Clay Hand Building Class in Clearwater, BC!
Celebrate the charm of the handmade while exploring functional sculpture in this creative clay handbuilding class. Students will design and build their own curio cabinet — small, wall-mounted or tabletop displays perfect for treasures, keepsakes, or mini collections. Using slab and coil construction techniques, participants will learn how to plan, assemble, and finish multi-part clay structures that balance form and function.
We’ll cover essential handbuilding skills such as working with slabs, scoring and slipping, reinforcing joins, and creating texture and surface detail. Students will also explore design concepts like proportion, negative space, and visual rhythm to make each shelf both sturdy and expressive.
After drying and bisque firing, students will have the option to glaze or finish their pieces in a later session. All experience levels are welcome, whether you’re new to clay or looking to push your creative practice into three-dimensional design.
Skills & Techniques Covered:
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Slab rolling and template creation
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Joining and reinforcing techniques (score, slip, support)
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Structural design for functional forms
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Surface texture and decorative detail
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Drying, firing, and glazing considerations
What You’ll Leave With:
A one-of-a-kind ceramic curio cabinet ready for display, along with the skills to continue exploring sculptural hand building projects.
Materials:
All clay, tools, and firing included. Students may bring small found objects or sketches for inspiration.
Instructor: Heath Fehr
Heath is a multi‑disciplinary artist living and working on the unceded territories of the Secwepemc First Nation. A process‑based creator, Heath uses art as a tool for communication and self‑regulation—exploring themes like mental wellness, creative flow, texture, and identity through vibrant and playful work. As an instructor, Heath welcomes students of all ages and all skill levels, fostering a safe, inclusive environment where creativity thrives and inner visions are brought to life.
At Maple Seed Collective, we’re proud to collaborate with local artists to expand our class offerings and creative opportunities. If you’re interested in teaching a class, we’d love to hear from you!
