Are You Tired Of Feeling Stuck In Your Pottery Practice?
Our Clay Foundations Workshop Is Here To Help You Become a Success Potter.
Even If You:
-Have Never Worked With Clay Before
-Dont Have Expensive Gear
-Dont Have a Ton of Time
We'll Help You:
-Understand Ceramic Materials
-Master Pottery Fundamentals
-Create Confidently
The Clay Foundations Workshop Includes:
70+ Hours of Recorded Clay Classes
Live Virtual Calls
Private Potter Community
Partner Discounts On Ceramic Supplies
A Structured Roadmap to Clay Confidence
The Autumn Session Closes In
What is Clay Foundations?
Clay Foundations is a digitally produced Masterclass series structured into six-modules of over 35 episodes containing 70+ hours 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.
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 from multiple angles.
- 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 its 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.
"The Pottery Course I Wish I Had."
"When I graduated college with a degree in ceramics, I thought I was ready to launch a career in clay. What I didnt realize was how much information was left out, and how much farther I still had to go. 15 years later I made this course for all the people who felt tired of their pottery dreams being gatekept."
-Will Donovan
"So glad I made the leap and joined Clay Foundations. I'm pretty selective when it comes to online courses, and this one has exceeded my expectations. I feel this course meets you where you are at, whether you are a beginner, intermediate, or more advanced. I've already seen an improvement in my confidence in working with the clay over the last 3 weeks. "
-Belinda S.
"This course is excellent, so many wise points not only for the practical skills but also the mindset of being a professional potter. I loved the breakdown of the environment setup, making sure each part of the process has a place, as well as the breakdown of the clay types. I think this is the most comprehensive breakdown of pottery terms in the glossary as well. Loved this course, it has great value for both experienced and new potters!"
- Stephanie K.
"Clay Foundations masterclass is an excellent series that covers a wide range topics. It provides a wonderfully structured and well articulated path toward getting your clay journey started with a spark.
As a more experienced potter, I am picking up some great advice that is relevant at whatever experience level you are at.
Will does an amazing job at delivering the material in a concise and calm manner and its easy to consume.
I am excited to continue the masterclass and look forward to new classes in the future."
-Bill Scwenzer
Learn Pottery in a Space Where Craft Meets Story
Mathom House Workshops blend masterful, hands-on instruction with the slow-paced, thoroughness needed to understand the concept. Each session offers a professionally produced, clear, and immersive learning experience designed for all skill-levels.
Join Clay Foundations
The Ultimate Online Ceramics Course Designed To Help You Create Confidently
Finally Feel Confident in Clay
Pay in full or in installments via ShopPay
Why Learn at Mathom House?
Masterful Instruction
Everything is taught from lived experience by a real potter with over 15 years of production pottery, and ceramics education background.
Professionally Produced
Virtual Learning with Cinematic Style:
multiple camera angles, clear lighting, clean editing, crisp audio so you never miss a single detail.
Replay Access You Keep Forever
Lifetime access- so you never have to worry about missing class when life gets busy.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need experience?
Not at all- Clay Foundations is made to be the roadmap a new potter needs as if they have never touched clay before. However- it also contains a deep library of continuing education so that even if you've been working in ceramics for awhile you will not feel like the topics are too elementary.
Do I get lifetime access?
Yes! Whether you attend a Live Workshop, or Purchase a Replay- you'll have access forever.
What do I need to participate?
Each workshop will have a list of necessary tools and equipment to practice the lesson on your own. You'll also need access to an environment or studio conducive to ceramic creation. You'll need a stable internet connection to view live workshops.
Can I get a refund if I change my mind?
Our 14 Day Satisfaction Guarantee ensures that if you complete Module 1: Orientation, and you still think the class is not a good ft for you, we will happily refund your purchase.
Are the classes live?
The classes are recorded content, and not live. However, Clay Foundations course does include weekly live calls with the option to tune in to live workshops as your schedule allows. All live calls are recorded and included in the course library as well.
When do I get access?
Immediately! Once you purchase a workshop, all the videos and resources become available in your Mathom House Profile.
Can I make payments?
Yes! Through our checkout, you can use Shop Pay to pay in installments.
Workshops
Clay Foundations contains EVERYTHING below at a discounted price. The workshops here are individual chapters from Clay Foundations dedicated to a specific topic.
Students May Credit the purchase amount of any single workshop chapter toward the full Clay Foundations Course within 30 days of purchase
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