Monsters by Design: A Beginning Hand-Building Class (4-Week Session)
This four-week beginner class introduces foundational hand-building techniques through the lens of character creation—offering a fun, design-forward entry point into working with clay.
Using a mix of pinch-pot and slab-building methods, you’ll sculpt your own original clay characters—stylized, imaginative figures that can take inspiration from art toys, video game aesthetics, pop culture, etc. Whether you’re drawn to playful monsters, stylized characters, or bold, simplified forms, this class gives you the tools to bring your ideas to life in clay.
Students are encouraged to come with ideas or references in mind—sketches, favorite characters, or visual styles they admire—anything that sparks creative direction.
You’ll also have the option to explore underglaze painting techniques to add expressive details and color to your designs. Prefer something more minimalistic? We’ll cover how to glaze your piece using single-color finishes as well.
This is a great class for total beginners or anyone curious about character design, toy culture, or sculptural hand-building. For those who want to refine or expand their pieces beyond class time, we highly encourage taking full advantage of open studio hours—you’ll have access to the space seven days a week to continue developing your work.
Course format:
4 weekly sessions (2 hours each)
Included with your registration:
• Approximately 12 lbs of clay
• Glazes and firing services (additional fees apply for pieces larger than 6” in any direction)
• Access to open studio time to continue working on your projects between sessions
Please note: Underglaze is not included with registration, but will be available for purchase at the studio for anyone interested in exploring painted decoration techniques.
Tool Policy Update:
Due to recent changes in import taxes, we are no longer able to offer a free set of tools with class registration. Tools will still be available for use during class sessions, but not during open studio hours. We offer quality tool kits for sale at the studio, or students may bring their own tools purchased from an art supply store or online.
Open Studio Hours:
Monday–Sunday, 9am–9pm
What to bring:
Wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty and closed-toe shoes.
Students are encouraged to bring their own apron and hand towel.
Age requirement:
This class is designed for adults, though minors ages 14–17 are welcome to participate with parent or guardian permission.
Children ages 9–13 may also enroll, but must be accompanied by a parent or guardian who is also registered for the class.
A waiver must be signed in person by a parent or legal guardian on the first day of class during check-in.
Questions? Email us at hello@makersandclay.com
This four-week beginner class introduces foundational hand-building techniques through the lens of character creation—offering a fun, design-forward entry point into working with clay.
Using a mix of pinch-pot and slab-building methods, you’ll sculpt your own original clay characters—stylized, imaginative figures that can take inspiration from art toys, video game aesthetics, pop culture, etc. Whether you’re drawn to playful monsters, stylized characters, or bold, simplified forms, this class gives you the tools to bring your ideas to life in clay.
Students are encouraged to come with ideas or references in mind—sketches, favorite characters, or visual styles they admire—anything that sparks creative direction.
You’ll also have the option to explore underglaze painting techniques to add expressive details and color to your designs. Prefer something more minimalistic? We’ll cover how to glaze your piece using single-color finishes as well.
This is a great class for total beginners or anyone curious about character design, toy culture, or sculptural hand-building. For those who want to refine or expand their pieces beyond class time, we highly encourage taking full advantage of open studio hours—you’ll have access to the space seven days a week to continue developing your work.
Course format:
4 weekly sessions (2 hours each)
Included with your registration:
• Approximately 12 lbs of clay
• Glazes and firing services (additional fees apply for pieces larger than 6” in any direction)
• Access to open studio time to continue working on your projects between sessions
Please note: Underglaze is not included with registration, but will be available for purchase at the studio for anyone interested in exploring painted decoration techniques.
Tool Policy Update:
Due to recent changes in import taxes, we are no longer able to offer a free set of tools with class registration. Tools will still be available for use during class sessions, but not during open studio hours. We offer quality tool kits for sale at the studio, or students may bring their own tools purchased from an art supply store or online.
Open Studio Hours:
Monday–Sunday, 9am–9pm
What to bring:
Wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty and closed-toe shoes.
Students are encouraged to bring their own apron and hand towel.
Age requirement:
This class is designed for adults, though minors ages 14–17 are welcome to participate with parent or guardian permission.
Children ages 9–13 may also enroll, but must be accompanied by a parent or guardian who is also registered for the class.
A waiver must be signed in person by a parent or legal guardian on the first day of class during check-in.
Questions? Email us at hello@makersandclay.com
This four-week beginner class introduces foundational hand-building techniques through the lens of character creation—offering a fun, design-forward entry point into working with clay.
Using a mix of pinch-pot and slab-building methods, you’ll sculpt your own original clay characters—stylized, imaginative figures that can take inspiration from art toys, video game aesthetics, pop culture, etc. Whether you’re drawn to playful monsters, stylized characters, or bold, simplified forms, this class gives you the tools to bring your ideas to life in clay.
Students are encouraged to come with ideas or references in mind—sketches, favorite characters, or visual styles they admire—anything that sparks creative direction.
You’ll also have the option to explore underglaze painting techniques to add expressive details and color to your designs. Prefer something more minimalistic? We’ll cover how to glaze your piece using single-color finishes as well.
This is a great class for total beginners or anyone curious about character design, toy culture, or sculptural hand-building. For those who want to refine or expand their pieces beyond class time, we highly encourage taking full advantage of open studio hours—you’ll have access to the space seven days a week to continue developing your work.
Course format:
4 weekly sessions (2 hours each)
Included with your registration:
• Approximately 12 lbs of clay
• Glazes and firing services (additional fees apply for pieces larger than 6” in any direction)
• Access to open studio time to continue working on your projects between sessions
Please note: Underglaze is not included with registration, but will be available for purchase at the studio for anyone interested in exploring painted decoration techniques.
Tool Policy Update:
Due to recent changes in import taxes, we are no longer able to offer a free set of tools with class registration. Tools will still be available for use during class sessions, but not during open studio hours. We offer quality tool kits for sale at the studio, or students may bring their own tools purchased from an art supply store or online.
Open Studio Hours:
Monday–Sunday, 9am–9pm
What to bring:
Wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty and closed-toe shoes.
Students are encouraged to bring their own apron and hand towel.
Age requirement:
This class is designed for adults, though minors ages 14–17 are welcome to participate with parent or guardian permission.
Children ages 9–13 may also enroll, but must be accompanied by a parent or guardian who is also registered for the class.
A waiver must be signed in person by a parent or legal guardian on the first day of class during check-in.
Questions? Email us at hello@makersandclay.com