Antoinette demonstrates in this handbuilding pottery online workshop how to make different small animals with pottery clay. The bodies need to be hollow and there are definite rules to follow when structuring clay models. The ceramic class was recorded in Antoinette's studio in Saltillo Mississippi.

Hand-building pottery for beginners online workshop

This Handbuilding Pottery class for beginners is a 6-week formal online program designed for those who are new to pottery or just starting out. The course covers all the essentials, including an introduction to pottery clay, its behavior, and what is needed to get started. All lessons are provided through videos, and you’ll have access to your instructor to ask questions and participate in online discussions. Since this is a beginner-level class, all information will be presented in a way that addresses common questions and ensures clarity for everyone. ​
See the contents of the class below.
​Duration of class
6 weeks formal video classes, 4 weeks reviewing
10 weeks total viewing

Contents of the class

Pinching skills are handy when it comes to finalizing the top part of a coiled pottery bowl. Antoinette Badenhorst demonstrates she uses her thumb and fingers in the pinching process. She is using earthenware for the bowl.

Pinching clay is very handy with coiling projects.

Antoinette teaches potters how to use pinched pots to make small clay animals.

Pinched bowls are used to make small animals.

Bird houses bring a variety of birds into the yard and helps to educate children on the value of nature. Antoinette Badenhorst paints a clay birdhouse that she made during the handbuilding pottery online class. The foam under the bird house is to protect the clay project but also helps to prevent the clay from dripping on the studio floor.

Painting a slab-build bird house

Introduction to pottery and clay
  • Introduction and roadmap to the class - what to expect.
  • Basic layout of a pottery studio - Antoinette walk through her own studio to explain the basics of what is needed in a pottery studio.
  • Tools and materials that we will use during the class - store bought and self-made tools from found objects.
  • Origin of clay - understand where any pottery clay comes from.
  • Choosing a clay body - your clay and glaze and kiln must match firing temperatures.
  • Wedging clay- what happens with the clay during the wedging process.

Pinching clay projects
  • Learn how to pinch pottery clay - pinching clay is the backbone of any clay process.
  • How to reclaim clay - how to take water out and make the clay reusable.
  • How to pinch a functional cup with a foot rim project.
  • Pinch, decorate and finish-off clay animals - the beginning of clay sculpting

Coiling clay projects
  • Discussion on porcelain, stoneware and earthenware - the basic differences.
  • How to determine clay shrinkage - making a clay ruler and learn how to work with it.
  • How to make a coil pot- building with coils.
  • How to make a patterned coil pot - a coil pot for a potplant.

Slab building
  • Understand clay particles - what makes clay workable and how do I use this knowledge to my advantage.
  • Making soft slabs and fun clay projects - dolls and bags.
  • How to make a bird feeder with slabs - soft slabs used to make a cylinder.
  • How to build a bird house with slabs - build with leather hard slabs (templates provided)

Decorating on wet clay
  • Understanding and making slip to decorate and create a relief pattern.
  • Decorate with stamps and fabric - how to make your own stamps.
  • Decorate with texture - layering patterns.
  • Decorate with your own-colored slip made from a slip recipe provided.

​Glazing and firing
  • Decorate bisque clay with engobe and oxides - engobe recipe provided
  • How to prepare bisque clay for glazing - cleaning and last finishing touches.
  • Faults and remedies in pottery- the most common faults that beginners make is addressed.
  • How to glaze pottery - understand what a glaze is and learn how to apply glazes in different ways.
  • Operating an electric kiln - firing your kiln correctly.

What will you need.

If you are someone that is just testing to see if you would like to work with pottery clay, that may be the only thing you need. Most people want to make their work permanent. For that you would need access to a pottery kiln. Many potters are willing to rent out space in their kilns, but there are other ways to come around as well, and I will write more about it in future. 
Do not buy tools; not yet. For the moment you should be able to get along with what you have in your kitchen cabinets. 
Find yourself a designated place where you can work undisturbed. I will tell you more soon. 
​In the meantime, remember to get your name on my mailing list. ​