Clay Taster Handbuilding
Clay Taster: Handbuilding in Clay – One-Day Class
Not everything has to be made on the pottery wheel! Discover the timeless art of handbuilding in clay with this creative and hands-on 2.5-hour taster class.
In this relaxed and welcoming session, you’ll learn simple but effective handbuilding techniques — from pinching and coiling to sculpting and joining — that allow you to shape clay into expressive forms and functional pieces without the wheel. It’s a wonderful way to connect your hands directly to the material, explore new processes, and let your imagination guide you.
Perfect for beginners or anyone curious about clay, this class is also a fantastic way to enjoy some “clay therapy.” Bring a friend (or two!) and share the fun of making, experimenting, and getting a little muddy while creating something uniquely yours.
✨ What you’ll gain:
A fun and accessible introduction to handbuilding
Practical skills in clay sculpting techniques
Keep up to 3 of your own handmade clay creations
A memorable creative experience in Montsalvat’s inspiring studio environment
🗓️ When: Saturdays, 10:30am – 1:00pm
🎟️ Duration: 2.5 hours
👩👩👧 Who it’s for: Teenagers & Adults & beginners welcome 13 years+
📍 Where: Clay Talk Studio, Montsalvat
After Your Workshop
Our tutor will trim and prepare your pieces for firing. Our kiln technician will then bisque fire them, glaze with food-safe finishes, and re-fire before carefully packaging them for collection.
Your 3 finished pieces will be ready at Montsalvat Reception within 3–4 weeks. You’ll be notified by email once they’re ready.
Terms & Conditions
Bookings: Full payment is required at the time of booking via our online portal:
Access: Clay Talk is located on the Montsalvat grounds. Your booking confirmation will include an Information Kit with studio access details.
Refunds & Transfers: No refunds for change of mind. Transfers are possible by email request and subject to availability. If you cannot attend, please email claytalk@montsalvat.com.au before your class. Retrospective make-up requests are not accepted. Clay Talk may cancel classes due to low enrolments, illness, or maintenance; alternative dates or pro-rata refunds will be offered.
Illness: If tutors are unwell and no replacement is available, classes will be rescheduled. Students unable to attend rescheduled dates may receive a credit note or pro-rata refund (minus a 10% admin fee).
Gift Vouchers: Available online, valid for 3 years, and redeemable for Clay Talk classes and workshops.
Firing of Work
Each Clay Taster allows up to 3 pieces per person for glaze firing.
Up to 2 extra pieces may be fired for an additional fee (payable via QR code with tutor assistance).
While we take great care, breakages and firing flaws do occur; Clay Talk cannot guarantee outcomes.
Collection of Work
Firing and glazing takes 2–4 weeks. You’ll be notified by email, SMS, or newsletter when pieces are ready.
Clay Taster & Kids Holiday Program participants have 30 days to collect their work after notification. Uncollected pieces will be repurposed.
Clay Talk takes no responsibility for missed notifications or unchecked emails/spam folders.
Details
You will learn
- How to prepare your clay, hand-build, coil, adapt and sculpt your creation!
- 2.5 hour workshop
You will get
- The art & beauty of clay!
- maximum 3 pieces to be kept for firing & glazing
Appropriate for
Anyone interested in trying ceramics. You may have never touched clay before or be looking to see if you're ready to get back into it.
Preparation
What to bring
- Towel
- Apron
- Closed-in shoes
What to wear
Casual / older clothes and covered or closed-in shoes - clay can get messy!
Your Teacher
Montsalvat Arts Education
1132 reviewsNestled within Montsalvat—Australia’s oldest continuously active artists' community—our studios offer a diverse range of creative outlets. Clay Talk is one of several studios, providing ceramics classes in wheel throwing and hand building for all levels, alongside specialised programs led by established artists.
In addition to ceramics, we also offer classes in drawing, painting, and mosaic, with an expanded repertoire of educational offerings planned for 2025. This dynamic environment supports learners across various disciplines, all within the inspiring setting of Montsalvat, where art is created, taught, exhibited, and experienced.
