Learn how to make and use a plaster mould for ceramic slip casting/press moulding.
Together in a small group or as an individual we will each make a two part mould of our own.
Please note you will need to send an email in advanced to discuss what you would like to mould so we can make the day as effective for you as possible! 

You will be taught:

- How to analyse a shape to understand the number of parts per mould there must be
- How to prepare your piece for moulding
- How to mix plaster and remove bubbles for a highly professional mould
- How to put keys into your mould and pour the second part
- How to look after the mould and use it for ceramic slip casting/ press moulding.
- Health and safety aspects of using plaster including how to deal with plaster waste.  

This course is aimed at everyone who has a keen interest in ceramics and mould making, basic knowledge of ceramics is a plus. 
The class will get messy so it is best to bring clothes which are able to get dirty.
Attendees are welcome to bring an object of their choosing to make the subject of the mould but should it should be pre-authorised with the course leader at info@sustainablemakersoflondon.co.uk (ideally objects should be no larger than a standard household mug, and other criteria)
Otherwise objects will be provided for attendees.

Please note the day takes around 6/7 hours with breaks for Lunch. Lunch not provided. 

The class can be booked as a single person for £200 or as a pair for £300. Please select the appropriate choice when booking. 

Plaster Mould Making for Ceramics Masterclass 

Freya  Laville 

Had a mould making class with Sorrel and it was super informative and very well explained. Ended up with a great mould at the end of it and feel confident to go on and make more moulds now! Would definitely recommend if you’re thinking about learning more :) !  

Maddy Barr-Hamilton

I spent an amazing full day learning from Sorrel. She’s so knowledgeable and helped me to make exactly what I had envisioned. Definitely recommend!

Kate Gorbunova

I did a plaster mould making 1:1 workshop with Sorrel. It was a great learning experience, the teacher was not only knowledgeable about plaster mould making but also managed to convey complex concepts in an easily understandable manner. I’ve challenged myself with a three part mould and walked away with valuable skills and insights. Cannot wait to make slip cast using my mould. 

Learn how to make and use a plaster mould for ceramic slip casting/press moulding.

Together in a group we will each make a mould of our own.

You will be ta...

Do you have a ceramic project that you are not sure how to create? 

Whether you're a seasoned artist looking to develop a specific ceramic technique or a complete beginner eager to explore the world of clay, our personalised 1:1 ceramic tutorials are designed to meet your needs.

Led by Sorrel (Design Academy Eindhoven BA) an experienced ceramicist with knowledge in hand-building, slip casting, glaze making and plaster mould making. 

These classes offer flexible timings and the option for you to discuss you projects or ideas. The one hour session will form a basis to then work out the next best steps for your project.  

Firings and clay are not included in the price, it is essential you email in advanced when booking this session to ensure we can fulfil your needs. 

During the session we will advise on how best to complete your project. Whether this be through one of our group classes or by joining the studio as a member. 

Learn Pottery! 1:1 Ceramics Handbuilding Taster Session for all levels (1hr or 2.5hr drop-in)

Lucy Ferrar

Sorrel was absolutely amazing! It was the first time I'd ever tried anything like this and I was a bit nervous but I didn't need to be, she made me feel so at home and it was so much fun! Her expertise shone, and regardless of your level, it was clear you would learn something new and have the chance to put your creative skills to use. I can't recommend this highly enough and I'm really looking forward to going back and signing up to try out more courses. 

Ellie Beale

Loved learning about ceramics and glazing and the fabulous Sorrel showing us what to do ! Heavenly morning would highly recommend anything ceramics based with Sustainable Makers!! Can't wait to see the results...

Learn hand building with us! 
Whether you're a seasoned artist looking to develop a specific ceramic technique or a complete beginner eager to explore the wo...

Ceramic Advice Session / INTRO for all levels (1hr)

New members are required to attend an induction to the workshop and join an onboarding session with one of the team before they can start working independently on location.

The purpose of the workshop induction is primarily for the Health, Safety and Wellbeing of our members while at the workshop and using the communal tools and equipment. It will also provide an overview of the Environmental Impact of the workshop and the activities that take place there.

Specific topics during the workshop induction may include:
- Opening hours and access
- General Health & Safety and risk management
- Cleaning up your workspace and dust safety
- Fire hazard awareness

The purpose of the onboarding session for new members is primarily for our team to understand any individual requirements you may have as a member and working as an artist or hobbyist. It also allows the team to fully explain and walkthrough the various workshop systems we have in place in order to keep the space running efficiently.

