Inspired by the beautiful gardens at Toolerstone we will be exploring nature to identify flowers and foliage that we will then use to create lasting impressions in clay.  Using your imprinted clay your tutor will guide you through hand-building pottery techniques to create vases and coasters. You will then add colour to the surface decoration enhancing the botanical theme and producing a range of  items that will look stunning in your home.

A bit more detail:

Pottery has the potential for infinite variability through clay type, form and surface decoration.  From vessels to making art, humans have been playing with clay for over 20,000 years. This tactile medium is wonderfully forgiving to work with and 3 dimensional forms are quickly produced.

About the tutor:

Jeni Jacques-Williams, is a Cheshire based ceramicist and is a regular columnist for Clay Craft magazine providing articles to support and guide new and experienced potters across the UK and internationally. Jeni creates pottery and teaches from her pottery workshop Lemon Studio in the beautiful village of Dunham Massey and has sold work in shops and galleries across the UK and for the National Trust.

Jeni is a member of the Northern Potters Association and is the founder of the Warrington Creatives Collective, a group of over 20 local makers.

Jeni will be delivering a range of pottery workshops throughout the year here at Toolerstone.  The workshops are suitable for beginners and for those with previous experience working with clay.

Timetable of the day

09:30 A warm welcome to @:Toolerstone with coffee & pastries
10:00  An introduction to the workshop and time spent in the garden collecting foliage and ideas.
11:15     Tea and Coffee will be served.
An introduction to clay and the hand-building techniques we will be using.
11:30     Time to start making your slabs, imprinting your foraged materials and creating your vases and coasters.
13:00     Delicious homemade lunch in the refectory
14:00     Embellish your pottery using coloured glazes and applying surface decoration.
15:00     Tea and treats.
15.30     Workshop ends and your pottery will be taken away by Jeni to be dried, fired and dip-glazed before being posted to you within 4 weeks.

What is included?

• All materials & tools
• Aprons are provided for the day if required
• Refreshments & a delicious lunch
• Free onsite car parking
• Following the workshop your pieces will be dried, bisque-fired, clear glazed and fired again before being dispatched to you within 4 weeks.