Cancellations & Refunds
If the organiser cancels the class:
You are entitled to a transfer or credit note.
If you can't attend the class:
You’re welcome to send someone in your place.
OR
You may cancel anytime before class starts and claim a full refund or transfer or credit note.
We recommend the refund upgrade option upon checkout in case you’re not able to attend the class. Learn more about refund upgrade option.
Terms & Conditions
TERMS & CONDITIONS
These Terms and Conditions apply to all Clay Talk programs, including term classes, workshops, short courses, and special events such as the Fire & Clay Festival.
Bookings & Payments
Full payment is required at the time of booking to secure your place.
All bookings must be made through our online portal:www.claytalk.weteachme.com
Payments are accepted exclusively through this platform.
Places are limited and cannot be held without payment.
Access to Clay Talk & Other Art Studios
Clay Talk coordinates all art programs located on the grounds of Montsalvat. For safety and security, access is restricted to enrolled participants.
Upon booking, you will receive an Information Kit outlining access procedures.
Please follow these instructions carefully to ensure safe entry to studio spaces relevant to your program.
Refunds, Absences & Transfers
We do not offer refunds for change of mind after booking.
Transfers may be requested, subject to availability and approval.
Please ensure you can commit to the scheduled dates and times before booking.
Refund Requests (Before Program Commencement)
If your circumstances change prior to commencement, you may request a refund, which may be approved at our discretion and will incur an 4% administration fee deducted from your refund amount.
Missed Classes or Sessions
Requests for alternative arrangements must be made within five (5) working days of a missed session by emailing:claytalk@montsalvat.com.au
Retrospective requests will not be accepted.
Studio access sessions are not considered make-up classes.
Cancellation by Clay Talk
Clay Talk reserves the right to cancel programs due to unforeseen circumstances, including insufficient enrolments. In such cases, participants will be notified and provided with a pro-rata refund.
Illness & Medical Absence
If you are unable to attend due to illness:
Please notify us as soon as possible by emailing:claytalk@montsalvat.com.au
Where applicable, alternative arrangements, credit, or a pro-rata refund (less an 8% administration fee) may be offered at our discretion.
Gift Vouchers
Gift vouchers are available exclusively through:www.claytalk.weteachme.com
Minimum value: $20
Valid for three (3) years from purchase
Redeemable only for Clay Talk programs via the online portal
Not redeemable for cash and non-transferable
Gift vouchers are intended to support your creative learning and artistic development.
Firing of Work – Clay Talk Term Classes Only
Many workshops and classes include firing and glazing of a specified number of pieces. Please refer to individual course listings for details.
General Requirements
All work must be clearly labelled with the name used for booking.
We take great care with all work; however, ceramics involves inherent risks.
Clay Talk cannot guarantee successful firing outcomes and accepts no liability for breakage, cracking, or firing faults.
Term Classes – Firing Conditions
For most term classes:
Up to 10kg of finished work per student is included in fees
Additional firing will incur extra charges
All pieces must be labelled with your Maker’s Mark(Initials + Class Code, e.g. John Adam Smith = JAS)
Unmarked work will not be fired.
Damage
Damage caused by inappropriate clay bodies or glazes may result in replacement costs for kiln shelves.
Significant kiln damage may incur additional repair fees, assessed by the Studio Coordinator.
Fire & Clay Festival – Work & Firings
For Fire & Clay Festival participants:
Firing allocations and work limits are outlined in your festival registration pack.
All work must be labelled clearly and handled in accordance with staff instructions.
Due to the experimental nature of atmospheric and wood firings, outcomes cannot be guaranteed.
Collection of Work
Processing, firing, glazing, and packaging typically takes 2–4 weeks after program completion.
You will be notified by email when work is ready for collection.
Work must be collected within one (1) month of notification.
Uncollected work, materials, or tools may be disposed of or donated to Clay Talk fundraising initiatives after this period.
Contact
For all enquiries relating to bookings, attendance, or policies, please contact:
📧 claytalk@montsalvat.com.au
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Clay Taster Handbuilding
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