Throwing Large Forms in Sections

Move beyond the limits of a single thrown form. Learn how to build larger, more ambitious pieces on the wheel with planning, structure, and control.

Small group format

Due to the nature of this technique, each student will work across two wheels - one for throwing and one for joining, shaping and building the form.

This means group sizes are kept intentionally small, spaces are highly limited, and each participant receives a high level of individual guidance throughout the workshop.

If you’re interested in learning this technique, this is a rare opportunity to study the process in a focused, hands-on setting with plenty of 1:1 support.

In four days, you’ll learn to:

• Design a large form before you begin throwing
• Create templates to guide height, width, curve and proportion
• Break a large piece down into manageable thrown sections
• Understand how to manage wall thickness in larger pieces
• Throw a clay pad to secure bats to the wheel
• Throw the different sections of your form using your template as a guide
• Use the point-and-valley method to attach sections securely
• Shape the joined sections using your template as a guide
• Manage drying stages and moisture levels between sections
• Refine joins so the piece feels like one continuous form
• Trim, support and finish larger pieces with more confidence

Over four focused days, we’ll break down the full process of throwing large forms in sections: designing, templating, throwing, joining, shaping, trimming and surface finishing.

This isn’t about simply making something bigger. It’s about understanding how to build a large form with structure - so each section supports the next, the proportions stay balanced, and the finished piece feels whole.

You’ll learn how to plan before you throw, how to judge when each section is ready to attach, which wall thickness gives larger pieces the support they need, and how to use templates to keep control of the form as it grows.

Our secret tools to your success on the wheel

Template-led throwing - gives you a clear visual guide so you can build larger forms with more accuracy and success.

Point-and-valley joining - a keyed joining technique that helps sections interlock before being compressed into one continuous form.

Moisture control - teaches you when to throw, when to wait, and when to attach, so the structure can support itself as it grows.

Structural wall thickness - helps you understand how much clay to leave in the walls so larger forms have enough strength without becoming heavy or difficult to trim and refine.

Studio schedule

• 4 consecutive days, 9:00–17:00
• Professional Rohde HMT 600 wheels
• High-fired stoneware clay and studio tools included
• Daily vegetarian lunch: fresh, nourishing meals to keep you fuelled through the day.
• Body warm-ups every morning so that you come to the wheel relaxed, focussed and ready for the day.
• Sound journey to help rejuvenate you while letting the learning sink into your muscle memory.
  

Firing & Glazing Service

Due to the nature of ceramics, there are several stages a piece needs to go through before it is fully finished — including drying, bisque firing, glazing, and final firing. Each of these steps takes time, so it isn’t possible to fire completed pieces during the workshop itself.

If you would like to keep the pieces you make, I offer an optional firing service. You can choose to have your work fired, or fired and glazed, before being carefully packed and sent to you.

The price depends on the size of your pieces and where they need to be shipped. I’ll explain the options during the workshop, and you can decide then whether you would like to have your pieces finished and sent on to you.