January always comes with a certain amount of pressure, doesn’t it?
A new year, new plans, fresh starts and a long list of things we’re apparently supposed to change about ourselves. Eat better, exercise more, get organised, learn something new… all before the end of the first week.
But what if, instead of making another long list of resolutions, we made a little space for something enjoyable?
Something that doesn’t need to be productive, impressive or particularly useful. Something just for the pleasure of doing it.
For me, that something has always been clay.
A little time away from everyday life
There is something quite special about working with clay. You start with a lump of it, get your hands dirty and slowly turn it into something of your own.
You don’t need to think too much about anything else. Your attention goes to the material, the shape you’re making and what happens next. It’s surprisingly difficult to worry about your emails, shopping list or everything you need to get done when you’re busy trying to stop a clay bowl from collapsing!
Over the last few weeks, I’ve welcomed three groups of beginners into my studio for my 6 Weeks of Clay courses. All three courses sold out, and it’s been (and is!) such a lovely experience getting to know everyone and seeing what they create.
One thing that has stayed with me is how often people say that their minds go quiet when they’re working with clay. That they switch off for a while and forget about everything else.
I think that’s one of the nicest things about these classes. Of course, you learn new skills and make things you can take home, but you also get a couple of hours that belong entirely to you.
You don’t have to be an artist
One of the things I hear quite often from people interested in pottery is: “I’m not creative” or “I’m not very good at making things”.
I always say that you don’t need to be.
My classes are about experimenting, trying things out and discovering what you can do with a piece of clay. Sometimes things turn out differently from what you imagined. Sometimes you surprise yourself. And sometimes you simply have a laugh at the slightly wonky thing you’ve made.
That’s all part of it.
I teach handbuilding techniques such as pinching, coiling and slab building. There is no pottery wheel involved, and no previous experience is needed. You learn by doing, at your own pace, with a bit of guidance along the way.
A little clay in January
For the new year, I’ve decided to introduce something a little shorter than my usual 6 Weeks of Clay course.
The January Mini Course will run over four weeks, with three hands-on sessions and a week in between for firing. It’s a chance to get familiar with clay, try a few different techniques and make your own pieces, without committing to a longer course.
I thought this would be a nice way to start the year. No big resolutions, no pressure to become an expert. Just a few evenings in the studio, a chance to experiment and something handmade to take home.
Could it be a Christmas gift?
Actually, yes!
If you’re looking for something a little different to put under the Christmas tree, the January Mini Course could make a lovely gift for someone who has always wanted to try pottery.
I can prepare a physical gift voucher for the course, so you’ll have something tangible to wrap up and give on Christmas morning.
Bookings for the January Mini Course open on 12 December 2026. If you’d like to arrange a gift voucher, simply get in touch with me.
I think we could all use a little more time doing something just for ourselves. No big resolutions, no pressure to become an expert. Just a few evenings with clay, a chance to experiment and something handmade to take home.
I’d love to welcome you into the studio.
Ola x