Handbuilding Basics Pottery Class | San Antonio

Have an idea for something you want to make out of clay? Let's make it happen.

Handbuilding Basics at The Clay Department is a beginner-friendly pottery class where you get to decide what you create. Instead of everyone following the same project, you'll have the freedom to make something that interests you, with guidance from our instructor along the way.

Want to make a mug, a little dish, a sculptural creature, or something you saw on the internet at 2 AM? Bring your ideas. We'll help you explore what's possible with clay.

You'll learn foundational handbuilding techniques, get comfortable working with clay, and create a piece that's uniquely yours.

No pottery experience is necessary. Just bring your imagination and be ready to get your hands dirty.

Who Can Take This Class?

Everyone! Handbuilding Basics welcomes all ages, making it a great opportunity for adults and children to explore pottery together.

Children must attend with a parent or adult guardian who also participates in the class. This is a shared pottery experience, not a drop-off class.

Looking for a class your child can attend independently? Our Tuesday Kids Handbuilding Pottery Class is designed for ages 7–14 and offers a supervised drop-off format.

Please note that Thursday evening pottery classes are reserved for adults only.

What Will You Make?

That's up to you!

This is an open-ended, guided handbuilding session. Participants choose what they want to create rather than completing one predetermined project.

Our instructor will help you explore techniques such as:

• Pinch pot construction
• Coil building
• Slab building
• Joining and attaching pieces of clay
• Adding texture and decorative details

We'll help you determine which techniques work best for your idea and guide you through the process.

Have a big idea? We'll help you figure out how to approach it. Completely new to pottery? We'll help you get started.

Projects must be achievable within the class format and available materials, and some ideas may need to be simplified to work with your experience level and the time available.

What's Included?

• Guided pottery instruction
• Clay and use of studio tools
• Materials needed for your project
• Glazing and kiln firing
• Your finished ceramic piece to keep

We'll take care of glazing and firing your work after class. Finished pieces will be available for pickup once they've dried and completed the firing process.

Please allow approximately 3–4 weeks for your pottery to be ready.

Class Details

Location: The Clay Department
2303 S Presa, San Antonio, TX 78210

Day: Monday evenings
Time: 6:30–8:30 PM
Duration: 2 hours
Price: $65 per person
Experience level: Beginner-friendly
Age requirements: All ages welcome

Each person participating must have their own registration.

Select your preferred available date when booking.