Foundations of Handbuilding Pottery - Ages 8-12

Ages 8-12 | EFA Funding Qualified

Learn the basics of handbuilding in this 8-week beginner elementary class designed specifically for homeschool students!

Classes meet once per week for 8 consecutive weeks. The first class begins on the selected start date, with subsequent classes occurring on the same day of the week. Each class period is 3hrs. 

All students must fill out a waiver before utilizing the studio.

In this course, students will explore handbuilding basics through functional pottery perfect for young learners. Students will complete four exciting projects incorporating pinch method, coil method, slab construction and soft slab draping. Students will have opportunities to apply surface decoration through stamps, underglaze application and sgraffito techniques. A glazing session will be provided during the final weeks and pieces will be fired and finished approximately two weeks after the last class day.

This course is built for true beginners and will give students the foundational skills of handbuilding pottery in an age-appropriate, supportive environment!

What We'll Cover:

• Pinch method
• Coil method
• Soft slab draping
• Slab construction
• Basic surface decoration techniques

What's Included:

• Clay for all projects
• All necessary tools and equipment
• Firing services for finished pieces
• Sketch book for planning projects
• Expert instruction from Alex DerGazarian
  

What to Bring:

We recommend bringing your own towels, rags, or aprons to keep clothes clean during the creative process.

Class instructed by Alex DerGazarian

This class meets weekly for 8 consecutive weeks beginning on the date listed. The handbuilding class includes three hours of group instruction per week, this class does not include open studio work time. All projects will be completed during class hours. 

Arkansas Homeschool Families:

This class qualifies for EFA (Educational Freedom Account) funding, making quality arts education accessible for Arkansas homeschool students. To pay though your class wallet - please use code EFACLASSWALLET at checkout, this will register you for the class with $0 due at checkout. Please then navigate to Class Wallet and follow the instructions for how to pay a vendor though class wallet search our vendor name as Fifth Street Studio. For your invoice we will send you a open invoice the week that classes start for you to upload. Once we receive the EFA funds though class wallet that invoice will be market as paid. 

Fall 2025 - EFA funds are not distributed to Student Class Wallet till August 18th. Our invoices must be paid though Class Wallet by August 31st to maintain your registration in the class. If we do not receive your payment or proof of payment (we understand Class Wallet can take some time to process funds) by August 31st we will require payment though personal funds for the classes attended. For any questions or clarification of the process please email us at info@fifthstreet.studio.

We look forward to having your young artist join us! If you have any questions, visit our FAQ section.

All tools and clay are provided for class, but if you wish to have your own tool set, it may be purchased separately.

Refund and Class Cancelation Policy applies - see full terms for details.

Class registrations 

Class registrations may be canceled within 48hrs of booking for a refund to to original purchase method. All refunds or credits are subject to a $10 processing fee. 

We offer to make adjustments to your class registration and refund for store credit when you contact us with your request up to 7 days before your registered class date. If the registered class begins in 7 or less days we can no longer make adjustments or offer credit of any kind. All refunds or credits are subject to a $10 processing fee. 

All students are required to accept the following refund policy and safety protocols when registering for a class or workshop:

I understand it is my responsibility to show up to class. I will not be refunded or credited for missed classes. This includes having to quarantine for COVID-19 exposure, travel quarantine or testing positive for COVID-19.

I understand that I must follow all safety protocols and guidelines of Fifth Street Studio. Failing to do so will result in forfeiting your registration fee and removal from your class.

I will make every effort to keep the studio a safe space and clean space.

In the event that your class is cancelled due to circumstances outside of our control (including a city-mandated shutdown), all currently enrolled students will receive a refund in the form of a credit. This credit does not expire and can be applied to any class or workshop in the future.

What class is right for me? 

Wheel I is a six week, true beginner class and requires no previous experience. Wheel I builds a foundation of skills needed to throw pottery as well as introduces basic pottery terminology. 

Wheel II is a six week class that builds on the foundations of Wheel I and introduces new techniques for throwing lager vessels, creating sets and working on consistency. 

Intro to Wheel is a great place to start if you're not sure if you can commit to six weeks of class. We cover the very basic steps to pottery in a fun and approachable environment. 

Classes FAQ

Q- Classes show as sold out, is there a waiting list? 

A- We do not have a waiting list for classes. We send out early access emails to our email newsletter subscribers, signing up for emails is the best way to make sure you snag a spot. If we have a space open unexpectedly we will send out a notification to our email list and registration will be first come first serve.

Q- When will the next classes open for registration?

A- Classes are posted at least 2 weeks in advance of the class start date. Our email list receives an early registration link before classes are posted to the website, so be sure to sign up for our email list via the bottom of our website homepage!

Q- What are the age limits for wheel classes and workshops? 

A- We ask that students are at least 12 years of age unless specified in the class description. Students under the age of 15 must be accompanied by an adult 21+ years of age.

What membership is right for me? 

Studio Membership is our all access membership. Members have access to wheels, handbuilding equipment, studio glazes, and other tools and resources you need to continue your journey into pottery! Members also have access to our library of resource books and the expertise of our staff. 

Handbuilding Membership gives you access to our handbuilding tables, slab roller, extruder, and studio glazes. If you're not a wheel thrower, this is the perfect way to stay engaged in the community!

Firing and Glazing Membership provides you access to our studio glazes and unlimited firing services. We fire to cone 04 for bisque and cone 6 for glaze. It's perfect for home potters that aren't ready for the commitment of a kiln, but want to stay engaged in the community. 

Drop-off Firing Service is perfect if you're a home pottery that is producing a few items at a time. It's great for a busy schedule that can't commit to a stretch of 6 or 12 weeks, just drop work off as you're able and pay by the pound for firing. We get most items though the kiln in 1-2 weeks.