Workshops

The Hey Julie School of Clay

workshops

Scroll down for: Workshop Descriptions, Schedule and Registration
Click here to register and bypass workshop descriptions

NEW WORKSHOPS DATES ADDED OFTEN | Join my email list to be notified right away

My FUN weekend workshops teach a variety of skill sets. I introduce many hand- building techniques and, of course the pottery wheel. We explore surface decoration. Carving, appliqué, and painting with underglaze and slips.

Workshops accommodate absolute beginners through advanced, expanding into critique and process refinement.

My consecutive-day workshops support each student into a personal “flow”, helping them capture their visual language through curiosity and non-judgment.

I strongly believe in the healing and empowerment that clay offers.

Standard workshops are Saturday and Sunday, 10am - 4pm.
Students complete approx 8-12 pieces per workshop.

Final drying, finishing, bisquing, and glazing of all student work happens in the studio and is ready for pick up (or transport as arranged) by students about 3 weeks after the class, depending on the season and studio firing schedule.

I announce workshop dates on my website, Facebook, Instagram, and via my email list. Classes fill fast, so if you are interested please register as soon as class dates drop!

$200 downpayment required for registration
Remainder payable on the first day of the workshop

Combination Workshop
2 DAY

HAND BUILDING + WHEEL WORK

$365 + tax
10AM - 4PM EACH DAY

Beginners - Advanced

Approx 12 students per class

Every class is focused on form and composition. Lots of fun ways to develop your work as I introduce the elements of design and new ways to interpret the vessel.

HAND BUILDING
I introduce a variety of hand building skills as we create pots in multiples and in a variety of scales. Quick and easy ways of constructing mugs to teapots to plates.

WHEEL WORK
If you have never been on the wheel before: I will get you throwing, working hands-on (literally) with you to throw your first-ever pots!

SURFACE DECORATION
We will be imprinting clay, carving and painting. I will demonstrate creative underglaze techniques. So many ways to decorate and embellish your forms!

FIRING AND GLAZING
At the end of the weekend we decide what finish/glaze works for each of your pieces and I complete the dirty work for you. Final drying, finishing, firing, and glazing of all student work happens in the studio AFTER the workshop.

THROWING INTENSIVE
3 DAY

WHEEL WORK

$520 + tax
10AM - 4PM EACH DAY

Beginners welcome! - Intermediate

Throwing is like flying!

The studio will be all set up with tools, several choices of clay and your own personal wheels for the three days.

We learn the basics on the wheel and expand upon them...."learners pots" becoming pitchers, jars or maybe even teapots.

Everyone will feel accomplished and happily exhausted.

I provide Teas, coffee in home-made mugs. instruct every class focusing on form and composition.

We will develop these skills:

Wedging and prep
Centering
Cylinders and bowls
Trimming and altering
Additional use of slab appendages and handle making
Application and timing
Underglaze, slip and decorative tricks

INTERMEDIATE / ADVANCED THROWING
3 + 5 Day options

ADVANCED WHEEL WORK

3 DAY: $620 | 5 DAY: $850 + tax
10AM - 4PM EACH DAY (option to stay late)

Intermediate - Advanced
* You must have throwing competencies to enroll in this class. ie: to centre and be able to throw an 8 inch cylinder.

This is an elongated chunk of fun, creative-time to be challenged alongside others. *We nerd out.

Includes:

LOTS of clay. You use approx 1.5 boxes of clay. Three midfire clays to try (white stoneware, bright brown stoneware and a buff speckled stoneware)
Your own wheel and space. All tools provided but I ask for intermediates to bring their favourites.
Lots of colour. Many underglazes and slips for you to enjoy.

We will dig into:

Advancing your throwing skills by perfecting the basics
Throwing larger work… trimming and altering
Lots of forms. Whatever you would like to work on. Ie: large pieces, complex forms with seams, teapots, plates….
Timing and STAGING your work
Surface design (carving, slips, underglazes and glaze)
Personalized studio practice tips, troubleshooting, marketing and pricing advice

INTENTION - CONFIDENCE - CONTROL - EVALUATION - DESIGN

You will leave with:

Intentional throwing skills
A contemplative "eye" to match and challenge your skills
Hand-building skills that will simplify your design efforts and shake up your perception of the vessel.
Ergonomic tips for strength, endurance and health.

FIRING AND GLAZING

Firings and glazing happens AFTER your workshop. Together we decide what finish works best for each of your pieces and I complete the dirty work for you! *Off island options: we can pack your work up green to take home or I complete it here. My many students from Victoria and Vancouver etc end up bustling it back towards you, it always works out.

Work is generally ready for pick up (or transport as arranged) by students about 3 weeks after the class, depending on the season and studio firing schedule.

I have many off island groups and students....I make easy work of getting the finished masterpieces back to you.

Cost includes all materials and firings (bisque and glaze). Each student will make 8-10 pieces over the weekend.

*$200 down payment non-refundable due to small class size and cost of pre-ordering materials.

WORKSHOPS FOR KIDS

My workshops for children are designed to be fun and encourage freedom of expression. We learn to build pots by hand and get messy on the wheel. We also paint pieces with underglaze. Final drying, finishing, bisquing, and glazing of all student work happens in the studio and is ready for pick up (or transport as arranged) about 3 weeks after the class, depending on the season and studio firing schedule.

Teaching is a close second in my heart to working with clay myself. I am constantly amazed by what my students created and the creativity and openness they bring to class. I teach workshops for both adults and children throughout the year. If you'd like to receive notification of upcoming workshops, please sign up for my email list and follow me on Facebook and Instagram where I announce upcoming dates as well as last-minute open spots due to cancellations.

I am also available to teach private workshops upon request in my studio on Salt Spring Island, time permitting.