Specific topics during the on-boarding may include:
- General business policies and fair and reasonable use
- Kiln-ready shelves/firing queue system
- Glazing experience and best practices
- Wedging clay and general practice capabilities
- The clay trap bucket and cleaning system

This induction and onboarding session is only available to pre-enrolled members of our subscription service

Reclaiming clay on plaster batt

New members are required to attend an induction to the workshop and join an onboarding session with one of the team before they can start working independent...

Workshop induction and onboarding FOR SML MEMBERS ONLY

Join us and delve into the fascinating world of ceramic medieval face jugs! We will explore their history and culture and take inspiration from the silly expressions and playful details the medieval potters put into their jugs.
Our ceramic hand-building instructor Sorrel will guide you through the process of creating your own face jug. You will learn how to manipulate the clay into your desired shape, followed by how to add detail and texture. Whether you are an experienced potter or a complete beginner, this workshop is the perfect opportunity to learn and experiment with new skills. 
The workshop will last 3 hours and you will be required to return to the studio at a later date (approx. 2-3 weeks) to collect your jugs once they've been fired in the kiln. 
You can book onto a future session if you wish to glaze your works after their first firing. 
The group will be limited to six people. 

Make a Medieval Face Jug

Rucha Thakoor

Great class! Sorrel was a skilled teacher, demonstrating the technique and assisting when necessary, but also giving us the room to explore and make our own pieces. She also shared tons of historical facts about ceramics!

James Robins

This is a really lovely hidden gem of a studio with a charming and friendly vibe. The teacher was great and I had a wonderful workshop. I'd highly recommend 

Make a Medieval Face Jug. Clay Handbuilding Coiling Class 

Charlotte  Trinckvel 

Super fun workshop, had a blast playing around and learning coiling techniques. 

Anna Lawrence

This was my first time working with clay and I had the best time. Our tutor was friendly and supportive but also let us get carried away! Would highly recommend.

Paulo Barbosa 

This workshop was recommended by a friend of mine and I absolutely loved it! I I had been thinking of taking pottery lessons and for me this was a perfect introduction. Sorrel is an excellent teacher, very approachable and engaging. I really liked her studio and I’m coming back for more next year.  Paulo 

Oliver Rechnitz

This class was fantastic! Sorrel was such a great tutor and was so patient making the class fun and teaching us about the history of Medieval face jugs. At the end of the class we were all impressed with how we had made such large jugs - all thanks to the amazing Sorrel! I can’t wait to do it all again!

Yasmin Duffy 

Great class. Sorrel is a great teacher. I learnt a lot while also having a really fun time. Will be returning

Issy MacLean

LOVED this class!! Have had zero experience in building ceramics so I was very pleasantly surprised how much I was actually able to do by the end of the class! Super fun and informative, Sorrel was a great teacher, and I can’t wait to see what my little guy looks like when it’s been fired! 

Vivienne Engels

Really loved this class! As a total novice, Sorrel was super clear and helpful when explaining the process. It was also really interesting to learn about medieval techniques and popular themes which Sorrel is clearly passionate about. Such a fun way to spend an evening. Highly recommend to anyone, whatever your ceramics experience!


Sally Randall 

Rosie  Johnson 

Excellent class, had a fantastic time, great atmosphere and learnt so much! Plus my jug came out great, Sorrel was a fantastic tutor! 

Join us for an evening delving into the fascinating world of ceramic medieval face jugs! We will explore their history and culture and take inspiration from ...

In this ceramic short course you will learn the three fundamental hand-building techniques: pinching, coiling and slab-building. By the end of the course you will understand all the most important elements of design and construction with clay so you can create original pottery of your own. These foundational practices are the basis for almost all ceramics made by hand-building.

You can expect to leave with 1-2 larger detailed pieces or a collection smaller items. 

No prior experience in the craft is necessary for this course. It is suited to anyone who is curious to work with clay for the first time as well as those who already have a good knowledge and experience. Our smaller class sizes allow the tutor to spend a higher proportion of their time with individuals who would like to deeper insights and to further their skills/understanding.
 
If you don't know what you want to make, don't worry! We have a range of ideas and objects to inspire the design and we have excellent assistance on hand for the building of your final piece.
Think coffee mugs, teacups, pasta bowls, decorative vases, planters, table jugs, wine carafes, candlestick holders, wall hangings, the list goes on.

We also welcome anyone who already has decided on a design or idea of what they want to achieve for their final piece - the tutor will help configure the session plans to that idea and ensure the course material is relevant! We will all create in a communal space with support and instruction.

