Clay Hands

Kiln drop 🔥

We hosted the team from Igshaan Adams Studio to make ceramic beads, that will be used in their next project. The team used three different clay bodies for their beads - a beige clay with a manganese speckle, a black earthenware clay and a terracotta clay.

Everyone had fun using different creative methods for making their beads and adding textures. They learnt the Japanese nerikomi technique (slide 7) - where multiple colours of clay are stacked and rolled together, then sliced to make unique patterns.

It was amazing to have the IAS team at Clay Hands! When people’s hands are busy with the clay, there is a gentle and happy atmosphere. We are so excited to take the beads through the glazing and firing process. Thank you for coming 🔥

Here’s a pair of delightful dip-glaze combos for your Wednesday!

If you’re new here… let’s introduce ourselves! Here is the core team 🌟
From left to right: Umi, Soba, Val, Tash, Abi, Noma, Vanessa
Umi is a lead teacher. She teaches Wednesday and Thursday evening classes, and workshops. Her guidance is kind and effective!
Soba is our studio & teaching assistant. They enjoy sculpture work mostly, and they’re currently learning wheel throwing. Fun fact: they love dragons!
Val is a lead teacher. She teaches Monday and Tuesday evening classes, and workshops. She has a creative eye and nurturing teaching style!
Tash is the founder of Clay Hands. She teaches our morning classes on Wednesday and Friday. Her vast experience with wheel throwing and her patient perspective help students hone their skills. Fun fact: she loves riding her red bicycle to work!
Abi is the studio manager and technician. She handles kiln packing and keeps the studio in order behind the scenes. Fun fact: she loves Arcane!
Noma is the studio cleaner. Fun fact: she’s an excellent chef, and her birthday is on Christmas eve!
Vanessa is our studio volunteer. Fun fact: she is Mauritian-French and has a black cat called Lucky 🍀

So, now that you know a little bit more about us - feel free to say hi if you see us around the studio! We love chatting about clay.

Not pictured here are Sikho and Zanele, our lead teachers for the Saturday classes. Here’s to the power and unity of teammates. These people are the heartbeat of this space. Along with all of you. ❤️‍🔥

Our term cycle has started afresh here at Clay Hands. It’s so good to have hands making every day in the studio again! We started this week by unpacking a kiln full of glazed pieces. Swipe through for some lovely pots and colours 🌈

We are hopping on this trend! Apparently AI is going to take all our jobs - the Clay Hands team isn’t scared at all 🤣
In the past week alone we’ve been in studio packing kilns, making new glazes, carrying 400kg of clay, mixing glazes, fixing tables! And telling mediocre puns at the same time 🥲 So best of luck AI, best of luck!
We saw this trend on

Feast your eyes on these creations made by our students in Term 2 😍 We are open for student COLLECTIONS this week! Bring a box and take your beautiful pieces home 🤲