Old School Clay and Ceramics

This is the tentative schedule of projects through November 2024. I will be adding new projects as I think of fun things that would appeal to all ages. It is subject to change. I will try to post a confirmation that the drop in studio is happening on Old School Clay and Ceramics facebook page, or, you can drop me an email to confirm that the project and drop in studio is happening. I am also trying to weave into the schedule holiday themed projects. The drop in workshop is offered from 2 – 4 pm, Sunday afternoons. 

The projects will take about half an hour to make. You can spend more time – if needed. You can come any time between those hours – just plan on half an hour to make the project. A different project will be offered every weekend. Come back two weeks later to glaze your pieces. You can pick up your pot 3 weeks from when you make it. Once glazed and fired the pots will be dishwasher safe, microwavable and oven proof. 

Payment may be made through this website or at the door with cash.

Old School Clay expanded into the adjoining room, which makes Drop In Studio a lot easier for me to manage. It should also mean that I will be able to accommodate more people at one time.

SCHEDULE (Previous Sunday Drop In Projects Pictured)

September 8 – no drop in – I will be at the Acton Boxboro Farmers’ Market

September 15 – pumpkin

September 22 – no drop in

September 29 – no drop in – I will be at the Acton Boxboro Farmers’ Market

October 6 –Ghosts

October 20 – Pumpkin

October 27 – Tree/Cone shaped votive (You will need to glaze your cat lady jar by this date in order to have it for Nov 5. )

November 3 – Trees for a handmade ceramic forest

November 10 – Santa Gnome Luminaire

November 17 – Christmas Cone Tree

November 24 – Ornaments

December 1 – Trees for a handmade ceramic forest

December 8 – Salt and pepper shakers- I am thinking trees, but it may be snow men

December 15 – Menorahs

December 22 – Tzedakah box

December 29 – Fairy House doors

Contact Old School Clay and Ceramics to schedule your party at our studio for the best creative fun! Old School Clay has expanded and the new larger site will accommodate up to 20 people. We will offer all kinds of fun projects for the beginner with no experience required. You can schedule for one day projects, where you will make the piece of pottery, and our staff will finish your work, or two day projects where you make and glaze your pottery. There is no additional charge if you come back to glaze your project. These projects would also be great for homeschoolers or scouts, corporate outings, or even as a family outing.

Once finished all the pottery will be dishwasher safe, microwaveable and oven proof, if protected from thermal shock.

Potential Projects

Make a Plate: Each participant will have an opportunity to make their very own plate. The plate is the perfect size for a snack or bagel or muffin. Each participant will decorate the plate how they want. One could use leaves or texture (carved or stamped) to make their own unique design. $15 per person, minimum $150

Make a Bowl: Using coils and a mold, participants will make a bowl. Coiling is just one of any different ways to make pottery that is not only functional – but beautiful! With coils, one can create textures and designs with the clay – which, after glazing creates subtle beauty. $15 per person, minimum $150

Make A Vase : Using extruded clay tubes, either round or square, you can decorate the tube as you want. Use leaves to make an imprint (seasonal availability) or add clay decorations. $15 per person, minimum $150

Make a Luncheon Plate: Once finished, this plate is about 9 inches wide, making it suitable for a luncheon plate. We can discuss different ways to decorate it, which will determine the cost to make this very functional dish. $20 – $25 per person, Minimum of $200.

Make a wind chime: Using leaves as an imprint, we will make a wind chime with five chimes of about 4 inches each. Beads can also be included. They look great hanging from a stick or driftwood (not included). $15 per person, minimum $150. (This wind chime was made by another artist).

Make a Leaf Bowl: Using a large leaf, such as a catalpa leaf, or grape leaf, or Norway maple, we will roll the leaf into the clay and then cut around the leaf. This project can only be done when these leaves are available. we will then use a form to drape the leaf on, creating a bowl shape. $15 per person, minimum of $150.

Make a Tray – Functional and attractive. Use any number of different textures, from the 12 studio rolling pins, to multiple stamps, or different texture plates. Add handles – or not. It is a blank canvas for you to decorate! $30 – $35 per person, Minimum of $250.

This post will be updated as I learn the new formatting of wordpress, which has me currently frustrated, and as new ideas are added. Potential other products include clay pumpkins and clay trees (Christmas decoration)

The potters of Old School Clay will again be having a pottery sale on the front lawn in front of Prescott Community School the Saturday before Mother’s Day, Saturday May 11. At least 10 different potters will have their pottery for sale. Last year, much of the pottery was made with mom in mind. Many items perfect for the garden, including pre-planted ceramic planters, as well as various types of ceramic garden art. A couple of the ceramic artists will also have jewelry. Of course, there will be plenty of functional pottery, including Groton Holy Bile mugs (Groton’s town seal reads “Holy Bile”), bowls, soap dishes, etc! Hope to see you there!

You have completed the “Intro to Pottery” workshop, and developed a love of working with clay, so what is the next step?  

At this point, I don’t think I have enough students to offer a separate “Continuing on” workshop, so what I am going to suggest is that you sign up for another  :”Learn to Throw” 8 week workshop, and I will tailor the classes to accommodate your continuing interest.

What I am thinking the next round would look like:

1. Challenge to make a 6 inch tall cylinder – that cylinder would then be made into a pitcher. Different types of lips would be demonstrated.
2. Make a larger pot by adding two thrown pots together. Carving clay as a means of decoration.
3. Make a chip and dip. Using slip trailing to decorate.
4. Make a necked bottle . Using wax resist to decorate.
5. Make 4 matching pedestal ice cream bowls.
6. Small Casserole – covered bowl – focus on handles and knobs – functional and artistic.
7. Finish up any work, begin glazing
8. Glazing

This class will use much more clay than previous classes. In order to make it financially feasible for me, at the price offered, only one item will be kept per class, with the exception of the pedestal bowls.

Assuming all the pots make it through the various stages, you would be taking home 9 pots at the end of the course.

I hope to see you all again!

Maynard Farmer’s Market: September 7