Saturday, October 25th
1-4pm
*Registration deadline, October 21st*
$160/family, includes one altar, if you would like to make an additional family altar or 2 seperate ones, please purchase 2.
Open to families of all kinds (if you are bringing children, we recommend ages 4+)
This workshop will be held at The New Local Annex, 713 Pearl St.
Join us for a hands-on, family-friendly workshop where one adult and one child will design and handbuild a personalized clay altar or shelf using slab and handbuilding techniques. In this 3-hour experience, you’ll work together to craft a meaningful space for family heirlooms, keepsakes, or cherished objects. It’s a perfect opportunity to create something special for your home while bonding as a pair. No prior experience with clay is needed—just bring your creativity and love for meaningful moments!
What You'll Experience
In this fun and interactive workshop, you’ll:
- Learn slab and handbuilding techniques to shape and assemble your clay altar or shelf
- Design and personalize your piece with texture, patterns, and decorative details
- Create a functional space to display family treasures, heirlooms, or meaningful objects
- Explore creative collaboration as a family while crafting something unique for your home
- Connect with the calming and therapeutic process of working with clay
- Enjoy a welcoming, relaxed environment designed for all ages and skill levels
What's Included
Your workshop fee includes everything you need to bring your vision to life:
- All clay and ceramic materials
- Professional-grade tools and equipment
- Firing and glazing of your finished pieces
- Light refreshments to enjoy during the workshop
- Take-home care instructions for your ceramic altar or shelf
- Access to pick up your fired pieces within 3-4 weeks
The Process
Hour 1: Introduction to handbuilding and design basics
- Learn the fundamentals of slab building and clay shaping
- Sketch and plan your altar or shelf design with guidance from the instructor
- Begin cutting and assembling the base structure of your piece
Hour 2: Build and decorate your altar
- Add walls, ledges, or decorative elements to your altar or shelf
- Experiment with texturing tools and techniques to personalize your design
- Work together as a family to bring your creation to life
Hour 3: Final touches and meaningful connections
- Refine the details of your piece, ensuring it’s both functional and beautiful
- Add surface textures or inscriptions that reflect your family's unique story
- Enjoy a calming moment as we discuss ideas for using your altar to honor family heirlooms and keepsakes
This Workshop is Perfect For:
- Families looking for a creative and meaningful activity to enjoy together
- Beginners who want to try their hand at ceramics in a welcoming environment
- Parents and kids seeking a shared artistic experience to bond over
- Craft enthusiasts interested in exploring slab and handbuilding techniques
- Home decorators wanting to create a special, handmade feature for their space
- Anyone seeking a mindful, creative moment that combines art and family values
- Gift-givers looking for a unique experience to share with loved ones
The Instructor
Our experienced ceramic artist, Bridget Dorr, will guide you through the handbuilding process with patience and expertise. With years of teaching experience and a passion for pottery as expressive art, she’ll help you create pieces that reflect your unique style. Combining her love for ceramics and tea culture, Bridget shares professional techniques and personalized tips to ensure your work is both beautiful and functional.
Join us at The New Local for this unique blend of ceramic artistry and tea culture. Leave with handcrafted pieces that will enhance your daily matcha practice for years to come, plus the skills and knowledge to continue your ceramic journey.
Space is limited to ensure personalized attention. Reserve your spot today!