Whether You're

  • a Clay Enthusiast

    looking to explore ceramics and build foundational skills...

  • a Wheel Thrower

    looking for creative growth and to expand your repertoire...

  • an Educator

    looking for new techniques and methods for your own classroom...

...you’re in the right place. Hand Building Basics will give you the tools, inspiration, and unparalleled support on your journey to creating with clay. 

Instructor

Jacquie Blondin

Jacquie Blondin

Instructor

Jacquie Blondin is a Canadian artist and educator specializing in the art and craft of ceramics. With over 30 years of experience in education, she transitioned from teaching secondary school visual arts to teaching adults and youth in local and online communities. Her work is currently available online and the Gardiner Museum Shop Gallery in Toronto. Jacquie Blondin lives and works in Mississauga, ON.

Discover your potential, starting today

By the end of this program, you will have:

  • Experienced the Mental Benefits of Clay: Discovered how regular clay work boosts mental health, building resilience, focus, and hope.
  • Optimized Your Studio Space: Created an efficient setup and tear-down process for temporary or home studios, with tips for managing clay at every stage.
  • Ensured Studio Safety: Learned essential safety practices for your home studio to protect yourself and others.
  • Mastered Drying Time Control: Gained strategies to control drying time, allowing you to work on your schedule.
  • Explored Your Ideal Learning Pathway: Identified your preferred approach to learning—whether structured or flexible.
  • Gained Six New Sculptural and Ceramic Techniques: Mastered six distinct hand-building techniques with full instruction.
  • Watched Engaging Demonstrations: Viewed introductory videos and time-lapse recordings for each of the six foundational projects.
  • Applied the Creative Process: Practiced and understood the Creative Process step-by-step for each project.
  • Reinforced Skills with Comprehensive Resources: Used detailed PDF instructions, templates, and video support to complete each project confidently.
  • Learned to Draw and Sculpt from References: Transformed two-dimensional references into three-dimensional works.
  • Built Muscle Memory and Technique: Embraced the mantra “practice makes better,” repeating processes to solidify technical skills.
  • Articulated Your Unique Aesthetic: Developed the language to express your personal taste and style in ceramics.
  • Exchanged Constructive Feedback: Gave and received valuable insights on your work and that of others.
  • Gained New Friendships and Connections: Connected with like-minded creatives in a supportive community.

Hand Building Basics

2025 Winter Session - Runs January to February

Course Access Begins Upon Purchase:

  • Welcome Module: Get an early start with immediate access to the Welcome Module, helping you explore the course setup and plan your calendar.
  • Private Facebook Group: Join our community right away to connect with fellow participants, share ideas, and find inspiration.
  • Accountability Pods & Partners: Access tools to pair up with accountability partners or join pods, ensuring motivation and support throughout the course.

Modules

Each lesson includes instructional PDFs, templates, and time-lapse videos, allowing you to learn at your own pace and revisit techniques as needed.

  • 1 - Sculptural Modelling

  • 2 - Kurinuki Carving

  • 3 - Pinch Pots

  • 4 - Calming Coils

  • 5 - Textural Slabs

  • 6 - Crafting Combos

Alumni and Workshop Testimonials

“Jacquie has different entry points for everyone whether you're a beginner or you have more experience in clay. The resources were detailed and were great references while I worked. Jacquie has created so many engaging projects to work on for all to enjoy. ”

ALANA MARCOCCIA

“Jacquie did a great job of explaining each step of using Linoblock on Clay in the live virtual demonstration! Access to the recording and accompanying PDF Instructions helped me understand what was required to achieve the best results. ”

CATHERINE RYAN

“Jacquie's teaching style is both engaging and approachable, making it easy for anyone, regardless of skill level to dive into hand-building pottery. I especially appreciated the flexibility, allowing me to work at my own pace, which suited by busy lifestyle perfectly. ”

LINDA TAGGART

“I really like the format of the sessions where we were introduced with each new technique by showcasing the work of accomplished artists and then breaking it down into doable project of the same through real time videos and written instructions.”

