In this beginner-friendly handbuilding class from our Simple Ceramics series, ceramics designer Bri Santo will walk you through the steps to transform a slab of clay into two lovely and fully functional, ceramic mugs! Bri will instruct you on how to use fundamental pottery tools and specific handbuilding techniques as she helps you carve out your base and mug walls and put its final form together. Following that, Bri will share some of her favorite carving methods and advice for creating unique textures and effects on clay surfaces. You’ll get a chance to experiment with these various methods before using them on your own final coffee mugs. After class, your clay masterpieces will be glazed, fired, finished, and ready for pick up at a later date. This is a perfect class to get your feet wet with ceramics before you dive into a full-blown ceramics course that involves applying multiple glazes and operating a kiln.

Supplies Needed: None. As part of the class, each student will receive enough clay to create two clay mugs that will hold approximately 12oz of your favorite coffee, tea or other beverage. Also, make sure to wear something that you don’t mind getting a little messy in. We will have aprons to protect your clothing.

Instructor Bio: Bri Santo is the owner and designer for Sumiware Ceramics.  Starting at a young age learning the craft in her mother’s professional pottery studio, Bri has now been working with clay for over two decades.  Following her passion for producing bright, joyful ceramics for folks who want to live more creatively, Bri launched her own brand Sumiware Ceramics in 2021.  Bri continues to design ceramics and teach classes here in San Francisco and around the Bay Area.  Check out her work on Insta at @sumiware.ceramics and her website at https://www.sumiware.com/.

The rules / important stuff: We have a NO EXCEPTIONS 72 HOUR CANCELLATION policy – this includes cancellation, re-books, gift certificates, moving classes, etc. For more information on canceling a class, please read our cancellation policy. All classes are 21+. If any questions, please email us at info AT workshopsf DOT org.

ALL CLASSES TAKE PLACE AT WORKSHOP SF LOCATED AT 1310 HAIGHT STREET UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED ON THE TITLE AND LISTING.