Workshops 2026
Workshops 2026
Early bird pricing ends January 31st
Every workshop is limited to 10 students
This course will teach you everything you need to create natural, flowing leaf-rimmed bowls in the style I make in my own studio. We’ll cover every stage of the process: throwing the base forms, pulling and shaping the leaf rim, sculpting and trimming the foot, and how to recognise and avoid common issues along the way. I will demonstrate each step in detail, giving you a clear, practical example before you work on your own pieces.
You’ll create a selection of forms, building deep, hands-on knowledge of the technique so you can confidently apply it in your own work. With a maximum of 10 students, there’s plenty of individual attention and support throughout, and we’ll be working on top-of-the-line Rohde HMT 600 wheels.
As an added bonus, we’ll also incorporate sound integration sessions to help us centre ourselves and find presence at the wheel - an essential part of working with this technique and bringing intention into every piece. This course requires a basic level of wheel-throwing experience and is ideal for people who are comfortable throwing 1 kg of clay or more.
Got any questions?
Please contact me at: info@tomdarbydesign.com
3-day Courses
Day 1 – Form & Foundations
We’ll look at different bowl shapes, their pros and cons, and how each one behaves as a base for a leaf-rimmed rim. I’ll demonstrate how to throw these forms and how to avoid common problems. You’ll then throw a series of bowls that will become the bases for your leaf-rimmed pieces.
Day 2 – Building the Leaf Rim
We’ll explore different techniques for forming the rim into leaves: hand positions, water management, and how to keep the overall shape feeling natural and flowing. I’ll demonstrate the process step by step, and then you’ll begin working on the pieces you threw on Day 1.
Day 3 – Sculpting, Trimming & Refining
We’ll sculpt the bowls using carving tools to add movement, dynamics, and texture. We’ll then trim the foot of each piece and discuss how to do this using different types of chucks. Finally, we’ll go over smoothing and refining the surfaces with sponges and brushes to bring everything together.
5-day Courses
Day 1 – Form & Foundations
We’ll look at different bowl shapes, their pros and cons, and how each one behaves as a base for a leaf-rimmed piece. I’ll demonstrate how to throw these forms and how to avoid common problems. You’ll then throw a series of bowls that will become the bases for your leaf-rimmed pieces.
Day 2 – Advanced Throwing & Problem-Solving
We’ll continue throwing, focusing on more complex shapes and techniques. Along the way, we’ll go over common issues that arise while working on the wheel and how to correct them in practice.
Day 3 – Building the Leaf Rim
We’ll explore different techniques for forming the rim into leaves: hand positions, water management, and how to keep the overall shape feeling natural and flowing. I’ll demonstrate the process step by step, and then you’ll begin working on the pieces you threw the previous day.
Day 4 – Developing Form & Surface
We’ll continue pulling leaf rims and begin carving and sculpting the pieces, using carving tools to add movement, dynamics, and texture. We’ll then trim the foot of each piece and discuss how to do this using different types of chucks.
Day 5 – Sculpting, Trimming & Refining
We’ll continue sculpting and carving, focusing on details and overall flow. We’ll then refine the surfaces with sponges and brushes, bringing each piece together into a finished, cohesive form.
Included extras
Welcome and goodbye aperitivos
Lunches
Relaxing sound meditations with live piano, voice and singing bowls.
Optional body presence morning sessions
Travel information
The nearest airports are Nurnburg, Frankfurt or Munich.
We can help you with airport transfers and finding accomodation.
My studio is located next to Hassfurt, Bavaria, Germany.
Contact
Questions Before You Decide?
Please email me at: info@tomdarbydesign.com