Clay Handbuilding: Ceramic Vessel or Planter

San Diego Craft Collective is hosting a Clay Handbuilding workshop on Friday, October 16, from 5 to 7 PM at their studio in the Arts District. It's a beginner-friendly session where you'll make a small ceramic vessel or a plant pot—the kind of size that works well for succulents or herbs—using only your hands. No tools or pottery wheels are involved, so you don't need any prior experience to jump in.

The technique they're teaching is called pinching. You start with a ball of clay and pinch the walls upward to shape the piece, smoothing it out as you go. From there, you can personalize it however you like, and then you'll pick from a variety of glazes to finish it off. All the materials are provided, and since the pieces have to be fired in a kiln, you'll come back to pick up your finished work in three to four weeks.

It helps to know a bit about the place. San Diego Craft Collective is a 501(c)3 nonprofit that teaches hands-on craft to the community, with woodworking as its main focus. They also run classes in ceramics, sewing, macrame, natural dye techniques, weaving, fused glass, mosaics, and papercraft. Their programming starts early—sessions for kids as young as three are inspired by Waldorf and Montessori methods, and school-age programs from age six draw on those plus the Sloyd method. They also offer classes for teens and adults, along with multi-generational workshops where adults and children learn and work together. The whole operation runs as a family-friendly, eco-friendly environment.

The workshop is $60, and discounts are available for military, first responders, and siblings, with scholarships also on the table. You'll find them at 2590 Truxtun Rd, Studio 106, in San Diego's Arts District.