Clay Workshops

These short workshops are perfect for pottery enthusiasts to learn new skills and techniques and to meet and chat about all things ceramic!

We have a mix of perfect one off workshops for beginners, and more advanced ones for keen pottery enthusiasts.

Long-Legged Pony Sculpture Workshop with Julia Elliot (Agama Creative)

Saturday 31st January 2026 | 10.00am – 5.00pm | £120 per person
For more experienced clayworkers – not suitable for beginners

Join renowned sculptor Julia Elliot of Agama Creative for an inspiring one-day workshop exploring the art of animal sculpture. Julia is best known for her distinctive long-legged ponies, full of movement, character, and charm – and in this hands-on session, she’ll guide you step-by-step through creating one of your own.

Working with leather-hard clay and using slab-building techniques, you’ll learn how to build a dynamic and expressive equine form. Julia will share her methods for capturing the natural flow of hair and fur in clay, while encouraging you to add your own personality and style to your sculpture.

Your finished piece will stand up to 30cm tall, making this an ideal workshop for those ready to take their clay skills to the next level. With just 12 places available, this is an exclusive opportunity to learn directly from a master of her craft in the supportive and creative Cheshire Clay Studios.

Fire, Smoke and Transformation

Join us for an unforgettable weekend exploring the dramatic world of alternative firing with ceramic artist Andy Mason.
Across two intensive days, you’ll experience six distinct Raku-inspired processes – each one revealing the raw beauty of fire, smoke and transformation in clay.

Day One – Saturday 21 March

Copper Wire • Horse Hair • Saggar Firing

Day One focuses on smooth, refined surfaces that best showcase these intricate effects.
Experiment with copper wire, where metallic flashes wrap your forms in unpredictable patterns; create striking horse hair decoration with smoky tendrils dancing across the clay; and discover the subtle, smoke-kissed surfaces of saggar firing, where every pot emerges as a one-of-a-kind piece shaped by flame and fume.

Day Two – Sunday 22 March

Naked Raku • Raw Oxides • Obvara

On Day Two, Andy will guide you through the expressive contrasts of naked Raku, where the resist slip peels away to reveal dramatic smoke patterns beneath, alongside the earthy richness of raw oxide finishes and the organic, unpredictable beauty of Obvara – a fast, frothy firing process that produces wild, mottled markings and rich natural tones.

About the Tutor

Andy Mason is an accomplished ceramic artist and Raku specialist, known for his deep technical knowledge and passion for experimentation. His workshops combine clear technical explanation with creative freedom – giving participants the confidence to embrace the unexpected and celebrate the individuality of each firing.

Booking Information

You can book for either day or join us for both days to experience the full range of alternative firing techniques.
Each day is limited to 12 participants to allow for plenty of hands-on time and personal guidance.
All materials and firings apart from pots are included. If participants cannot bring their own pots we can supply suitable pots for an extra charge of £15 per pot.

 This workshop is suitable for potters with a little more experience and who have previously worked with clay and glaze.

 👉 Book your place now for one or both days of this immersive, flame-fired weekend at Cheshire Clay Studios, Cranage.

 Saturday Day 1  https://bookwhen.com/cheshireclay#focus=ev-sn1x0-20260321100000  £120.00 

 Sunday Day 2  https://bookwhen.com/cheshireclay#focus=ev-ssfh2-20260322100000  £120.00

Saturday and Sunday Whole Weekend

 https://bookwhen.com/cheshireclay#focus=ev-seh80-20260321000000  £210.00