Clay Foundations
THE ULTIMATE ONLINE CERAMICS COURSE
The complete digital masterclass for potters ready to leave behind frustration and finally feel confident in the world of clay.
Our Presale is Live for Just 2 Weeks With Only 100 Spots Open.
Built Alongside the Brands You Know and Love.
You've made some good pots.
And a lot of frustrating ones.
It's time to change that.
You've likely been working with clay enough to know what good work looks like. You've also pulled enough off-center walls, cracked enough bases, and pulled enough glaze failures from the kiln to know something is missing- and that can be so frustrating.
It's true that most new potters plateau simply because nobody taught them the real foundations of ceramics in a way that actually sticks- or a structured way to learn the fundamentals that supports sustainable growth in both skill and understanding.
Perhaps you've taken a class and felt like there was so much unsaid, or have learned by watching instagram reels and youtube videos and hate that there just isnt enough, most potters go along just by guessing, praying,and hoping the next pot would be different. but still, no matter how much you look around, it feels like there’s so much you don't know.
This Course is Exactly for You if:
You find yourself confused by some of the terms and words potters use, and are not sure what they mean or how it applies to you.
You have been making a lot of pottery, but you still feel "stuck" and not improving.
You struggle to create in reality what you sketch, or see in your mind's eye.
You dont know how to set up your own home studio space, or what you even need to begin.
You are not sure what kiln, wheel, or clay would be best- and feel overwhelmed by choices.
You still struggle to center on the wheel consistently.
You suspect there are hacks everyone knows but you.
You've watched a hundred YouTube videos and still feel like you're guessing.
You WANT to take clay seriously, but you don't have a structured way toward success.
Having these feelings DRAIN creativity, and the will to craft.
What would change if you felt confident when you stepped into the studio?
Clay Foundations is built around a single promise:
By the end of this course, you will be a more confident maker that understands the vocabulary, techniques, and processes to help you become fluent in the world of ceramics.
Not a hopeful hobbyist. A maker. Plus you will be left with specific pathways of learning to support a sustainable pottery practice rather than scattered and disconnected information that you have to dissect before applying to your situation.
That means:
- You could keep pace in a pottery conversation with professionals and feel confident using the right terms and vocab.
- You could feel comfortable with your pace of growth because you had a system for intentional practice that produces actual results.
- You could know that your studio orientation is laid out to produce the most efficient and fun workflow.
- You'd know what studio systems are essential for sustainable production (even at small scales)- like how to manage reclaim, clay drying cycles, production workflows and more
- You'd know exactly what clay, tools, wheels, kilns, you NEED- and what ones you DO NOT.
- You'll be able to see marked improvement in the quality of your ceramics projects.
- But most importantly, and across the board- you would - of wasted effort, frustration, doubt, and dead end rabbit holes trying to figure it out all on your own.
So What Is Clay Foundations?
Clay Foundations is a digitally produced Masterclass series structured into six-modules of over 35 episodes of pottery education. We've been quietly building this for the past year, and invested seriously to create it- because we want to serve those who are ready to take clay seriously.
Clay Foundations is Mathom House's first complete masterclass and will be the curriculum that anchors everything else in our virtual workshop library.
Clay Foundations gives you the unshakeable base every great potter needs to builds on.
How Clay Foundations is Different:
At Mathom House Studios, we believe in craftsmanship in all things. Including the production of this course series.
Inside you'll see:
- Three Cinematic Camera angles throughout the series that show you exactly what is happening, all at once.
- Professional audio and editing. Enjoy crystal clear audio, and student considered editing so everything you see and hear is as enjoyable as it is informative.
- Designed for self-paced learners with structured live touch points (yes, you get face time with Will).
- We dive deep. Most courses are made to be quick- this course does not gloss over processes- when it counts, we show you every step in real time.
- You receive Lifetime access. Buy once. Yours forever. All Future updates and add-ons included.
- Clay Foundations is the ONLY virtual pottery course designed to replace an entire university level ceramics curriculum in it's scope and depth of topic coverage.
Curriculum Walkthrough
Module 1: Orientation
Episode 1: Welcome to Class
Episode 2: 6 Steps to Success - Will's Story
Episode 3: Course Overview and Goals
Episode 4: Supplies and Gear (What you need, and do not)
Episode 5: Ceramic Vocab, Shared
Language, and Beginner's Mindset.
