Handbuilding Foundations
Form, Texture, and Function ![]()
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This class is perfect for you if you enjoy working with your hands and appreciate a slower, more methodical process. You like taking your time, building step by step, and seeing something come together through intention rather than speed.
You’ll be drawn to creativity that feels expressive and a little unexpected—pieces with texture, character, and personality rather than perfect symmetry.
If you tend to lean quirky over polished, and you’re curious about what you can create when you let go of perfection, you’ll feel right at home here.
You’ll love the slower, hands-on pace that lets you settle in and enjoy the process, building piece by piece without the pressure to rush or get it “perfect.” You'll explore a range of handbuilding methods—coil, slab, carving, and adding clay—so you can discover what feels most natural and exciting in your hands.
You'll thrive in a small class setting, where you’ll receive personal attention from a teacher who understands both the joys and the common pitfalls of handbuilding, guiding you with clear, thoughtful feedback as your skills grow.
This class is all about slowing down and getting your hands into clay in a way that feels calm, focused, and quietly exciting. It's about moving through foundational handbuilding methods—coil, slab, carving, and adding clay—building skills while giving your creativity space to show up in its own way.
It’s about exploring texture, form, and personality without the pressure of perfection… finding that balance between intention and play. With small classes and thoughtful guidance along the way, you’ll feel supported as you try new things, solve problems, and start to trust what your hands can create.
"PLAYING WITH CLAY HAS BEEN ONE OF THE BEST THINGS THAT I'VE DONE IN YEARS! IT HAS SOOTHED, CHALLENGED, AND MOTIVATED ME."
- KRISTI
By the end of Handbuilding Foundations, you’ll…
- Understand the core methods: coil, slab, carving, and adding clay
- Catch and fix common issues before they become frustrating
- Recognize what’s working—and what to adjust in your pieces
- Enjoy the process just as much as the finished piece
The Breakdown:
Weeks 1–3: Build
Start by getting comfortable with clay in your hands. You’ll explore foundational methods like pinch, coil, and slab while learning how to shape, join, and begin forming pieces with intention.
Weeks 4–6: Refine & Explore
Shift into refining your forms and expanding your skills. You’ll experiment with texture, carving, and different ways of building, while learning how to troubleshoot and make thoughtful adjustments as you go.
Weeks 7–8: Surface & Finish
Bring your pieces to life with surface design and glaze. You’ll explore underglaze, decoration, and glazing techniques to complete work that feels personal and finished.
You’ll Receive:
- FWC Tote Bag with all your tools and sketchbook inside
- Weekly videos to enhance class learning
- Weekly 3 Hour Lessons
- Unlimited practice time during retail hours
- Simple, clear options for next classes
- 25 lbs Clay
- Discounts on continuing classes
- Dedicated shelf in the studio
- Convenient Parking
- Easy access to groceries, library, restaurants and coffee
- Simple Enrollment
- Current Members get 25% off using code
Bring:
- Kitchen Trash Bags
- Apron if desired
- Ideas
- The courage to trust the process
Start Handbuilding
Fort Wayne Clay is conveniently located at Georgetown Square between Blueberry Pancake and the Bowling Alley.
Classes are $425 for 8 Weeks
Open Studio and Retail Hours
Mondays - Thursdays 12 - 8 pm
Fridays 12 - 4 pm
Saturdays 10 am - 2 pm
Closed Sundays
Get Your Hands in Clay
FAQs
What if I can't make it to all the scheduled classes?
This is the perfect chance to use your unlimited Open Studio Hours and Weekly Videos to make it up! We've included these hours with your lessons so you can take full advantage of the studio equipment and grow to your highest potential.
I've never touched the pottery wheel or clay before. Is this class right for me?
Yep! If you're nervous and want to try out other handbuilding classes before diving in, we have lots of options!
What do I need to bring to class?
Great question. Bring an apron if you'd like one, large kitchen trash bags, and wear clothes that can get messy. Clay is available for purchase at the studio, giving you the chance to experiment, choose what you love, and then stay with it.
If I want to keep doing classes, how do I know which ones to do next?
There are just so many options, right?! Our teachers will help point you to the class they think you'd enjoy most. They'll have a good understanding of where you're at and help point you toward the next fun adventure.