Online Workshops
Setting a Foundation for Success workshop series…a series designed to kickstart your pottery journey with confidence! Whether you’re a total beginner or looking to brush up on the basics, I’ll guide you every step of the way - in a low pressure, fun, welcoming vibe.
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First up, you’ll dive into The Clay Chronicles: My Journey in Clay, Influences and Ideas, and Curious Tools.
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Next is Preparing Clay, where I’ll walk you through the essential steps to get your clay ready for the wheel - the perfect start for setting you up for success. Then, on to Throwing Basics.
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In Throwing Basics, a 4-part lesson I'll demonstrate and describe in detail how to make 2 types of pots: the simple bowl and a cylinder-shaped cup. And each demo begins with centering options for you to try.
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Plus: hand and finger positions, water and tool use, moving pots from the wheel head, finishing and trimming steps, and lots of handle-making options… and much more. So, let's get started…
From small sauce cups to soup bowls, colanders and big bread bowls… bowls of all shapes and sizes are probably the most used ‘tools’ in any kitchen.
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They're usually one of the first shapes we potters learn to make… and one we continue to make often because of the many variations that are possible with this basic form. It's one of what I call the ‘triplets’ of clay: one of the three basic forms, with the cup and plate, from which many other pottery shapes are derived.
Mastering the making of small simple pots and then moving on to larger more complicated forms as our skills and muscle memory develop is part of the natural progression of learning to make good pots.
In lesson #1 of the 3 in this advanced series of bowl making I’ll start by sharing with you the making steps of five formal bowls. And what is a formal bowl? To me, it’s a bowl that doesn’t get much practical kitchen use and often ends up as part of a dining table center piece. This will become clearer as I describe and demo the making of the first three bowls.
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In lesson #2 I'm going to demo the making of five bowls using 2 to 6 lbs. of clay. After throwing each bowl I’ll show you how I use some simple hand-tools - or my fingertips - to alter each one of them in some curious ways. And I'll make those alterations right after throwing each bowl as it sits wet on the wheel head.
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Lesson #3 is all about Making MORE Useful Bowls…
Many of the pots we make are what I call single-sellers. What does that mean? Single-sellers are the functional pots that nobody ever buys in a set.
BOTH Workshop One and Workshop Two
Save 10% - $322
You can also use a coupon code.
Mastering the making of small simple pots and then moving on to larger more complicated forms as our skills and muscle memory develop is part of the natural progression of learning to make good pots.
In lesson #1 of the 3 in this advanced series of bowl making I’ll start by sharing with you the making steps of five formal bowls. And what is a formal bowl? To me, it’s a bowl that doesn’t get much practical kitchen use and often ends up as part of a dining table center piece. This will become clearer as I describe and demo the making of the first three bowls.
​
In lesson #2 I'm going to demo the making of five bowls using 2 to 6 lbs. of clay. After throwing each bowl I’ll show you how I use some simple hand-tools - or my fingertips - to alter each one of them in some curious ways. And I'll make those alterations right after throwing each bowl as it sits wet on the wheel head.
​
Lesson #3 is all about Making MORE Useful Bowls…
Many of the pots we make are what I call single-sellers. What does that mean? Single-sellers are the functional pots that nobody ever buys in a set.
The plate, like the bowl and cup, is one of the most common shapes we make in clay. But the making of them can at first seem challenging.
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In this 3-part lesson, I'll first break down the steps for throwing, trimming and drying a place-setting of three flat-shaped plates with flat wide rims: a bread-and-butter plate, a salad or lunch plate, and a dinner plate. I'll then show you how to throw a curved-shaped plate and two simple ways to make squared plates. And lastly, throwing, trimming, and decorating larger plates and platters.
The drinking vessel is one of the triplets of useful pottery forms - the cup, plate, and bowl - from which almost every other functional clay form is derived. And there's nothing better than using a well-designed cup that does its job perfectly!
