Pottery Skills: Slab Construction

Need a reason to put your phone down and make something with your hands? Discover one of Melbourne’s best pottery classes.

Working with clay encourages a slower pace. The simple, hands-on process of shaping, building and creating can feel grounding, calming and surprisingly meditative. It gives you the opportunity to focus on one thing at a time, step away from daily distractions and enjoy the satisfaction of making something from scratch.

Our hand-building workshops are designed for anyone looking to slow down, switch off and reconnect with creativity. Each session explores a different foundational technique; pinch pots, coiling, and slab construction.

Available as a one off, a course of 3, or mix and match as you please. Check upcoming project themes in the What You’ll Do section of this page. 

Whether you’re completely new to clay or returning for another session, every workshop offers an opportunity to experiment with ideas and enjoy the process of making.

Sessions run for 1.5hr  and no prior experience is required.

Held at our Abbotsford Convent studio.

What You’ll Do

October 18, 25 & November 1, 8, 15

11:00am - 12:30pm

Max-out your hand-building stats with slab construction techniques. In this 90min workshop we’ll cut, decorate and join slabs to create a mini incense house for fairies or goblins.

October 22, 29 & December 6, 13, 20

11:00am - 12:30pm

Deck the halls with…  slabs of gingerbread?? Slice, decorate, and join clay with us to build a cosy mini gingerbread house.

What to Expect

• Beginner friendly, no experience needed

• Relaxed, social environment

• Guided support with creative freedom

• A chance to slow down and work with your hands

• No pressure, no experience required

What’s Included

• 1.5 hour guided session

• All clay, tools and materials

• Bisque firing of 1 - 2 finished pieces

• Collection from our Abbotsford Convent studio

Your piece will be bisque fired and ready to use or decorate at home using acrylic paint.

Alternatively, you can return to the studio for a glazing session if you’d like a more professional glazed ceramic finish.

Additional pieces can be fired for a small fee.

Who It’s For

• Beginners and experienced makers

• Families, friends and solo participants

• Anyone looking for creative downtime

• Anyone wanting to create more and scroll less

Children under 16 must attend with an adult

Want More Studio Time?

We also offer Pottery Wheel Workshops, Painting Workshops and Glazing Sessions for those wanting to continue their creative journey.

Pricing

$69 per session

Additional pieces can be fired for $20 per piece.

After the Class

• Your finished ceramic piece will be bisque-fired.
• Finished work will be ready for collection from our Abbotsford studio in approximately 2-4 weeks.
• Postage can be arranged at an additional cost, payable during your class.
• Due to limited storage space, all work must be collected within 2 weeks of notification. Uncollected work after this time may be donated.

Important Information

• Please arrive 10 minutes early.
• Clay is a natural material and occasional cracks or firing faults can occur during drying and firing. While we take great care, handmade ceramics are inherently unpredictable. If your piece is damaged in firing, we will gift you a replacement from the studio collection.

Private Events & Group Bookings

We host private handbuilding workshops in Melbourne for 6-20 people:

• Hens parties
• Birthday celebrations
• Corporate team building
• Creative group events
• Off-site studio experiences

Private sessions can be tailored to your preferred subject or theme and catered or uncatered. Enquire for custom packages and availability.