discover Wild Clay, anywhere.
Explore the Wonderful World of Wild Clay with one of our online courses!
This online course includes instructional videos and written instructions about an ancient ceramics process using wild clay from gathering to firing. We also offer another course that includes the unique Process Ceramics programming with journaling prompts, meditations, coaching activities, and reflections to consider throughout the process. If you are interested in one of the steps, the individual chapters are also available for purchase.
Individual lesson chapters
If you are interested in diving into a single Chapter of the course, this is a great option for you. The individual Chapters focus on specific methods for each step in the process. If you are interested in the entire process from gathering to pit-firing check out our full course "Wild Clay Creations: Demystifying an Ancient Ceramic Practice"
Learn what, where, and how to spot wild clay as well as how to test samples for workability/plasticity.
Learn two methods for cleansing or "purifying" and preparing foraged / local / wild clay for creating vessels
Learn about surface treatments on wild clay vessels including burnishing methods and glazing with Organic & Mineral Glazes
Learn considerations and techniques for creating vessels with wild clay using a pinch pot or mold / puki and the coil and scrap method
Learn two methods (reduction and oxidation) for pit firing as well as tips for the best results in pit firing your wild clay work
An introduction to the process of creating with wild & foraged clay
Our courses are informative introductory courses into the ancient world of wild clay ceramics. The courses are tailored to beginner to intermediate ceramicists who are eager to expand their skills and delve deeper into the art of working with wild clay.
While many of our courses are designed with intermediate practitioners in mind, we warmly invite beginners to join as well. Embracing the therapeutic and creative power of wild clay is open to all levels of experience. For those new to ceramics, rest assured that you're in good hands. Our comprehensive modules will guide you through the techniques and processes step by step, allowing you to embrace the magic of wild clay with confidence.
Should you desire more personalized guidance as a beginner, we offer 1:1 consultation calls for a fee (just send us an email or contact us via the contact page and we’ll get time set-up). These sessions are tailored to address your specific needs and ensure you embark on this journey with clarity and assurance.
Furthermore, for a truly immersive experience, consider joining our in-person retreats. These retreats provide an opportunity to dive even deeper into the personal growth, healing, and transformative elements that our program offers. Guided by knowledgeable instructors and surrounded by a supportive community, the process becomes even more potent and inspiring.
No matter your skill level, we're excited to have you join our course. Get ready to unlock your creative potential, explore ancient techniques, and create awesome wild clay work!
What are these courses about
As the wild clay community grows there are more and more opportunities to learn about wild clay. From the scientific / geological aspects to techniques for making replica pieces there's an array of options to choose from.
This course is focused on helping you learn the basics of an ancient ceramic process from start to finish; from foraging wild clay to pit firing your work. It is intended to give you the skills to start your wild clay journey and explore your creativity.
This process is an exercise in patience, awareness, openness, creativity, and acceptance. There may be times you feel challenged and have to make several attempts to successfully complete a step - and that is OK! That is part of the process.
While it's much more impactful to your progress to learn these skills in person at one of our retreats or another workshop by other wild clay instructors, we made this course with the hopes to share the information with as many folks interested as possible regardless of the constraints of their current situation.
If you find yourself needing support we are here to help guide you. You can register for one-on-one calls (just send us an email or contact us via the contact page and we’ll get time set-up) to help you navigate through the process if needed