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Along the way, I'll show you more than a dozen altering and decorating techniques: faceting, squaring, stamping, sprigging, loose throwing, and patterned scratching, and more. And I'll describe my thought process as I demo the basics of handle-making in detail. Plus, a little add-on… making lids for coffee and tea mugs!
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There are many ancient forms of drinking vessels – vessels that have certainly influenced contemporary cup designs and the forms we potters make. Surprisingly, the handled mug we all use today wasn't often found among ancient vessel forms. But two-handled drinking vessels? Yes… the large Roman and Greek double-handled chalice forms are the forebearers of one of the forms we’ll make in this workshop: the goblet, or as the ancient forms are called; the chalice.
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Equally historic drinking forms like the handless cup or yunomi, and the curious drinking horn are also forms we’ll make…along with the contemporary tea or coffee cup and saucer.
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MAKING DRINKING VESSELS BUNDLE
BOTH Workshop One and Workshop Two
Save 10% - $286
You can also use a coupon code.
There are many ancient forms of drinking vessels – vessels that have certainly influenced contemporary cup designs and the forms we potters make. Surprisingly, the handled mug we all use today wasn't often found among ancient vessel forms. But two-handled drinking vessels? Yes… the large Roman and Greek double-handled chalice forms are the forebearers of one of the forms we’ll make in this workshop: the goblet, or as the ancient forms are called; the chalice.
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Equally historic drinking forms like the handless cup or yunomi, and the curious drinking horn are also forms we’ll make…along with the contemporary tea or coffee cup and saucer.
​Making well designed pots with good fitting lids is something we all aspire to.
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In part # 1, I’ll show you:
- 3 ways to create a gallery at the rim of your pot
- 5 lid types and how to throw and trim each of them
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In part # 2, I'll show you 4 more lid types:
- how to throw a tall, domed lid
- how to throw a wide, drop-in lid
- how to create a gallery at the rim of your lid
- how to make an over-the-rim lid
- how to finish these pots and their lids
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In part # 3, I’ll show you another 4 lid options:
- how to make a two-piece butter dish… plate and lid
- how to throw an in-line domed lid and pot
- how to make a ginger jar form and its lid
- how to make a one-piece, lidded ‘box’
- how to trim and finish this series
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In part # 4, I’ll show you:
- how to make decorated slab lids for oval and square pots
- handle options for slab lids
- trimming oval and square pots
Throwing tall pots doesn't have to be a challenge!
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In this 4-part lesson I'll show you, step by step with a few simple diagrams and concise demos how to move clay upward. And then, how to combine your taller pots in sections to make very tall pots… pots that you'll have under control from start to finish.
I'll share with you:
- a way of thinking about the steps needed to move clay upward
- designs and structure plans for large pot making
- the best hand, knuckle, and fingertip hand positions to use
- the assembling techniques to use when combining your thrown forms
Once you're familiar with the thrown cylinder form it's easy to move into the realm of making vases and bottles in assorted shapes and sizes: large and small, round and square.
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In this 5-part lesson I'll demo in detail many of those shape possibilities starting with an effort saving collaring-in hand position technique… one you'll be glad to have in your ‘toolbox’. As I'm working, I'll talk about and demo how I think about the structure of my vase and bottle forms: where I leave the walls thick or thin and why.
I'll also show you an assortment of how-to techniques for wet pot texturing: faceting, paddling and more, using common tools to add some flourish to your forms. Assorted styles and tool-use for trimming feet including the making and use of trimming chucks complete this technique filled lesson.
Making oven-proof baking ware with clay goes back thousands of years. And clay pots are still a go-to for many people who cook: quiche pans to lidded bean pots, lidded casseroles and open- topped bakers… the list is long.
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In this 5-part lesson I'll share with you the details - the do’s and don'ts when designing, throwing and altering ovenware. From clay types and tool-use to shapes, lids and handles, plus the how-to’s when making lids for oval forms. And I'll show you how to make the ever-popular square lasagna pan. Finishing our pots, lids, and adding handles is a big part of this lesson… the details that will make your work look professional and appealing to use!
