk away.
What's Included
- Clay during class sessions (for open studio practice, clay is available for purchase on the shelf near the aprons)
- All pottery tools (provided)
- Apron or towel each visit
- Glaze library access
- All firing included (bisque + glaze)
- Open Studio is 10am–6pm Mondays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Practice between classes is included during your course.
Related Classes & Options
- Intro to Wheel Throwing: Want to try the wheel? Beginner-friendly, several sessions weekly.
- Studio Membership: Practice independently with your own keycode to the studio.
What you'll learn
- Pinch pots. Start with a ball of clay and shape it with just your hands.
- Coil building. Roll and stack coils to build vessels, vases and sculptural forms.
- Slab construction. Roll flat sheets of clay and assemble mugs, trays, boxes and plates.
- Surface decoration. Stamps, carving, texture and slip to make each piece yours.
- Glazing. Finish your work from the studio glaze library.
Who is handbuilding for?
Everyone. Handbuilding is approachable for absolute beginners and deep enough for experienced makers. It is a great fit if you are curious about pottery but not sure about the wheel, and also for:
- People who want more creative control over form and shape
- Artists coming from painting, sculpture or drawing
- Anyone who prefers a slower, more meditative pace
- Wheel students who want to add handbuilding skills
Handbuilding vs. wheel throwing
Wheel throwing makes round, symmetrical forms like bowls, cups and vases. Handbuilding lets you make almost any shape: square plates, irregular sculptures, textured wall pieces and custom mugs. Many potters use both. Not sure which to start with? Read wheel throwing vs. handbuilding.
Next session
The September Sunday handbuilding session is in progress and sold out. Ethan’s next Sunday handbuilding section is open: Intro to Handbuilding: Planters, Sundays 1:30–4:00 PM from November 1, $300. He is also teaching on the wheel: Intro to Wheel Throwing: Dinnerware Sets, Sundays 10:00 AM–12:30 PM from November 1. Six-week classes at Claya are $325 for weeknight evening sections and Saturday with Cat, and $300 for weekday daytime and Sunday sections, taught in a small group. See pottery classes in Denver for open seats, or spend one night on the wheel with Try the Pottery Wheel (from $60).
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 class price covers clay for class, all tools, glazes, bisque and glaze firing, plus open studio access for the duration of your session (clay during open studio is available for purchase on the shelf near the aprons).
How many students per class?
Small classes for plenty of one-on-one time with your instructor.
What if I miss a class?
Use your open studio time to catch up. Instructors cannot reteach missed sessions individually. Open Studio is 10am–6pm Mondays, Fridays, and Saturdays.
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. Street parking near 34th and Walnut, all around the studio, close to the 38th & Blake light rail station.
Can I cancel or reschedule?
Life happens. Use Manage your class to cancel or switch. Cancel 5 or more days before class start for a refund to your original payment method, less a $12 cancellation fee. Cancel less than 5 days before class start for full store credit toward any future class, tool, or membership (good for 6 months). Once the class has started: no refund or store credit, but please still come; if you missed the first session you're welcome at the rest and we can catch you up. Questions: info@clayastudios.com.
Related: pottery classes in Denver | beginner pottery classes.