GURPREET NAIN

Enroll Now in Hand Building Basics and Unlock Exclusive, Limited-Time Access to:

($600 Value)

  • 6 Comprehensive Modules – Covering everything you need to transform clay into 6 hand-built masterpieces.
  • 18+ In-Depth Lessons – At least 3 focused lessons per module, providing step-by-step guidance.
  • Flexible Play & Pause Videos – Watch at your own pace, allowing you to pause and replay key steps as needed.
  • Set Projects with PDFs and Templates – Detailed instructions and templates to support every project.
  • Ceramic Supply Lists for All Levels – From beginner essentials to advanced tools, ensuring you’re fully equipped.
  • Expert Home Studio Setup Tips – Practical advice on studio safety, waste management, and setting up damp boxes and drywall boards, so you can work efficiently and safely.
  • Design Elements & Principles Explained – Gain clarity on the Elements and Principles of Design, with historical and contemporary examples and tips for applying them to your own work.
  • Creative Process – A comprehensive breakdown of the Creative Process, helping you confidently develop your unique style and vision.
  • Ceramics Process Management – Step-by-step guidance on managing the ceramics process, including a detailed plan for drying pieces before bisque firing (hint: it’s trickier than you think!).
  • Weekly Module Releases – Modules are released weekly, giving you time to immerse yourself in each lesson and complete the project before moving forward, helping you stay focused and avoid overwhelm.
  • Lifetime Access – Complete one project per module now and return later to explore new pathways and projects whenever you’re ready.

Lifetime Access

Not 30 days! Not 6 months! Lifetime!

Bonuses

  • 8 Weeks Q&A access to Jacquie

    $200 value

    You'll have access to ongoing help through the private Hand Building Basics Facebook Course Community for Members Only. You'll be able to connect with each other here too! Join early to get access to each other. PS When the course is completed you will still have access to each other within the Alumni Facebook Group and you'll still be able to ask me questions.

  • 3 Live Q&A Zoom Sessions

    $300 value

    Zoom Sessions will be 1 hour each depending on your needs. Send in questions ahead of time or ask during the sessions. Recordings of each Zoom Session will be added to your dashboard the next day. If we are all in the same time zone we can choose a consistent day and time together.

  • Accountability Partners/Pods

    Priceless

    Some of us work really well on our own. Some of us like moral support. Some of us like the comradery of community. No matter which type of learner you are, having a buddy to bounce ideas around with will help you grow. Accountability Partners/Pods allow you to buddy up with 1 to 4 classmates and commit to helping each other reach your goals. Great for accountability, motivation, and feedback.

Even More Bonus Material

Access these Bonuses on December 25, 2024

  • Elements & Principles of Design Glossaries AND Posters

    $100 value

    The Glossaries give you understanding at a glance with terms broken down to key essentials. The Posters illustrate the dominant elements and Principles. The images will give you a quick visual boost when considering designs. PS. These are the glossaries I fine-tuned over 30 years of teaching.

  • The Creative Process AND Stages of Ceramics Posters

    $50 value

    These two Posters will help you understand the steps of the Creative Process and the Stages of Ceramics with text and imagery for each step.

  • Studio Set Up AND Waste Management PDFs

    $50 value

    These two PDFs will help you set up your portable studio and keep you safe while protecting the environment.

Guarantee

Plus You’ll be Backed by a Risk-Free 14-Day Guarantee

Let me start by saying this:

I’ve poured my heart and soul into Hand Building Basics. From the start, I interviewed potential students to understand their needs, then, after running the course last winter, I reconnected with participants to refine it even further based on their feedback.

Hand Building Basics is designed to offer you the most enriching home learning experience, with support from new friends in our ceramics community and me, guiding you every step of the way.

When you join, you’ll become part of a vibrant community of lifelong learners, all contributing to a shared well of knowledge and support. Together, we’re building something special.

And here’s the best part:

During the first 14 days, you’ll get full access to the Welcome Module, along with Modules 1 and 2 and their projects. This “test-drive” lets you dive into the experience and see how clay work fits into your life before fully committing. If you’re not feeling confident or inspired by your progress, simply reach out, show me you’ve engaged with the lessons, and I’ll refund your investment.

Here’s how it works:

Submit a photo of your workspace, including any reference images, sketches, and your completed Module 1 project, along with a note on where the course could have better met your expectations. Your feedback will help me improve the program for future students.

FAQ

Burning Q’s fellow ceramic artists asked before grabbing their access:

  • Can I take this course if I don't have access to a kiln?

    To fully complete the projects, you will need access to a kiln. If you don’t have one, you can try finding local resources by visiting kilnshare.com to see if anyone nearby rents kiln space. Private pottery studios, pottery guilds, and community centers are also great places to check for kiln rentals or communal firings. Additionally, joining pottery-related Facebook groups like Clay Buddies can connect you with others who might have helpful suggestions for accessing a kiln near you.

  • I’m fairly new to ceramics. Is this going to be too advanced for me?

    This is so exciting—I'm thrilled to welcome you to the course! Hand Building Basics is designed for learners of all levels, and as a new ceramicist, you’ll find that I break down each technique into manageable, repeatable steps. You'll quickly learn the foundational skills needed for each module. Each module includes one guided project, called the Set Project, which allows you to follow along step-by-step with a specific theme and imagery to support your learning. You’re in for a fun, supportive experience as you build confidence and develop your skills!

