About this Event
Handmade Holiday: 4-Week Handbuilding Class
Handmade gifts are the best gifts! Spend four weeks getting your hands in clay and making a little holiday magic at Erie ClaySpace.
From mugs and trays to soap dishes, ornaments, and festive decorations, we'll explore a variety of handbuilding techniques to create pieces full of personality. Make something for someone special, add a little handmade charm to your holiday traditions, or keep it all for yourself. We won't judge!
No experience? No problem! This class is open to all skill levels, ages 13+. Each week, we'll explore new projects and techniques with demonstrations, hands-on instruction, and plenty of room to play with your own ideas.
You'll get to experience the ceramic process from start to finish, including building, decorating, and glazing your creations. By the end of our four weeks together, you'll have 6–8 one-of-a-kind pieces to take home, wrap up, or proudly put to use.
All finished pieces will be food, microwave, and dishwasher safe. Made by you, right here at Erie ClaySpace!
Class Dates
Sundays | November 1–22 | 11 AM–1 PM
- Session 1: November 1
- Session 2: November 8
- Session 3: November 15
- Session 4: November 22
Instructor: Caelin McDaniel
Cost: $200 (includes all materials, clay, glazes, and kiln firings)
Open Studio Access
Students will have access to Open Studio in addition to their regularly scheduled class time while the class is in session.
- Wednesdays: 6–8 PM
- Saturdays: 12–2 PM
Open Studio is supervised, but instruction is provided during class time only.
Accessing the Studio
Erie ClaySpace is located on the third floor of the PACA building at 1505 State St., Erie, PA 16501.
The front doors to the building are locked. When you arrive, call (814) 520-5089, and your instructor will buzz you in.
Elevator Access: If you need to use the elevator, please let us know ahead of time at [email protected] so we can arrange assistance. Our elevator is manually operated and cannot be called with a button.
Class Policies
Classes require a minimum of 5 students to run. If Erie ClaySpace cancels a class, you'll have the option to transfer to a similar class or receive a full refund.
Refund requests must be made at least one week before the first class. Processing fees may apply. Refunds are not available for missed sessions, but students are welcome to use Open Studio time to catch up.
FAQs – We've Got You!
👶 Age Limit?
This class is open to ages 13+.
🏺 Do I Need Experience?
Nope! Beginners are welcome. If you've spent some time working with clay already, we'll help you build on the skills you have.
🎨 What Will I Learn?
We'll explore handbuilding techniques like pinch pots, coils, and slab construction, along with decorating and glazing your work. You'll have plenty of opportunities to put your own creative spin on each project!
💸 Refunds?
Refund requests must be made at least one week before the first class. Processing fees may apply. We're unable to issue refunds for missed classes, but you're welcome to use Open Studio time to catch up and practice.
🧱 What's Included?
Clay, tools, glazes, and firings are all included. You'll also have access to our Open Studio sessions while your class is in session.
👐 What's Open Studio?
More clay time? Yes, please! Open Studio gives you extra time to work on class projects, practice new skills, or explore your own ideas. Join us Wednesdays from 6–8 PM or Saturdays from 12–2 PM. These are self-guided sessions rather than structured lessons, so you can work at your own pace and enjoy some creative studio time!
👕 What Should I Wear?
Wear comfy clothes you don't mind getting muddy! Keep your nails trimmed, tie back long hair, and skip the jewelry. Clay can get messy, so come ready to get your hands dirty!
🔥 When Will My Pieces Be Ready?
Ceramics take time! Your work needs to dry completely before firing, and some pieces may need additional time after the final class. We'll let you know when everything is ready for pickup.
💔 What If Something Breaks?
We handle every piece with care, but ceramics can be unpredictable. Occasionally, pieces crack or don't survive the firing process.
📦 When Do I Pick Up My Work?
Finished pieces are typically ready 2–4 weeks after the class ends. Your instructor will provide pickup instructions, and reminder cards are given at the end of class.
🧑🎨 Can This Class Help Me Become a Member?
Yes! Completing a multi-week class is part of the path toward becoming an Erie ClaySpace member. You’ll learn the basic studio practices and skills you’ll need to take that next step.
📬 Still Have Questions?
We've got answers! Reach out anytime at [email protected].
Event venue & nearby stays
Erie ClaySpace, 1505 State Street, Erie, United States
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