Pottery Workshops
Government Museum and Art Gallery
I run relaxed pottery workshops where anyone can learn wheel and hand-building techniques, try out sgraffito, and make their own piece from start to finish, no experience needed.
Pricing Guide
Kids Play with Clay Session
Session Overview
- Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours of high-energy guidance.
- Batch Size: Small groups (6-10 kids) for safety and attention.
- Eligibility: Designed specifically for ages 5-12 years.
Hand-Building Activity
- Technique: Focus on non-wheel methods like Pinching, Coiling, and Slab work.
- Projects: Kids create animal figurines, face masks, or simple pinch bowls.
- Instruction: Step-by-step teaching on joining clay using 'slip and score' to prevent breakage.
Materials Provided
- Clay Allowance: Unlimited practice clay with approx. 500g allotted for the final piece.
- Tools: Kid-safe plastic modeling tools, rolling pins, stamps, and natural textures.
- Gear: Aprons provided to protect clothing.
After The Session
- Finishing: The artist handles all drying and glazing to avoid toxicity risks.
- Firing: Includes cost of single Bisque firing.
- Takeaway: 1 finished ceramic piece per child, ready for collection in 2-3 weeks.
Adult Wheel Throwing & Hand-building
Workshop Structure
- Duration: Intensive 2.5 to 3 hour session.
- Atmosphere: Therapeutic environment focusing on mindfulness and tactile engagement.
- Guidance: Hands-on instruction on electric wheels and work tables.
Core Techniques
- Wheel Throwing: Learning to center clay, open mounds, and pull walls to form cylinders or bowls.
- Hand-Building: Introduction to slab construction or pinching for organic shapes.
- Surface Decor: Texturing methods using professional carving tools.
Material & Equipment
- Clay: 1.5kg to 2kg of prepared stoneware clay per participant.
- Station: Access to electric pottery wheel and dedicated workspace.
- Tools: Wire cutters, trimming tools, ribs, sponges, and aprons included.
Post-Workshop Process
- Professional Finishing: Artist applies glaze and manages the drying cycle.
- Firing: Includes double firing (Bisque + Glaze) in an electric kiln.
- Deliverable: 1-2 finished, food-safe pieces available for pickup in 3-4 weeks.
Advanced Decor & Technique Masterclass
Masterclass Scope
- Duration: Extended 4+ hour session or 2-day split format.
- Focus: Advanced Surface Decoration and artistic expression rather than basic shaping.
- Theme: Nature-inspired designs (mountains, florals) and storytelling aesthetics.
Specialized Techniques
- Sgraffito: Layering colored slips over clay and carving to reveal contrasting layers.
- Carving: Creating intricate light-play designs for items like lanterns.
- Underglazing: Painting illustrations directly onto leather-hard clay.
Premium Amenities
- Resources: Unlimited clay usage and access to expensive colored slips and underglazes.
- Tools: Specialized loop and carving tools provided.
- Mentorship: One-on-one design critique and technical assistance.
Final Output
- Project: Creation of a complex piece such as a vase, detailed planter, or decorative plate.
- Processing: Priority handling, clear glaze application, and high-temperature firing included.
- Timeline: Finished work ready for collection in approximately 3 weeks.
About Pottery Workshops
Why I Do Pottery
When my hands touch clay, my mind finally gets quiet. Pottery connects me with memories, nature, and all things wild - it’s a way of meditating for me. My workshops aren’t about chasing perfection. It’s more about slowing down, getting messy, and making something with your own hands.
Workshop Vibe
Expect a few hours of laid-back fun, stories, and hands-on learning. Whether you’ve never tried pottery or you’ve dabbled before, I’ll guide you through each step. We’ll chat, maybe get a bit philosophical, and just enjoy the process together.
What We Do
- Pottery wheel experience: Learn to center clay, shape bowls or cylinders. Warning: Nazar hati, durghatna ghati (look away and things go wonky) - but that’s half the fun.
- Hand-building pottery techniques: Pinching, coiling, slab-building. Perfect if the wheel’s not your jam.
- Sgraffito pottery design: Carve, paint, or pierce your story onto your piece. Glazing and firing bring the final wow.
- Every kiln opening? Always a surprise. Sometimes things crack, sometimes they wobble. We roll with it.
Kids and Families
I run ‘Play with Clay’ sessions just for kids too. Watching their creativity explode is the best part of my job. Everyone’s welcome - singles, couples, friends, little ones. Pottery is for anyone who wants to try.
Meet your Expert
Malvika
14 connects in last 3 months
My Story
Ten years in, and I still don’t know if I’m at the start or somewhere in the middle. Handmade by Malvika is me, losing and finding myself, painting memories—like my nani peeling oranges in winter sun, or my mother’s tiny garden. I grew up loving big vases, now I chase small joys. I sketch movies so the endings never come. My art is a jumble of Spiti houses, Tirthan valleys, and all the feelings I can’t say out loud.
My Work
Handmade Visual Art - I make quirky ceramic vases, trinket bowls, planters, and wearable art badges inspired by mountains and poetry.
Memory-Inspired Illustration - My digital illustrations and pottery often blend places and moments from my own memories.
Imperfect, Slow Craft - Everything’s handmade, so expect uneven shapes and colors—each piece is jigar ka tukda, and I love the flaws.
Workshops & Commissions - I host workshops for kids and adults, and take custom orders if you want something personal.
For Old Souls - If you love slow days, bookstores, and things made with stories, you’ll feel at home with my work.
