Creu
Creu is the Welsh word for create.
Making is at the heart of Tŷ Clai. Our pottery is a place to work with clay, learn new processes and make things by hand. Workshops are open to complete beginners as well as those with more experience. The emphasis is on learning through doing, with time to test ideas, make mistakes and understand how the material behaves.
Our workshops explore hand-building, wheel throwing and moulding. You will be introduced to the basic processes of shaping, joining and finishing clay, with your creation glazed and fired after the workshop.
Workshops
We hold regular group workshops at Tŷ Clai.
Private workshops can also be arranged for individuals or groups of up to ten people. These sessions can be shaped around your interests and experience, from a first introduction to clay to a longer workshop centred on a particular object, technique or idea.
Guests staying at the house can arrange a private pottery workshop as part of their visit.
Follow us on Instagram for upcoming workshops, events and new dates, and contact us directly (hello@tyclai.com) to arrange a private session.
Half-day
Our shorter workshops offer a practical introduction to hand-building with clay. You will learn techniques such as pinching, coiling and joining, working towards a finished mug, vase or vessel by the end of the session.
No previous experience is needed. The workshop includes all clay, tools, glazing and firing.
Full-day
Our day workshops are structured around a particular theme or body of research. They allow more time for looking, drawing, designing and making, and for developing a more detailed object.
Our current workshop is Welsh Vernaculars, exploring the forms, materials and textures of Welsh buildings and landscapes. (See below)
Welsh Vernaculars
Explore the forms, proportions and textures of Welsh vernacular architecture through a design-led ceramics workshop at Tŷ Clai.
Using stoneware clay, you will learn hand-building techniques to create a Welsh cottage lantern and incense burner inspired by Welsh architecture, farm buildings and the surrounding landscape. Your finished building will be bisque fired, glazed and fired again, ready for collection or postage within approximately four to eight weeks.
The day begins by looking at local and historical references. You will consider building forms, rooflines, openings, walls and surface textures before sketching and planning your own piece.
You will then be guided through the processes of cutting, shaping and joining clay slabs to construct an architectural form. Time will be spent developing apertures, edges and surface details, and considering how light, material and place can be expressed through the finished object. No previous experience with clay is required.
The day includes:
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Introduction: An overview of the studio, the making process, clay preparation, glazing and firing.
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Context: An introduction to Welsh vernacular buildings through local, architectural and historical references.
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Design: Drawing and planning the form, proportions, openings and surface of your building.
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Tools and techniques: An introduction to pottery tools, slab-building, joining and hand-building methods.
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Making: Constructing the main form using prepared clay slabs and extruded elements.
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Finishing: Adding texture and detail, refining edges and preparing the piece for drying and firing.
Information
All materials, tools, premium stoneware clay, glazing and firing are included in the workshop, which runs from 11am to 4pm with a one-hour lunch break; bring a packed lunch to enjoy in Tŷ Clai or visit one of Fishguard’s nearby cafés. Tea, coffee and cake provided.
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11am–12pm: Introduction to the making process, studio tour and design planning.
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12–1pm: Building the main clay body of the building
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1–2pm: Lunch
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2–4pm: Completing the form with the roof, chimneys, texture and details, and refining the finished piece.
For slab-building workshops, clay is prepared in advance so it is ready to use on the day. Bookings are non-refundable but may be rescheduled with at least 14 days’ notice to allow us time to reallocate the space.
£90 - Book Now
