Carving and Handbuilding Secrets
If your hand-built pieces feel clunky, your slabs crack, or your carvings fall flat, you’re not alone—and you’re not doing it wrong. You just haven’t been shown how to work with the clay, not against it. In this course, I’ll guide you through the techniques I use to create refined forms and bold, intuitive carvings that flow with ease.
We’ll get into the real stuff—clays, tools, drying stages, design flow, and how to carve without overthinking. Whether you’re new to clay or ready to elevate your work, this is about building forms that feel good to make and carving with confidence, not fear. Let’s make your process feel like freedom again.
What’s inside
Chapter 1: Foundations — Clay, Tools & Intuition
We kick off with the essentials: understanding clay types, prepping your slabs, and choosing tools that actually make a difference. This chapter sets the tone for everything that follows — solid technique, intuitive touch, and the confidence to begin.
Chapter 2: Sculptural Play — Pinch, Coil & Slab
This is where we build. You’ll explore how to combine hand-building techniques to form bold, flowing shapes. From pinching to coiling to slab building, we’ll experiment, play, and learn how to keep structure while letting creativity lead.
Chapter 3: Carving, Texture & Surface Rhythm
Now the magic starts. You’ll learn my go-to carving tools and techniques, how to time your surface work perfectly, and how to create depth and contrast with marks, textures, and soft edges. It’s all about giving your pieces that unforgettable finish.
Chapter 4: Finishing Touches & Creative Voice
We wrap it all up with final refinements, subtle details, and intuitive choices that make your work feel complete. You’ll explore how to find your rhythm, follow your creative instincts, and start building a body of work that feels like you.
Live Demonstrations — Real-Time Making, Real Talk
Alongside the lessons, you’ll get access to live-style demos where I show you how I actually work — carving, building, texturing, finishing — all in real time. You’ll see the full flow, hear my natural thought process, and get a behind-the-scenes look at how each piece comes together, with all the raw, unfiltered moments included.
This Course Is for you if…
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Not sure which clay to use — or how to stop your pieces from cracking or collapsing?
We start with the foundations: understanding different clay bodies, how to prep them properly, and what to watch out for as you build. Whether you’re a total beginner or coming back to clay, this sets you up with confidence.
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Feeling overwhelmed by all the tools out there?
I’ll walk you through exactly what I use in my own studio — no fluff. You’ll learn how to choose, hold, and master essential tools so you stop struggling and start carving and shaping with ease.
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Curious how to actually combine pinch, coil, and slab into something sculptural and cohesive?
This is where the magic starts. You’ll learn how to mix hand-building techniques into flowing, organic forms — and how to do it without losing structure or intention.
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Want to carve with confidence but unsure when or how to start?
I’ll guide you step-by-step through the carving process — including timing, pressure, tools, and textures — so you stop second-guessing and start creating clean, expressive lines that elevate your work.
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Struggling to know when your piece is actually finished?
We’ll cover thoughtful, professional finishing techniques that help your work feel resolved, whether that’s refining edges, softening surfaces, or making texture part of the story.
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Craving more than just technique — ready to create pieces that feel like you?
This is where we go deeper. You’ll explore creative expression, rhythm, and voice — so your work isn’t just well-built, it’s unmistakably yours.
Not Your Average Ceramics Class
My signature vases, my real-time process, and all my carving secrets
Learn how to shape, build, and carve ceramics with ease. Ceramic Secrets: Carving and Handbuilding Made Simple teaches you the exact tools, techniques, and steps I use to speed up the process and bring more flow into your clay work. Whether you’re just starting out or want to refine your style, this course helps you handbuild with confidence and carve clean, intentional lines—no fluff, no confusion, just real results.
Frequently asked questions
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Absolutely. You don’t need any previous experience. I’ll walk you through the basics step by step, from choosing your clay to building and carving. You’ll feel supported the whole way.
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Yes. If you’ve got a hand-building practice already, this will take your work to the next level. You’ll discover new approaches to combining techniques, carving with intention, and developing your creative voice.
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I’ll share the full list of tools I use in my own studio, including simple alternatives if you’re just starting out. You don’t need a full workshop — just a table, your hands, and a few essentials. Plus, students get access to exclusive discounts from some of my favourite brands like Diamond Core Tools.
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You’ll get lifetime access. That means you can go at your own pace, rewatch lessons anytime, and come back whenever you need a creative refresh.
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The techniques you’ll learn can be used for both. While we focus on expressive hand-building and sculptural form, everything I teach can be applied to functional pieces too — whether you’re making vases, mugs, or more abstract works.
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Yes! You’ll have access to our student group where you can ask questions, share your progress, and connect with others in the course. I’m also popping in regularly to offer guidance and support.