Hand Building Basics
Design-led foundations for strong forms and repeatable skills—so you stop guessing and start building work you’re proud of.
Not random tutorials.
Learn, practice, and get support - so you keep building.
6 guided builds • 8 weeks • weekly modules • catch-up weeks • 3 live sessions • office hours • next cohort: April 7, 2026
With live sessions, office hours, and feedback when you tag me, you’ll build momentum—even when clay throws curveballs.
Hand Building Basics
Teaches a design-led system for handbuilding—so you learn essential techniques and how to plan, self-correct, and develop your own direction in clay long after the course ends.
You’ll practice essential handbuilding techniques through guided and open-ended projects, using exemplars and design lenses to build strong forms and evolve your personal aesthetic.
This is for you if:
You're tired of half-finished pieces sitting on shelves.
You've watched countless tutorials but still feel unsure about drying, joins, and structure.
You want a clear weekly plan instead of guessing what to make next.
You crave feedback from someone who's done this for 30+ years.
You don't need natural talent.
You don't need a perfect studio.
You just need a system and support.
Clarify the plan with references, templates, and quick demos—so you stop guessing.
Build the skill through six guided projects released week by week (with catch-up weeks built in).
Refine with support through 3 live sessions, office hours, and feedback—until you can self-correct and keep going.
YouTube gives you ideas.
Workshops give you a spark.
But progress comes from structure + repetition + feedback.
Hand Building Basics is designed to build skill week after week, not just inspiration for a day.
Where You Go Next
By the end of the course, you’ll know which direction feels most like you. From there, you can go deeper in the lane that clicked:
Form & Structure (if planning and strong shapes lit you up)
Surface & Pattern (if texture, repetition, and graphic contrast clicked)
Sculptural Development (if building expressive forms felt most alive)
Functional Refinement (if daily-use pieces are your focus)
Jacquie Blondin
By the end of this program, you will have:
✅ Confidence & Creative Momentum
feel better when you make—more calm, focus, and creative momentum
know how you learn best (structured or flexible), so you actually keep going after the course
build the language to describe your aesthetic and make more intentional design choices
feel supported and seen inside a welcoming clay community
get comfortable giving and receiving constructive feedback—so you improve faster with less self-doubt
finish a set of projects you’re proud to keep (and show)
✅ Skills You Can Repeat
practice the creative process step-by-step for each build—so you’re learning how to think, not just follow directions
translate 2D references into 3D form (drawing + planning → building)
build muscle memory and technical confidence through repetition—practice makes better
✅ Systems That Make It Stick
follow a weekly rhythm with 6 modules released week-by-week, plus catch-up weeks built in (Week 4 and Week 8)
set up a home/temporary studio workflow (setup → build → tidy → store) that fits real life
use practical home-studio safety habits to protect yourself and others
control drying time with strategies that let clay fit your schedule (not the other way around)
finish with less friction using templates, PDFs, demos, and replayable time-lapse videos
get real-time guidance through 3 live sessions, office hours, and daily group support when you tag me
Course Access Begins Upon Purchase:
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
“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. ”
“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. ”
“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. ”
“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.”
Students love:
clear, step-by-step instruction
flexible pacing that fits real life
detailed resources (PDFs + recordings) and inspiring examples
($600 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
These two PDFs will help you set up your portable studio and keep you safe while protecting the environment.
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.
Burning Q’s fellow ceramic artists asked before grabbing their access:
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
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!
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