Kara Leigh Ford: Pottery for Beginners (10 Feb, 3 Sessions)

Learn a wide range of techniques to create beautifully thrown pieces, with this three-session online course, learning from renowned ceramic artist Kara Leigh Ford. 

Kara Leigh Ford is a predominantly self-taught potter creating work inspired by the Southwest Coast from her garden studio in Somerset. Working full time as a potter for the past six years, Kara’s work is enjoyed by buyers all over the world. She has been stocked in many shops including Fortnum & Mason and Clutch Café. Kara also teaches via her online Pottery Club: at patreon.com/karaleighceramics, where she shares detailed tutorial videos, projects, tips and tricks, and heaps of pottery advice. Kara has just written her first book ‘Pottery for Beginners’.

You can view more of Kara's work on her website here: karaleighfordceramics.com

Duration and Place

Duration: 3 weeks - total 4.5 hours

Online Course

Session times

• Thursday 10th February - 5.30pm-7.00pm UK time (1.5 hours)
• Thursday 17th February - 5.30pm-7.00pm UK time (1.5 hours)
• Thursday 24th February - 5.30pm-7.00pm UK time (1.5 hours)

Please note that classes may be slightly longer depending on student questions. 

Class Description

Learn how to create different shaped vessels on the throwing wheel, how to reshape them through turning, how to add handles, and how to glaze your vessels successfully.

This class covers:

• The basics of wheel throwing including centring and coning.
• How to throw a cylinder.
• How to create other shapes from the basic cylinder.
• How to trim/fettle pots on the wheel.
• How to make a hand-built handle.
• How to add a hand-built handle to create a mug.
• How to prepare the work for glazing.
• How to use brush on glazes.
• The basics of firing.

Students will complete the class with a handled mug, a bowl and a bud vase.

How it works:

• Kara will teach you the techniques via our live online classroom.
• She will provide additional notes and you will have ample opportunity to ask questions during the sessions. You do not make pieces during the live session.
• Each week she will demonstrate a technique to try yourself during the week between sessions, you are also able to contact her if you have any questions between sessions.
• A member of the Hot Clay team will also be online to assist you and Kara.
• Mix with Kara and other students in our dedicated private Facebook group, open for the duration of the course. Then join our exclusive Online Clay Class Facebook group to continue to mix with those who have attended any of our online classes.
• A materials list will be provided in advance of the class, so you can purchase what you need to create your pieces during the course.

We feel that this is the best way to get the very most from the course, but this is not compulsory to make the pieces during the course itself. 

This is a live online class, but in case a student experiences issues with internet connection during the live class, a recording of each live session will be available to view until two weeks after the final session. This cannot be downloaded or shared and is only available for this limited time. By participating you agree to being recorded for this purpose.

What to Prepare

• You will need a computer, tablet, or phone with a camera and microphone in order to join the online classroom
• You should have a reliable internet connection, fast enough to make video calls or stream videos.
• Information on your booking will be emailed to you prior to the course date, including how to join the online classroom.
• A pen and paper to take any notes
• We restrict the class size to 20 people

Equipment Note

A list of the clay and materials needed to make the pieces taught on the course is in the PDF above.

Inclusivity

We are committed to maintaining a respectful community where all our students can learn and develop their full potential, within a safe environment.

If you have a disability or any specific requirements, please do not hesitate to contact us prior to the session so we can accommodate you.

Cancellations up to 2 weeks before the course 90% refund, a 50% refund will be given up to one week prior to the course. In order to keep class costs low for all, we make no exceptions to this policy.