Hand Building Basics
This 8-week online course for studio potters, will help you build momentum through 6 hand-building challenges so you can feel competent and confident to take creative risks.
...you’re in the right place and I’m going to tell you exactly how Hand Building Basics will give you the tools, inspiration, and unparalleled support on your journey to creating with clay in your studio space.
Jacquie Blondin
By the end of this program, you will have:
Course Access Starts on February 1st:
Lessons include instructional PDFs, templates, and time lapse videos so you can play and pause 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 recorded lessons were easy to follow and the Q&A access in the Facebook Group and Live Sessions made it a breeze to ask questions and seek guidance along the way. 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 that was involved in the live virtual demonstration! The linoblock printing method on clay was entirely new to me. The online delivery was helpful for someone like myself who was not familiar with the printmaking process and the recording and accompanying PDF Instructions helped me understand what was required to achieve the best results. ”
“I have been fascinated with clay and have been following Jacquie’s work for a long time. This was my first opportunity to get my hands into clay. I signed up for the online Conquer Stress with Clay workshop with Jacquie. Despite it being online, never once did I feel that I fell short of guidance and direction. Jacquie took us along effortlessly as she went about teaching the techniques, encouraging us along the way, and applauding each effort. The workshop lived up to its name! I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and am already looking out for her next one. ”
Hand Building Basics
($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 say this upfront.
I've put my heart and soul into this course. I initially interviewed potential students to see how I could meet their needs and then after running the course last winter I interviewed the participants and tweaked the course even more.
Hand Building Basics has been designed to give you the best learning experience you could have while working in your home with some new friends and me along for the journey.
Our ceramics community is filled with lifelong learners and our communal knowledge grows with the generosity of other potters. When you join, you will be part of the special group.
Now here’s the kicker.
By the end of these 14 days, you’ll have received access to the Welcome Module, as well as Module 1 and 2 including the projects, meaning you’ll have had the opportunity to test drive your clay journey BEFORE making a final commitment. If you don’t feel totally confident and motivated by your experience (and your ability to learn in this way) simply reach out, show me you’ve put in the work, and I'll refund your investment.
Here's how:
Take a photograph of your workspace with the reference images or sketches and your completed Project for Module 1 and let me know where the program fell short for you, so I can be sure to make adjustments or clarify student understanding in the future.
Burning Q’s fellow ceramic artists asked before grabbing their access:
You will need access to a kiln to fully complete the work you make. If you don't have access to a kiln look on kilnshare.com to see if there is anyone near you who rents out kiln space. Look up private pottery studios, pottery guilds, and community centers to see if they have kiln rentals or communal firings. Join pottery-related Facebook Groups like Clay Buddies to ask for suggestions.
This is so exciting, I am truly excited for you! This is a beyond hand building course. You will quickly learn the basic techniques needed for each module when I break the skills down into manageable and repeatable bits. Remember, each module will have one project. The Set Project is designed so you can follow each step of the way with a specific theme and imagery.
It will take you about 1 hour a week to watch the videos and 3 hours to complete the Set Project each week.
You will have a 14-day money-back guarantee. Lessons will include How-To Videos, PDF Instructions, and templates for each project and will be accompanied by support from Jacquie in the Private Facebook Group and in the LIVE Zoom Sessions. I hope you take advantage of ALL that is offered so that you discover the benefits and advantages of online learning.
I will be teaching you hand-building TECH skills and any other TECH skills needed to navigate the computer platforms we will use. The Handouts and Templates will be formatted as PDFs so you should be able to open them up easily on any computer. We'll be using Facebook, Zoom & the teaching platform Thinkific.
When you register for the course you will have 8 weeks of Q&A access to Jacquie inside the private Hand Building Basics Facebook Course Community for Members Only and questions can also be asked within the LIVE Zoom sessions. Of course, in case of an emergency, you can contact Jacquie through email but she will be putting all her efforts into meeting your needs in the Facebook Group and in the LIVE Zoom Sessions.
This is all the investment you will need, other than a box of clay and your ceramic tools, and some additional studio supplies if you are newer to this craft. For a complete guide to Ceramics Supplies for Beginners and Beyond Beginners be sure to join my email mailing list at www.jacquieblondin.com and in the welcome email you will receive a PDF List with hyperlinks and images.
Absolutely, I will guide you through each new technique with demonstrations that you can practice on your own or alongside me in the videos. When you go to create each project you will have PDF Step-By-Step Instructions so you don’t miss a step. You’ll have access to Play & Pause Videos that you can watch over and over again. Don’t forget, I’ll resolve any questions you may have in the Facebook Group and in the LIVE Zoom sessions.
I am glad you are excited to see everything that I have created for you, but I know from experience that “LESS is MORE”, meaning you'll be receiving one module per week, except in the Catch-Up Weeks. You will, however, have immediate access to the Welcome Module and other bonuses. This will help to keep you on track and avoid overwhelm. I am aiming for your COMPLETE SUCCESS and want you to be focused on one module at a time, in sequence, so your skills build throughout the program.
You should give Hand Building Basics a 14-day risk-free shot if you've motivated by any of the following:
You want your life back…like…
really badly.
Whether it's a super demanding day job, or busy home life as a partner, parent, or caregiver, you're fully aware that you don't have the time, energy, or location you TRULY need to be living your best life.
More importantly, you'd prefer not to spend the rest of your life flirting with burnout while chanting the mantra, "I don't have time", every time something fun or exciting pops up.
That's why you're motivated beyond measure to invest the 2 months in taking the "ME TIME" you deserve; to create the masterpieces you know you were born to create; in boosting your ENERGY with feelings of joy, with a spring in your step as you accomplish purposeful creative projects; and claim a LOCATION for your portable or permanent home studio.
You can do this!
I've got your back!
Creating ceramics has literally transformed my life.
I’ve experienced first hand what it feels like to transition from an overworked mom with a demanding career, to being fulfilled at the deepest level by clay.
More than anything else, I want to share that with you today.
If you're a person looking for something meaningful to do or a parent or caregiver with too many obligations to count, you owe it to yourself to at least take a risk-free plunge to see what your life as a clay creator looks like.
To experience firsthand what setting time and location for a creative clay practice can do for your energy and mood, and to take real, tangible steps to transform your life.
Should you choose to accept my invitation, I personally guarantee that these next 8 weeks will be completely and utterly life-changing for you.
I look forward to meeting you personally inside Hand Building Basics.
Warm Regards,
Jacquie Blondin