  • I am not sure if I have time to do this. What is the time commitment?

    The course is designed to be flexible, with a weekly time commitment of about 1 hour to watch the videos and around 3 hours to complete the Set Project. You can pace yourself and fit the learning into your schedule in a way that works best for you.

  • I am not sure online learning is for me, what if I buy it and can’t learn this way?

    With a 14-day money-back guarantee, you can explore the course risk-free. Each lesson includes How-To videos, detailed PDF instructions, and project templates, plus you’ll receive support from me in our private Facebook Group and during LIVE Zoom sessions. I encourage you to take full advantage of everything offered, so you can experience the flexibility and benefits of online learning at your own pace.

  • Do I need existing tech skills to pull this off?

    No advanced tech skills are necessary! I’ll guide you through the hand-building techniques and any tech skills needed to navigate our online platforms. All handouts and templates are provided as PDFs, which can be easily opened on any computer. We’ll be using user-friendly platforms like Facebook, Zoom, and Thinkific, so you’ll have no trouble accessing all course materials and connecting with our community.

  • Will Jacquie be available and accessible to answer questions if I get stuck?

    Absolutely! When you join the course, you’ll have 8 weeks of direct Q&A access to me within our private Hand Building Basics Facebook Community, exclusively for members. You’re also welcome to bring questions to our LIVE Zoom sessions. For urgent issues, you can reach out by email, but my primary focus will be on supporting you through the Facebook Group and Zoom sessions to ensure a smooth, hands-on learning experience.

  • Will I need to invest in any other training to create the projects?

    No additional training is needed! Once you enroll, everything you’ll need to learn is included in the course, aside from a box of clay, your ceramic tools, and a few studio supplies if you’re just getting started. For The Must-Have Ceramic Tool Kit for Every Potter, join my newsletter at www.jacquieblondin.com. In your welcome email, you’ll receive a PDF supply list with helpful hyperlinks and images to get you set up.

  • I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed by everything I’ll need to learn and execute in this program. Are you sure I can do all of this?

    Absolutely! I’ll guide you through each technique with detailed video demonstrations that you can practice at your own pace, either alongside me or on your own. Each project comes with PDF step-by-step instructions so you won’t miss a thing, and you’ll have access to Play & Pause videos that you can rewatch as many times as needed. Plus, I’ll be available in the Facebook Group and during our LIVE Zoom sessions to answer any questions and support you every step of the way. You’ve got this!

  • When I join the Hand Building Basics course, will I be getting immediate access to all the lessons and modules?

    I love your enthusiasm! While it may be tempting to dive into everything at once, I’ve structured the course with “LESS is MORE” in mind. You’ll receive one module per week, with additional Catch-Up Weeks to give you time to fully absorb each lesson. However, you’ll have immediate access to the Welcome Module and bonus resources to help you prepare and get organized. This step-by-step release keeps you focused and prevents overwhelm, ensuring that your skills build naturally over time. My goal is your COMPLETE SUCCESS, and this approach keeps you on track, engaged, and moving forward with confidence!

Still “thinking about it”?

Give Hand Building Basics a 14-day risk-free try if any of the following resonate with you:

You’re ready to reclaim your life.

Whether you’re balancing a demanding day job, a busy home life, or responsibilities as a partner, parent, or caregiver, you know that your time, energy, and space often feel stretched too thin. You’re determined to escape the cycle of burnout and stop saying, “I don’t have time” whenever something exciting or fulfilling comes along.

This course is your chance to invest in the “ME TIME” you deserve. Over these two months, you’ll carve out dedicated space to create the masterpieces you’re meant to make, recharge your energy with purposeful, joyful projects, and establish a designated area—portable or permanent—for your home studio.

You’ve got this, and I’m here to support you every step of the way!

I can’t wait to guide you through this journey.

Creating ceramics has truly transformed my life.

I know firsthand what it’s like to go from being an overworked mom with a demanding career to finding deep fulfillment in clay.

More than anything, I want to share that with you.

If you’re seeking something meaningful, or if you’re a parent or caregiver with countless obligations, you owe it to yourself to take this risk-free plunge and see what life as a clay creator feels like.

Imagine setting aside time and space for a creative clay practice, and experiencing the boost in energy, mood, and fulfillment it can bring. This course will empower you to make real, tangible steps toward transforming your life.

Should you choose to accept my invitation, I personally guarantee these next 8 weeks will be absolutely life-changing.

I look forward to welcoming you inside Hand Building Basics.

Warm regards,
Jacquie Blondin