Episode 6: Studio Workflow and Safety
Episode 7: How to Succeed with this Course
Module 2: All About Clay
Episode 1: What is Clay? - a geological, historical, and cultural breakdown of clay and its role in our lives.
Episode 2: Clay Types and Behavior- a deep dive on clay types and how each behaves.
Episode 3: Proper Clay Preparation- surfaces, wedging, and storage.
Episode 4: Clay Drying Stages- and what happens at each.
Episode 5: Drying Management - how to avoid drying to quickly, and how to create reclaim surfaces, and damp box.
Episode 6: - Clay Recycling - how to reclaim your clay effectively even in small studio without a pugmill.
Module 3: Fundamentals of Handbuilding
Episode 1: Handbuilding Basics - definitions, examples, essential tool and gear lists, and essential techniques overview. (how to score, slip & join)
Episode 2: Pinch Pots - overview and demonstration of pinching, and how to make variety of different pots via the pinch method.
Episode 3: How to Coil Build - how to properly create and and use clay coils to build pottery vessels. Extruder type Breakdown.
Episode 4: Building with Slabs- stiff and soft slab construction techniques including How to make a perfectly even slab with only your hands, and proper compression techniques.
Module 4: Fundamentals of Wheel Throwing
Episode 1: Meet the Machine - Gear you need, Tool to have, and Wheel Anatomy to know.
Episode 2: The Principles of Wheel Throwing - how to center, open, pull, and shape with confidence every time.
Episode 3: Making Functional Forms - a discussion on form philosophy and ergonomics paired with a full demonstration on how to design and throw a Mug, a Bowl, and a Plate.
Episode 4: Trimming and Finishing- trimming tools and their uses, foot styles and purpose, how to trim effectively.
Module 5: Surface Design
Episode 1: What is a Glaze? - defining the components of a glaze, how they are different from underglazes, and deciphering commercial glaze labels
Episode 2: Glaze Application Methods - deep dive and demonstration of how to brush, dip, and pour glaze on your pottery effectively
Episode 3: All on Underglazes - a breakdown of underglazes and what they are exactly- demonstration of how to use underglazes, and the creative possibilities that exist.
Episode 4: Common Glaze Issues- and all about how to fix and avoid them!
Module 6: Buying, Firing, and Maintaining Kilns
Episode 1: Interview with Clay King! - part 1 with Tricia Woodland; how to choose the right kiln for you (brand breakdown and model selection guide)
Episode 2: Interview with Clay King! - part 2 with Mike Mahon; how to prepare your studio for a kiln (electrical, ordering, delivery)
Episode 3: Anatomy of a Kiln - a tour of an electric kiln, its parts, what they do, and how to maintain them.
Episode 4: Loading and Firing Your Kiln - proper loading and firing practices for both bisque and glaze- and kiln controller walkthrough.
Taught by Will Donovan
"Hi! I'm Will. I run Donovan Pottery and Mathom House Studios out of Greenville, South Carolina. I've worked in nearly ever professional aspect of the pottery world, and through my role with Clay King over the past 10 years- I've helped thousands of potters unlock the information, techniques, or process they need to be successful.
I have witnessed and learned the hard way how to create a successful life in clay that that supports myself, my family, and my staff. While I do enjoy creating, I have always had a dream of opening a craft school to help others experience the joys of creating something useful and beautiful with your hands.
Clay Foundations is the course I wish someone had handed me when I had just found clay. I knew something was missing, but for a long time I couldn't figure out what. Until after I could look back at a 15 year career and see the path that actually lead toward my growth as an professional ceramacist.
This class is the structured, sequenced curriculum I had to reverse-engineer the hard way, packaged into six modules and built for the maker who's ready to stop guessing.
My job through this class is to take what took me years, and give it to you in a fraction of the time. Your job is to put in the effort to create the work you actually envision in your mind. I can't wait to see what you make."
- Will
Backed by the makers who built the industry
“Whether you’re new to clay or merely seeking more inspiration on how to shape your process and works, this series is rich with insightful, accessible, and well-paced instructional content that informs as much as it inspires. Most importantly, this series offers a meaningful connection to the clay community, and I know will be just the first of many jumping off points for so many artists in their clay journey!”
—Kelley Braun, VP of Marketing for Speedball Art Products
The Founding Student Offer
Founding Students get more than a discount. They get a permanent seat at the table for everything Mathom House builds next for Clay Foundations.