Throughout the course you will learn through discussion, doing, and testing the boundaries to understand the limits of clay - making you a truly resilient potter!

The class atmosphere is friendly and supportive and you should expect to chat and get to know each other as you work - ideas and encouragement are shared throughout.
We can’t wait for you to join!

**Course Itinerary**

*Week 1 Introduction to ceramics.*
Learn about types of clay and how they differ.
Learn the three hand building techniques (Pinching/coiling/ slab-building) and try to push them to their limits.
Understanding how clay can be reclaimed. 

*Week 2 Finessing Ceramics*
Learn about decorating techniques including but not limited to; mark-making, burnishing, simple marbling, inlay. 
Learn how to attach ceramic pieces together
Understand how to calculate clay shrinkage
Understand what happens as clay dries and why/how it is fired.
Share and discuss inspirations
Start prototyping and experimenting for your final pieces.

*Week 3 Developing an idea*
Fast sculpting mini project, test your hand building skills with a fun warm up exercise
Start working on your final pieces, with guidance and discussion from Sorrel and the group

*Week 4 Finishing your vision*
Finishing building your final pieces ready to be fired
Using decoration techniques on your final pieces
Choose your glaze colours to be applied by Sorrel.

There is also an optional addition to join a glazing class for £30* (date to be confirmed with the tutor following each course)
During this you can glaze your works yourself  before they are are fired.


Learn to Handbuild: 4-week Introduction to Ceramics/Pottery course

Hailey Bachrach

So much fun, and really educational. It definitely left me excited to keep experimenting and put the things I learned into practice.

Lisa  Melis

Really enjoyed this course with Sorrel! We learnt all the key hand building  techniques such as coiling, pinching and slab building. We also experimented with different clays and decoration methods. The perfect course to learn foundational skills  or to refresh your memory! You also get to work on your own pieces to take home, with lots of support and input. highly  recommend! 

Harry Moore

had an excellent introduction to handbuilding. The lesson were engaging and the content was instructive.  The advice and guidance given by Sorrel was spot on and was picked at the right level for all the participants. I can't recommend enough.

This is a fantastic course and I'd really recommend it to anyone interested in ceramics or just those wanting to try something new and have fun in the process. I've been interested in  hand-building / sculpture in particular for the longest of time, but could never find the right course. This is perfect and I couldn't have hoped for more. Sorrel makes you feel completely at home and answers all of your questions. The introduction to techniques and materials is fun as well as an important grounding, before being given the chance to extend into a final creative project for the last two weeks which I absolutely loved! You're also given help throughout this time which is definitely needed. I was so pleased with the end result. I'm completely hooked now and can't wait to sign up for more courses. If you've read this far, I'd say definitely give it a go, you won't regret it!

Molly Hockley

Sorrel has been an absolutely lovely and attentive teacher! I really enjoyed the classes and feel like I’ve learnt a lot, I would definitely come back for more! :)

Sophie Scott

This course is perfect for beginners or if you want specific help on how to build something.  It’s also such a nice thing to do on a weekday evening!

Lizette Dodds

I had an amazing time.  Really enjoyed it and would recommend. 

By the end of the course you will understand all the most important elements of design and construction with clay so you can create original pottery of your own

In this ceramic hand building class we will explore the oldest forms of pottery, ancient female deities. 

Together with our tutor you will understand;
- The basics of clay
- The history of ceramic female deities
- How to come up with your design
- How to shape and form your object
- How to ensure your design is functional 
- How to decorate your object 

This a fun and relaxed class aimed at all abilities. As there is a lot of freedom those with pre-existing knowledge will be supported to explore more complex forms.

All materials are provided. The price is inclusive of the cost of firing and glazing of your pieces. You will be emailed to collect your work 3-4 weeks after the class. 
 


Ancient Deity Candlestick Making. Ceramic hand building class. 

Anastasia Avdejeva

Lovely studio, with a friendly and informative host, Sorrel. Had a great time making something with people I didn't know. Overall, it was a very relaxed and chatty atmosphere! The studio itself has a great variety of glazes and works to be as sustainable as possible! 

Aditya Jaidev

Incredible workshop! Sorrel was such a warm and welcoming facilitator. She gave us loads of space and time to be as creative as possible with our ancient deity candles. We love them so much, would highly recommend to anyone new to ceramics or even seasoned ceramicists as a really lovely way to learn about indigenous artwork through the ages.

In this ceramic hand building class we will explore the oldest forms of pottery, ancient female deities. 

Together with our tutor you will understand;
- The...

Sustainable Makers of London