Hand-Building Pottery Classes at Crafty Monkey near Cambridge
- Crafty Monkey
- Jun 29, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: Mar 28
Has The Great Pottery Throwdown inspired you to dive into the world of pottery and create unique, handcrafted pottery pieces but don't know where to start. Or perhaps you've been searching Google for 'pottery classes near me' or 'adult beginner pottery classes' and you live near Cambridge or Bedford.
If so you're in luck and read on to find out what makes Crafty Monkey's hand-building ceramic workshops perfect for anyone looking to get their hands on clay and explore their creative side.
What is Hand-Building Pottery?
Hand-building is one of the oldest forms of pottery making. Unlike wheel throwing, it involves creating pottery pieces using only your hands and simple tools. This technique allows for a wide range of creative possibilities, including pinch pots, coil building, and slab construction.
Why Choose Hand-Building Pottery Classes?

Creative Freedom:
Hand-building gives you the freedom to create virtually any shape or design you can imagine. From intricate sculptures to functional pottery, the possibilities are endless.
Relaxation and Mindfulness:
The process of shaping clay with your hands is incredibly therapeutic and relaxing. It’s a great way to unwind and focus on the present moment.
Skill Development:
Hand-building helps develop fine motor skills and enhances your understanding of the properties of clay. It’s a great way to build a solid foundation in pottery.
Unique Pieces:
Every hand-built piece is unique. You’ll create personalized items that reflect your individual style and creativity.
Hand-Building Pottery Classes near me
If you live near Cambridge or Bedford then you're in luck as Crafty Monkey Pottery Studio is based in St. Neots and offers hand-building beginner pottery classes that cater to all skill levels and people with experience can also book onto our self-led sessions we offer. St. Neots also makes for a nice day out with it's various eateries, cafe's and riverside parks.

What to Expect from Pottery Classes at Crafty Monkey Pottery Studio

1. Introduction to Basic Pottery Techniques:
Our classes start with an introduction to the fundamental techniques of hand-building and depending on what is being made during the workshop you will learn at least one of the following methods:
Pinch pots
Coil building
Slab construction
If you want to learn all three then our Introduction to Handbuilding pottery workshop is the class for you.
2. Step-by-Step Guidance:
Whether you’re a beginner or have some experience, our instructors will provide step-by-step guidance to help you create your masterpiece.
3. Creative Projects:

As well as running our Introduction to Hand building class, we also run pottery workshops which focus on different projects, allowing you to explore various forms and techniques.
You might create anything from functional items like trinket dishes, pots, planters to decorative sculptures like our Gnome, Pumpkin, Christmas tree tea light holder or our extremely popular a Highland Cow pottery class!
4. Use of Tools and Materials
We provide all the necessary tools and materials and during your class you'll get to use basic pottery tools to shape, texture, and decorate your pieces.
We also have a big range of stamps and cutters to provide texture, images and words which can really transform your piece. They are great for those who aren't naturally artistic as you can create a stunning piece just from pressing in stamps and using cutters to make different shapes.
5. Glazing and Firing

After your pieces are hand-built, you’ll have the opportunity to glaze them - In pottery this means painting them with coloured underglazes like paint. We’ll then fire your creations in our kiln, making them durable and ready for use or display.
Why Choose Crafty Monkey for Hand-Building Pottery Classes?
Why wouldn't you? Granted, we're probably biased! Have a look at some of the reasons to choose to do a pottery making class at Crafty Monkey Pottery Studio:
Reputable Business
Crafty Monkey Pottery Studio has been provided pottery based arts and crafts since 2010 and have a track record of providing good customer service (read our google reviews!).
Taught lesson
Our instructors provide step by step instruction and are on hand to help out where needed.
Small Class size
We keep our class size to 8 or less meaning we can give you personalised attention and support should you need.
All Materials & Use of Tools Included
Our ceramic workshops include all you will need for the project at hand. We have a wide selection of different shaped cutters and stamps covering lots of themes including botanicals and fauna, bees, gnomes,
Friendly Environment
Crafty Monkey is known for its welcoming and supportive atmosphere. It’s a place where you can relax, have fun, and meet like-minded individuals.
Sustainable Business Practice
If supporting local independent sustainable businesses is important to you, Crafty Monkey Pottery Studio is committed to sustainability. We use eco-friendly materials and processes wherever possible and we recycle our clay, ensuring that your creative experience is not only fun but also kind to the planet. From non-toxic paints to recyclable packaging, we strive to minimize our environmental impact and promote sustainable practices in our studio.
Convenient Location
Located in the heart of St. Neots, Crafty Monkey is easily accessible for local residents and is not far from Cambridge or Bedford. There's lots of nice eateries and riverside parks too in St. Neots if wanting to make it into a day out.

Join Us for a Hand-Building Pottery Class!
Ready to explore the art of hand-building pottery? Join us at Crafty Monkey Pottery Studio for one of our pottery workshops! Our classes are perfect for individuals, families, and groups looking for a fun and creative activity. Visit our pottery class schedule and book your spot today.
What Type of Pottery Classes do you Run?
Below are a few of the pottery classes we run at Crafty Monkey Pottery Studio in St. Neots.
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to create beautiful, handmade pottery pieces while enjoying a relaxing and fun experience. We look forward to seeing you at Crafty Monkey Pottery Studio!
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