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Make a large, hand-built vase and return to carve at the leatherhard stage in this focused two-day Clay @ the Village workshop. Build on day one, carve on day two, and collect a glazed piece a few weeks later—perfect for makers who want a finished, kiln-fired object and guided technique.
Make a large, hand-built vase and return to carve at the leatherhard stage in this focused two-day Clay @ the Village workshop. Build on day one, carve on day two, and collect a glazed piece a few weeks later—perfect for makers who want a finished, kiln-fired object and guided technique.
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Operated by Black Duck Studio Pty Ltd · Shellharbour, New South Wales
On the south coast of New South Wales, in the coastal town of Shellharbour, the Mishima Vase - Two-day Workshop invites makers to a focused, hands-on encounter with clay. Held through the Clay @ the Village series with a meeting point at 80b Towradgi Rd Towradgi and pickups arranged in Wentworth St, Shellharbour NSW 2529, Australia, this two-day course zeroes in on the leatherhard stage—the moment when clay holds its shape but still yields to precise carving. Day one is about volume and form: mid-fire clay, templates, and instructor-led hand-building techniques help you construct a large-size piece within the workshop’s 2000cm³ allowance. Bring the kind of practical curiosity that likes to feel edges and experiment with proportion. Overnight the piece dries to the leatherhard stage, the interval that separates rough shaping from detailed surface work. On day two you return to carve. The session supplies carving tools, design prompts, and a calm studio rhythm that encourages deliberate mark-making. After the class the studio handles drying, two firings, and a clear dip glaze; finished pieces are returned to Shellharbour about four to five weeks later for pickup. The workflow—build, rest, carve, glaze—teaches patience as much as technique and leaves you with a functional vase, plate, or mug whose size falls within the workshop’s stated dimensions. This workshop stands out in the regional arts scene because it captures a transitional ceramic moment that typical single-day classes miss. Nearby coastal light, the southern metropolitan fringe of Wollongong, and a strong local craft culture shape the experience; you'll feel both the town’s practical seaside pace and the discipline of studio firing schedules. The use of mid-fire clay and a clear dip glaze produces durable, tactile results that travel well. Practical notes: the minimum age is 12, the workshop requires a 10-ticket minimum to run, and delivery of finished work is not included. Wear clothes you don’t mind getting clay on—aprons are available. Pieces are sized by volume (large = 2000cm³), so plan designs accordingly. Why book it? If you want a compact, teachable deep dive into forming and carving—with the unusual benefit of returning to the same piece at its leatherhard sweet spot—this two-day workshop gives structure, materials, and kiln support. It’s a rare hands-on route to a finished, glazed object and a good reason to spend an afternoon in Shellharbour’s creative neighborhood. Expect instructor feedback tailored to first-timers and experienced potters alike, with step-by-step demos and hands-on correction. The class size keeps things personal—materials are shared but tools are plentiful—and the pace suits makers who appreciate quiet focus rather than a fast workshop scramble. Booking includes all studio firing and glazing; bring a small notebook to sketch designs between sessions and reference images.
easy.
2–4 hours (two 2-hour sessions across two days).
Light physical activity; standing and kneeling for short periods, suitable for most fitness levels.
The workshop includes a LARGE sized piece sized by volume; large equals 2000cm³, roughly a 14×14×10cm vase or equivalent volume for plates/mugs.
Minimum age is 12; participants under 18 should check supervision rules with the organizer.
The studio dries, completes a first firing, clear dip glaze, and second firing; pieces are returned to Shellharbour about 4–5 weeks later for pickup.
Delivery of finished pieces is not included; you will be emailed pickup locations and days/times.
The event requires a minimum of 10 tickets to go ahead; if the minimum isn’t met you’ll be contacted within a week and offered a refund or credit.
No—this workshop caters to beginners and experienced makers, with instructor guidance on hand-building and carving techniques.
This coastal area sits on the traditional lands of the Dharawal people; the regional craft scene has grown alongside local community arts initiatives.
The studio uses mid-fire clay and a clear dip glaze; minimize waste by planning forms and returning scrap clay to the studio recycling bin.
Black Duck Studio Pty Ltd operates a hands-on ceramics studio offering classes, workshops and a local firing service. The studio runs after-school and homeschool clay clubs, term-based kids programs, multi-week handbuilding courses, one-off open hand-building sessions, and school holiday workshops. Many classes accept deposits to secure places, including Term 1, 2026 bookings with limited availability; if a preferred day is full the studio offers alternatives or refunds deposits. Programs include dedicated kids courses for ages eight to teens with materials provided, 10-week after-school terms, and casual homeschool sessions. Adult learners can join an 8-week handbuilding and glazing course with expert guidance, or participate in open workshops designed for experienced potters wanting 90 minutes of clay work plus a painting session. The studio also runs themed workshops such as make-a-mug, make-a-dish, make-a-platter, and seasonal Christmas activities. Black Duck Studio accommodates NDIS clients with two-hour workshops offering hand-building or glazing and complimentary beverages. A firing service supports local artists and crafters from drop-off through firing with pick-up updates. Event inquiries include private parties, donut tower involvement, and bespoke bookings for celebrations. Bookings, deposits, and workshop details are published for each offering, and all class descriptions list included materials, session lengths, and post-firing pickup times where applicable. Black Duck Studio Pty Ltd presents practical, activity-based ceramics experiences aimed at learning, creativity, and accessible studio access for students, hobbyists, and community participants. Finished pieces are typically fired and available for pickup within two weeks when specified in the class description. Bookings are required online.
Book with Black Duck Studio Pty Ltd