Pinch Pot Teapot Workshop
Design, build, sculpt: a teapot with personality
Teapots are wonderfully quirky creations — part sculpture, part functional art. In this hands‑on, playful workshop, you’ll learn everything you need to design and build your very own teapot using the pinch‑pot technique. With lots of time, guidance, and good quality materials, you’ll create something truly unique.
What You’ll Learn
Step by step, you will explore how to:
- Pinch, shape, and refine the teapot body
- Add a rim and cut the opening for a perfectly fitting lid
- Make a lid and finial
- Form a spout from a thin slab of clay
- Create an effective strainer
- Make and attach an appropriate, well‑balanced handle
- Assemble all components including the base
- (Optional) Carve a unique design into your teapot body
With these techniques, you can make a traditional teapot — or go wild and create something sculptural, playful, or animal‑inspired!
Decorate & Personalise
Once your teapot is built, you’ll have time to experiment with a range of decorating techniques, such as:
- Sprigging
- Carving
- impressing
After drying and bisque firing, your piece will be finished with a transparent glaze and fired to a beautiful glossy shine.
Materials & Amenities
- All clay and tools provided — no need to bring anything
- Tea, coffee, and biscuits included
- Please bring your own lunch to enjoy during the session
- Workshop duration: 5 hours — plenty of time to experiment and play!
John Slade
John has been teaching for 26 years, with 24 of those years teaching Art and Ceramics. He has a degree in 3D Design from MMU and a PGCE from Huddersfield University, and has taught people from 5 years old to 95 years old, working 
in mainstream education, SEND, FE, HE, Artist in Residence and as a freelance educator.