Once you've mastered the basics of throwing, making sets or multiples of pots that look alike is often the next challenge.In this 4-part lesson I'll show you how to simplify the process: getting prepared for a ‘run’ of pots, the quality and weights of clay, measuring options, and the rhythm of making are the foundations.
You'll see 3 different types of pots made and finished in repetition: the spoon rest as a beginning exercise, the soup/cereal bowl as a slightly more challenging effort, and a cylinder-shaped utensil jar with handles as a skillful accomplishment. Lots of measuring techniques, throwing, and finishing tips here
Like the bowl plate and cup clay vessels for pouring liquids have been around since the beginning of time. The techniques of making spouts and pouring features for our pots are things that every potter should have in their working hands-on toolbox.
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During this extensively detailed two part pouring vessels workshop I share with you dozens of spouted and rim manipulated pouring configurations for all sorts of useful pots… from small to large pitcher forms, to teapots, lidded coffee pots, watering cans, and many more. Sharing clearly and in detail the ‘how-to’s for making well balanced and functional pouring vessels is my method of sharing throughout the workshop.
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So, watch, take notes as needed and most importantly, practice what you’re seeing!
Like the bowl plate and cup clay vessels for pouring liquids have been around since the beginning of time. The techniques of making spouts and pouring features for our pots are things that every potter should have in their working hands-on toolbox.
​
During this extensively detailed two part pouring vessels workshop I share with you dozens of spouted and rim manipulated pouring configurations for all sorts of useful pots… from small to large pitcher forms, to teapots, lidded coffee pots, watering cans, and many more. Sharing clearly and in detail the ‘how-to’s for making well balanced and functional pouring vessels is my method of sharing throughout the workshop.
​
So, watch, take notes as needed and most importantly, practice what you’re seeing!
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BOTH Workshop One and Workshop Two
Save 10% - $322
You can also use a coupon code.
Like the bowl plate and cup clay vessels for pouring liquids have been around since the beginning of time. The techniques of making spouts and pouring features for our pots are things that every potter should have in their working hands-on toolbox.
​
During this extensively detailed two part pouring vessels workshop I share with you dozens of spouted and rim manipulated pouring configurations for all sorts of useful pots… from small to large pitcher forms, to teapots, lidded coffee pots, watering cans, and many more. Sharing clearly and in detail the ‘how-to’s for making well balanced and functional pouring vessels is my method of sharing throughout the workshop.
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So, watch, take notes as needed and most importantly, practice what you’re seeing!
All About Handles - COMING JANUARY 2026
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I'm excited to welcome you to my free online workshop where I'll share with you over 50 years of my passion for clay in three image-filled lessons:
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Journey in Clay: I'll recount my story from a 15-year-old high school clay student to a global traveler learning the craft of clay from some of the world's best potters. The images and narration will give you insight into 'Who is this potter who wants to help me become better at making pots?'
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Influences and Ideas: I’ll share with you the eclectic inspirations - those “Wow, look at that!” moments that fuel my creativity and can ignite yours too.
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Curious Tools: I'll introduce you to my essential and quirky pottery tools, the tools that help shape my work.
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Whether you're a beginner or seasoned potter, I welcome you to join me for this free, personal, and inspiring journey into the art of clay.
Get ALL THIRTEEN WORKSHOPS
Plus the Email Archives
for 25% OFF!
Coupon Codes DO NOT APPLY.
Save $449.25+
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Setting a Foundation for Success
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Making Bowls: Workshops One and Two
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Plates and Platters
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Making Drinking Vessels: Workshops One and Two
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Lids and Lidded Forms
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Throwing Taller​
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Bottle and Vase Forms
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Baking and Serving Ware
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Repetition Throwing
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Making Pouring Vessels: Workshops One and Two
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Email Archive - FREE
Please get in touch if you have any questions. We're here to help you!