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!
Planning a Private Event?
From corporate team building to birthdays and hen's parties, Montsalvat Arts Education can tailor a private pottery classes experience for your group.
Your Teacher
Montsalvat Arts Education
1329 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.
Pottery is one of the best art activities for stress relief.
New students can start with pinch pot pottery techniques.
Explore more about the raku pottery process.
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
Refunds, Credits & Transfers
All bookings are final. Refunds are not provided for change of mind, incorrect selection, scheduling conflicts, inability to attend or failure to attend.
Before Program Commencement
Requests made prior to the scheduled start date may be considered as follows:
- Transfers to another program or participant may be approved, subject to availability.
- Where a transfer is not possible, a credit may be issued, valid for a specified period.
- Refunds are not standard and will only be provided where required under law or approved at the sole discretion of Clay Talk.
- Any approved refund will incur a 10% administration fee.
After Program Commencement
No refunds, credits, or transfers will be provided once a program has commenced.
Non-Attendance
Failure to attend any scheduled session does not entitle the participant to a refund, credit, or transfer.
Illness or Extenuating Circumstances
Where a participant is unable to attend due to illness or other unforeseen circumstances:
- Clay Talk may, at its sole discretion, offer a transfer or credit.
- Refunds will not be provided except where required under law.
- Any approved refund will incur a 10% administration fee.
Cancellation by Clay Talk
If Clay Talk cancels a program, participants will be offered:
- A full refund; or
- A transfer to an alternative program (subject to availability).
Consumer Rights
Nothing in these Terms & Conditions excludes, restricts or modifies any rights or remedies available under the Australian Consumer Law.
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.
Clay Talk 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 of pieces in Clay Talk only
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:
\U0001F4E7 claytalk@montsalvat.com.au
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Celebrate together! Great for birthdays, team-building, or friends’ outings (groups of up to 10).
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