Training & Courses
Hobby Ceramicraft offer training and courses throughout the year both for newcomers to the trade and for more experienced ceramists who are interested in increasing their knowledge.
Starter Courses
Our weekend "Introduction to the Business of Paint Your Own Pottery" course is the ideal starter course if you are looking at starting up in the contemporary ceramics business. This two-day course takes the worry out of starting up a ceramic cafe or mobile pottery painting business. Let Jane and Matthew give you the benefit of over two decades of experience with ceramics - not just showing you how it's done, but also how to make the most of the business opportunity, taking you through the different business scenariso, how to prepare for opening your own business.
You'll learn what equipment to use, including the all-important kiln!
Taking this course gives you the peace of mind to know that you have had the best possible preparation. This can avoid costly mistakes in the early days, and give you the kick-start you need!
Courses are held over a weekend at our studio in Hampshire. Both days start at 9:30am. On the Saturday we usually go on until 6pm, and on the Sunday around 4pm, as we know that some attendees will have a long drive home! The atmosphere is relaxed and open, so you can ask any questions you like without feeling awkward. A pub lunch is included on both days, so you should be able to get to know the other participants well. We encourage people to stay in touch after the course so you can benefit from each other's experiences.
The course costs £165 per person (including all materials used and a pub lunch on both days). We take a non-refundable deposit of £85 to secure your place, and the balance is payable on the day. You will have the chance to purchase the equipment and materials you will need to start off at a discounted rate when you attend the course.
Upcoming course dates: -
- JULY 26th - 27th 2008
- SEPTEMBER 20th - 21st 2008
- NOVEMBER 1st - 2nd 2008
Other Courses
As well as our starter course, we also offer training days throughout the year covering other subjects, including slip-casting, working with clay, using glass, and many more. As part of our commitment to helping your business grow, we also arrange business seminars hosted by very successful owners of contemporary ceramics business, who will share with you the secrets of their success!
Upcoming seminars:-
- Monday JULY 14th 2008 - 10:00 to 16:00
POURING SLIP & USING MOULDS
A repeat of this popular seminar, so there's no excuse to miss it. Cost: £50 + VAT (including lunch) - Monday 11th August 2008 - 09:00 to
16:00
***NEW*** INTRO TO THE HOBBY OF PAINT YOUR OWN POTTERY
Running a ceramic studio as a business is one side of our trade, however there are many people who simply want to indulge in ceramics for their own pleasure. We are introducing this new starter course for hobbyists who want to learn some basic decorating techniques, without the commercial content that is offered on our other starter courses. Cost: £60 + VAT (including lunch) - Wednesday 10th September 2008- 09:00
to 13:00
***NEW*** KILN MAINTENANCE MORNING
Your kiln is your most important asset, and it makes sense to keep it running smoothly. Just like any other household appliance, Paragon kilns do not require much attention, but it pays to be prepared. Matt will show you the "innards" of various kilns and take you through what each part does, as well as some basic problem-solving, so you'll know exactly what to do should the unexpected happen, and reduce kiln downtime to the absolute minimum! Cost: £25 + VAT (or FREE with any kiln purchased in August) - Wednesday 24th September 2008- 10:00
to 16:00
PAINTING PROJECTS for KIDS - WINTER THEMES
Get some inspiration for the Christmas holidays with Jane's winter-themed projects for kids. Cost: £50 + VAT (including lunch) - Thursday 25th September 2008 - 10:00
to 16:00
PAINTING PROJECTS for CHRISTMAS with Jane Stenning
This one is for the big kids! Jane will be showcasing some beautiful seasonal projects to get the creative juices flowing! As you can take away all the pieces you create, you’ll have your sample pieces all ready for the studio in one go! Cost: £50 + VAT (including lunch) - Friday 26th September 2008 - 10:00
to 16:00
CLARICE CLIFF workshop with Leah Cotton
Leah will be taking you through some projects inspired by the great Clarice Cliffe. Leah has a wealth of experience decorating in this style. This will be a great course, and of course, you can join us for only £10 when you have collected 100 Pot Points!
Cost: £50 + VAT (including lunch) - w/c 13th October 2008 (actual days to be confirmed)
MAYCO POTTERY CAMP at Hobby Ceramicraft (2 days)
Mayco Pottery Camp is a 2-day event giving you the chance to try out new colours and shapes which could become part of your range. Whether it's for your own enjoyment, or to learn something new to pass on to your customers, this is always a popular course.
Cost: £99 for two days training (lunch included)
SAVE £££'s by using your Pot Points
- with 100 Hobby Ceramicraft Pot Points this course is HALF PRICE!! Click here for more details
Pottery Camp 08 MULTI-BOOKING SAVER
Book one place at the full price, and get £25 off each additional booking from your studio!
