Ceramics Instruction
Classes are a wonderful way to experience the joy of clay and learn new skills. Clay is for everyone - anyone can learn how to hand build or throw on the wheel. I believe that clay classes provide folks with the opportunity to build community and connection through art.
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As of August 2023 I have over 200 hours of youth instruction experience and over 700 hours of adult instruction experience. I've shared the joy of clay with over 700 students of all ages and loved every minute of it.
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I currently design and teach 8 week classes and workshops in partnership with LeMoyne Arts. I also teach adult pottery classes at the City of Tallahassee Lafayette Park Arts & Crafts Center as a part-time employee.
Fall 2023 Classes & Workshops
Updated August 4, 2023
Lafayette Arts and Crafts Center
Registration opens 8AM Monday July 31
Beginner to Intermediate Wheel: Mondays 9:30AM - 12PM from August 21 - October 9. No class Labor Day. Registration full
Beginner Basics in Pottery Fridays 9:30AM - 12PM from August 25 - October 13. Registration full​
Registration opens Monday August 7 for LeMoyne members and on Monday August 14 for non-members. Class registration includes a 25lb bag of clay. ​
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Registration Full: Hand Building Project Studio: Saturdays 9AM - 12PM from Aug.5 - Aug. 26
Workshops include all materials and firings. Registration can be found at: http://www.lemoyne.org/workshops.html​
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Wheel Thrown Pumpkins
Saturday September 2 9:30AM - 12:30PM + glazing Sat. Sept. 9 1:30-4:30
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Lean into the joys of fall and learn how to make your very own wheel-thrown pumpkins! Laurel Blackthorne will demo their techniques for creating both small and large wheel-thrown pumpkins with attached pulled stems. Laurel will provide assistance and tips as you create your own pumpkins at the wheel. Pick your favorites to keep and come back and glaze just in time to decorate your home or garden for the fall! Experience Level: Students should be able to center, open, and pull on the wheel.
Trimming is the unsung hero of the pottery process - it has the power to completely change the shape and personality of your wheel thrown pot. Come spend a Saturday morning in community with other potters as we explore possibilities and techniques of trimming on the wheel. Laurel Blackthorne will provide a trimming demo on cylinders, bowls, and small plates. They’ll then provide assistance and troubleshooting help as you practice trimming. The workshop includes four pre-made pieces for trimming practice; students are welcome to bring their own leather-hard work for trimming as well. Previous wheel experience required
Trimming on the Wheel Skills Workshop
Saturday September 9 9:30AM - 12:30PM + glazing Sat. Sept. 23 1:30-4:00
Introduction to Wheel
Mondays 6PM - 8PM from Sept. 18 - Nov. 6
No previous experience required Come learn to throw on the wheel! We will focus on building a strong foundation of skills and techniques that students can carry forward in their ceramics practice. Each class meeting will have a specific focus and students can expect to complete 6-8 pieces (however beautifully wonky!). The class will also include discussions of basic knowledge about clay, glazes, and kilns that will give students a holistic understanding of ceramics.
Projects in Wheel Throwing
Wednesdays 9:30AM - 12PM from Sept. 20 - Nov. 8
Previous wheel experience required Come spend your mornings in the Ceramics Studio working in community with fellow artists. We’ll focus on refining and mastering wheel throwing skills through intentional throwing and clean trimming. Laurel Blackthorne will provide support and advice as students work independently on creative wheel throwing projects of their own design and provide suggested projects for students working on specific skills and forms. The class will also include discussion of clay, glazes, and kilns that will give students a holistic understanding of ceramics. This class is repeatable as students continue their journeys in clay.
Mixed Level Hand Building
Thursdays 1:30PM - 4:30PM from Sept. 21 - Nov. 9
Previous hand building experience recommended Let’s make things with clay! We will focus on mastering skills in slabs, coils, and sculpture in a series of instructor-guided and student-led projects. Laurel Blackthorne will provide support and advice as students work independently on creative hand building projects of their own design and provide suggested projects for students working on specific skills and forms. The class will also include discussion of clay, glazes, and kilns that will give students a holistic understanding of ceramics. This class is repeatable as students continue their journeys in clay.
Little Bit of Everything
Fridays 6:00PM -8:00PM from Sept. 22 - Nov. 10
No previous experience required Don’t know whether to start with hand building or wheel throwing? This is the class for you! We’ll explore both through a series of guided projects including wheel-thrown spoon rests and hand-built trinket boxes. A great introductory or one-time class for folks interested in exploring clay as an art form. The class will also include discussion of clay, glazes, and kilns that will give students a holistic understanding of ceramics. This class is repeatable as students continue their journeys in clay.
Introduction to Hand Building
Saturdays 9:30AM - 12PM from Sept. 23- Nov. 4 (seven week class)
No previous experience required Designed for students brand-new to hand building. We will focus on building a strong foundation of skills and techniques that students can carry forward in their ceramics practice. Each class meeting will have a specific focus and students can expect to complete 6-8 projects. We’ll make everything from pinch pots to slab built mugs! The class will also include discussions of basic knowledge about clay, glazes, and kilns that will give students a holistic understanding of ceramics.