We are committed to creating a comprehensive curriculum. Clay Foundations is the beginning- but we will build on it. And as a founding member- you'll have lifetime access to anything new that we produce for the Clay Foundations course series.
| What You Get | Value | Founding |
| Clay Foundations- 6 modules, 35+ lessons- Based on University Level Scope of Ceramics I | $4500 | Included |
| 4 live 1hr "Studio Startup" group calls with Will | $1000 | Included |
| PDF Guides, Worksheets, and Resources per Lesson | $500 | Included |
| Pre-made Material and Supply Lists (save hours of reseach) | $200 | Included |
| Private Mathom Makers Community (you + your fellow first 99 students) lifetime access | $480/yr | Included |
| Founding Student Status: price locked now + free Clay Foundation updates- no matter how much we add over time. | $700+ | Included |
| Affiliate discount codes on pottery gear, tools, materials, supplies and more! | $500-$1000+/ yr | Included |
| Total Founding Value for One Year | $8380+ | $297 |
First-48-hours bonus: Buy in the first 48 hours and get a 30-minute 1:1 portfolio review with Will after the course launches (capped at 10 students).
The 14-Day Founding Promise
"Once Clay Foundations launches, you have 14 full days inside the course to complete Module 1, attend the first live call, and decide whether this is the right home for your craft. If it's not, email us and we'll refund you in full. No forms, no exit interview, no awkwardness. We'd rather you spend your money where it serves you most."
Will Donovan, Mathom House Studios
Clay Foundations is for you if…
You've spent time in the dirt and want to finally stop guessing
You're new to clay, and want a direct path of learning (we start at the very beginning!)
You have access to a wheel and basic studio setup (home or community)
You want a structured, sequenced curriculum, not random YouTube hopping
You're ready to make pieces you're proud of.
Clay Foundations is NOT for you if…
You don't currently have access to a wheel to practice on
You're a working pro looking for advanced courses, professional critique, or business operation advice.
You only want passive entertainment with clay videos in the background, and dont want to put in practice.
Frequently asked questions
When do I get access to anything if I buy now?
The day you buy: access to the Private Mathom Makers community group, your Founding Student member portal, and the pre-launch behind-the-scenes content. New Episodes and Modules will be released over the following weeks until the entire first edition of the curriculum is published.
What if I'm a total beginner?
That's OK! We start at the very beginning as if you have never touched clay before. But we move quick from concept to application- so be prepared to practice and do your homework to see results. Access to the community will be invaluable resource to talk with more seasoned potters as well offering enormous value as you problem solve through your first few months in clay.
What equipment do I need?
Access to a pottery wheel (home or community studio), basic hand tools, and a clay body to work with. A full gear-and-materials guide is provided in Module 1. We even cover everything you DON'T need... yet.
Can I get a refund?
Yes. Under the 14-Day Founding Promise, you have 14 days after course launch to complete Module 1, attend the first live call, and request a full refund if it's not the right fit.
Is access really lifetime?
Yes. You buy Clay Foundations once and it's yours forever including all future updates and improvements. We will produce other courses and workshops for you to choose from- but Clay Foundations you'll have for life.
Will I get personal feedback from Will?
Yes — that's what makes the Founding Student Group different from the public version that will drop later. Four live group Q&A calls with Will during the course window, where you can submit your work and get direct feedback. First-48-hour buyers also get a 1:1 portfolio review.
What if I can't attend the live calls live?
Every call and portfolio review is recorded and added to your member portal. You can submit questions in advance and watch the recording on your schedule.
What's the difference between this and the Mathom House Virtual Workshops?
Workshops are standalone deep-dives into specific techniques. Clay Foundations is the structured, sequenced curriculum that connects them — the foundation everything else builds on.
I have another question.
Email us at hello@mathomhousestudios.com or DM @mathomhousestudios on Instagram!
Become a Founding Student. Make work you're finally proud to sign.
100 Founding Spots. 14-day Presale window. Lifetime access. The 14-Day Founding Promise has you covered if its not for you.
What if someone showed you a path that would save years of wasted effort, and catapult you closer to your goal in a fraction of the time? What would that be worth to you?
That's what we're offering.
Clay Foundations is packed with over $8,000 in value during your first year alone.
And because we want your results to be our proof for future students, you get the best price it will ever be again.
The only question to ask yourself now is
What are you waiting for?