Clay and Design Workshop: Functional Ceramics

€85.00

Clay & Design is a three-hour workshop that brings design thinking and handbuilding together.

We begin with design principles, not as rules, but as lenses. How does form follow function? What does an object communicate through its shape and texture? How do constraints become creative resources? Then we put the theory down and you build your own object from clay, guided by a brief you write for yourself.

No design background needed. No ceramics experience required. You'll leave with a piece you made from a genuine brief, and a different way of looking at every object you use every day.

Three hours. Amsterdam. Your piece fired and ready to collect within a few weeks.

Workshop will be held in English.

Please check frequently asked questions here: https://www.ravaceramics.com/faq-1

Clay & Design is a three-hour workshop that brings design thinking and handbuilding together.

We begin with design principles, not as rules, but as lenses. How does form follow function? What does an object communicate through its shape and texture? How do constraints become creative resources? Then we put the theory down and you build your own object from clay, guided by a brief you write for yourself.

No design background needed. No ceramics experience required. You'll leave with a piece you made from a genuine brief, and a different way of looking at every object you use every day.

Three hours. Amsterdam. Your piece fired and ready to collect within a few weeks.

Workshop will be held in English.

Please check frequently asked questions here: https://www.ravaceramics.com/faq-1

Do I need any experience with ceramics or design?
None at all. This workshop is for anyone curious about how design and making connect, whether you work in a creative field, think about design as part of your job, or simply want to make something with your hands for the first time. No ceramics experience, no design background required. If you've never touched clay before, you're in exactly the right place.

What will I actually make?
You'll design and build a small functional clay object for yourself. Most people make a cup, bowl, incense holder. The form comes from your own brief, not a template. You can already have an idea on your mind, or you can design it during the workshop. You’ll have time for it.

How long is the session?
Three hours. Please plan to arrive on time, we begin together and the opening reflection is part of the experience.

When do I get my piece?
Pieces are fired in the studio and ready to collect approximately two to three weeks after the workshop. You'll receive a message when yours is ready.

What if my piece cracks in the kiln?
It occasionally happens, clay is honest about what wasn't ready. If it does, I'll let you know and we can talk about options.

How many people are in a session?
I keep it small deliberately so everyone gets time and attention. You can expect maximum 8-10 people, but it is usually around 5-8.

Can I come alone?
Absolutely. Most people do. The group is small and the atmosphere is quiet and focused, you won't feel out of place.

Can I book a private session for a group?
Yes. For groups of four or more I can organise a dedicated private session. Send me a message with your group size and preferred dates and we'll work something out.

Where exactly is it?
Treehouse NDSM, Amsterdam-Noord. Take the free ferry from Amsterdam Central (NDSM ferry) and it's a short walk from there. I'll send exact directions when you book.

Is there anything I need to bring?
Just yourself. Wear something you don't mind getting a little clay dust on, or use one of the studio aprons. Everything else is provided, tools, clay, tea and coffee.

Can I reschedule if something comes up?
Please let me know as soon as possible if you need to change your booking and I'll do my best to find you a spot in another session. Please note that I'm not able to accept changes or cancellations within the last week before the workshop.functional

Studio RAVA offers Clay & Design, a handbuilding ceramics workshop focused on functional ceramics in Amsterdam. It is suitable for beginners, you are welcome if you have no experience too. Sessions run for three hours at Treehouse NDSM in Amsterdam-Noord, five minutes from Amsterdam Central Station by ferry. Participants focus on design thinking methods and crafting their own functional objects, learn hand building techniques, and build their piece by hand. All materials included. Pieces are fired and ready to collect within a few weeks. Also available as a private group workshop.