The complete digital masterclass for potters ready to leave behind frustration and finally feel confident in the world of clay.
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Clay Foundations
(Full "Unversity Level" Ceramics 1 Course)
Mathom House Studios and @620films are producing a full University-level “ceramics one” series- a whole semesters worth of clay fundamentals + everything they DON'T teach in schools- all in one virtual class that is designed to help develop real confidence in clay.
Stay tuned for more updates on this!
Pickup currently not available
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.
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.
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.
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
Frequently asked questions
When does the course actually launch? [*** ADD DATE TO THIS SECTION ***]
Clay Foundations releases [Month, Year] — approximately 60–90 days after the presale closes. Founding Students get access on day one, plus the live Q&A schedule and Founding Cohort access immediately.
When do I get access to anything if I buy now?
The day you buy: access to the Founding Cohort community, your Founding Student member portal, and the pre-launch behind-the-scenes content. The full course unlocks on launch day.
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 DONT 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 cohort different from the public version. 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 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!