Teapot Masterclass
4 Week Teapot Masterclass
Design, throw and create your own fully functional ceramic teapot in this four-week specialist pottery course, led by ceramic artist Mitsuka Shimazu.
A great teapot is one of the most rewarding pottery projects to make. Every element—from the body and lid to the spout and handle—needs to work together beautifully while pouring perfectly.
Over four weeks you'll learn the specialist techniques required to throw, trim, assemble and glaze your own handmade teapot. Along the way you'll explore proportion, precision, pouring mechanics and decorative finishing techniques.
Guided by experienced ceramic artist Mitsuka Shimazu, you'll refine your wheel throwing skills while creating a unique teapot that reflects your own personal style.
This is a technical course best suited to students who have completed a beginners throwing course or have some previous experience using the pottery wheel.
What's Included
Four weekly guided sessions
Small group tuition with expert guidance throughout
Learn to throw every component of a functional teapot
Precision trimming and lid fitting techniques
Assemble, decorate and personalise your own teapot
Learn glazing techniques during a dedicated glaze session
All clay, tools and studio materials included
Bisque and glaze firing included
Take home your own functional handmade teapot
Course Breakdown
Week 1 – Throwing the Components
- Introduction to teapot design and studio workflow
- Learn what makes a teapot pour well
- Throw the teapot body
- Create multiple lids and spouts ready for selection
- Explore different teapot styles and proportions
Week 2 – Trimming & Assembly
- Trim the body, lid and spout for a precise fit
- Learn accurate measuring with callipers
- Attach the spout and handle
- Refine the overall form and functionality
Week 3 – Decoration & Finishing
- Add carving, texture or sculptural decoration
- Refine every surface and edge
- Burnish and smooth your finished teapot
- Prepare your work ready for firing
Week 4 – Glaze Day
- Learn the basics of ceramic glazes
- Understand food-safe glazing techniques
- Use wax resist and dipping glazes
- Glaze your own teapot ready for its final firing
After Your Course
- Your glazed teapot will undergo its final glaze firing in our studio kiln.
- Your finished piece will be ready to collect approximately 4-5 weeks after the glazing session.
- We'll email you as soon as your teapot is ready for collection.
What to Bring
👕 Clothes you don't mind getting a little messy (or an apron)
💧 A drink for each session
💇 Long hair tied back is recommended
💅 Short fingernails are helpful for wheel throwing
Location
Clayful Hands Studio, Offham Farm, Lewes, East Sussex — BN7 3QE
Free parking onsite. Café and farm shop next door.
Bookings, Refunds & Attendance
Due to the small class sizes and the progressive nature of this course, bookings are paid in full at the time of booking.
If you need to cancel, please let us know as soon as possible. A 10% administration fee applies to any eligible refunds.
- More than 14 days before the course starts: Reschedule once or receive a refund (minus a 10% administration fee).
- Within 14 days: Bookings are non-refundable but may be transferred to another available course if space allows.
- Once the course has started: Missed sessions cannot normally be transferred or refunded as each week builds on the previous one.
You're welcome to transfer your booking to a friend before the course begins if you're unable to attend.
If we need to cancel a session, an alternative date or full refund will be offered.
Continue Your Pottery Journey
Looking to keep developing your skills? Our Clay Club Membership gives you regular studio access to continue throwing and refining your work between courses.