A sprinkle of stories from the yard…

Happy New Year from The Clay Yard

Pottery Peeps

Good evening to you all,

Just one year ago I took over the space that is now a living buzzing river-side community for creative types at The Clay Yard. I am loving everything about setting up and growing this business, but I especially love the fun and joy of connecting with the people who have chosen to explore their creative selves here with me and the other tutors and volunteers.

This email will give you a tiny flavour of the people and their pots that are making The Clay Yard into a wonderful shared community space. Thank-you to you all for making our days so vibrant, fun and creative.

Bringing Life to Clay

Beginner potters Pam and daughter Caroline have made two of my favourite pinch-pot creations. I love that they had vision and that their imagination has been fulfilled.

In our first meeting with the creator of this beautiful pinch-pot fox, Caroline, she introduced herself as “inherently boring”. We soon found out that she spends much of her year working with whales and swimming with dolphins off the coast of the Falklands. Look at her beautiful fox.

Caroline’s Mum Pam, had a crisis of confidence shaping her ball of clay into this gorgeous turtle. I will really miss this critter when it’s taken home by Pam… of course, I’ll miss Pam too!

Kate’s patience pays off…

Kate has worked patiently to design and shape this beautiful salt-pig. Giving consideration to functionality as well as finish - I hope you agree - it’s amazing. Well done Kate. Kate makes time in her busy week to join other intermediate potters on Tuesday evenings.

What is it Adam?

The Wednesday beginners group know what Adam’s slab-built object will be used for but can you guess? E-mail in your suggestions. A very special prize if you guess it correctly.

2024 Courses

Courses for all levels are available for booking now… some places are available for the January start, February 6 week courses are now also available for booking.

Explore Courses

Game-boards in Clay

The potential to be shaped and moulded into almost anything has great potential for the creatively minded. Playstations are sooooo last-season.

Well done Jules on her copper patina glazes stoneware Mancala board and to Rowan for his recreation of the ancient Chinese game Liubo.

Pot experiences flight!

Lu has made this challenging sectional piece on the wheel. It was not only a test for her making skills but also her reaction times when an accidental pedal press sent it flying. Well caught there Lu - and it is BEAUTIFUL.

Beautiful finished piece with oxides and tin white glaze with excellent masking

Surprise!

The look of surprise on Luisa’s face as she is presented with a brew in her very own mug. I meet so many interesting people with exciting careers and interests. Can you guess what Luisa does for a living?

Dates for your Diary

Pot Pickup Social is on Saturday the 16th December for those who have been taking part in classes this term.
The Clay Yard 2023 Student Exhibition: 24th and 25th February.
Classes start back on the 3rd January for all classes. Intermediate classes start on the 12th.
Workshops throughout the Spring starting with Julia Toy’s weekend workshop - Throwing on the Wheel on the 10th and 11th Feb.

I hope you enjoy your Christmas break. I look forward to meeting more of you in the New Year and wish you the best of health and wellbeing.