Pottery studio and handbuilt ceramics in San Francisco
Craft Your Perfect TV Plate and Use Colored Glazes To Customize! 🌈
Dates:
Friday, April 3rd from 6:30-9pm
Wednesday, May 6th from 6:30-9pm
Enjoy your next dinner in front of the TV with the perfect accessory: a custom, hand-made TV dinner plate! In this 2.5-hour workshop you’ll learn ceramic handbuilding techniques with expert guidance from your instructor who will walk you through each step of the process.
You’ll start by cutting out your desired shape for the base of your plate. Next, you’ll learn how to roll out coils and attach them to the base to create the walls and compartments. The number of compartments on your plate is entirely up to you! Once your plate is built we’ll show you how to use colored glazes called underglazes, to add color and designs. We’ll have every color in the rainbow and will demonstrate some cute designs for inspiration.
Everyone will create 1 TV dinner plate each.
What to Expect:
Learn handbuilding pottery techniques
Choose your own design and create a custom TV dinner plate
Glaze your plate with colored glazes
Have a relaxed and fun time 💙
After the Workshop: Your plate will dry in the kiln room for about a week before its first “bisque” firing. After that, we’ll apply a clear glaze and put it in the kiln again for its final firing. Your plate will be food safe and microwave safe! You will be emailed with pickup instructions about 4 weeks after the workshop.
Location:
Studio Sumi
5031 Geary Blvd, SF 94118
Spring in Clay: A 4-Week Handbuilding Experience
🌸 🏺 🌿
Longer days, a little more sunshine, and a fresh excuse to try something new.
This 4-week pottery series is your weekly moment to step away from the rush and sink your hands into something creative, playful, and surprisingly calming. Think: soft clay, good music, warm studio vibes, and pieces you’ll actually use at home.
Join us every Thursday from 6:30–8:30pm for a small, welcoming class designed for beginners and returning makers alike. We’ll guide you through foundational handbuilding techniques like pinching, coiling, and slab building — all in a relaxed, no-pressure environment where there’s room to experiment and make it your own.
By the end of the four weeks, you won’t just have a collection of handmade pieces — you’ll have new skills, more confidence, and that proud “I made this” feeling every time you use them.
Spring feels like starting fresh. This is your sign to start with clay. 🌷✨
Upcoming Session:
April 2nd- 23rd Thursdays from 6:30-8:30pm
May 7th-28th Thursdays from 6:30-8:30pm
Each session is limited to just 6 participants for plenty of one-on-one guidance in a relaxed, welcoming studio environment.
Weekly Adventures in Clay
Week 1: Start simple—shape your first hand-pinched bowl and explore coil building for small vessels or planters.
Week 2: Dive into slabs! You’ll learn to use the slab roller and create your own mug (or two) to keep you company all winter long.
Week 3: Choose your own creative path—design something from a template or go fully freestyle. Add textures, carvings, or stamped designs for extra personality.
Week 4: It’s glaze week! Learn how to use colored underglazes and food-safe clear glazes to finish your pieces with color and shine.
Course Perks
✨ Small Class Size: Only 6 participants for an intimate, supportive atmosphere.
✨ Open Studio Hours: Practice anytime between 11am–7pm, or enjoy full-day access (6am–midnight) on your class days.
✨ All Materials Included: 15 lbs. of your choice of clay (white stoneware or brown speckled buff), studio tools, glazes, firings, and a personal shelf for your work.
✨ A Creative Community: Whether you’re a total beginner or picking clay back up, Studio Sumi is a welcoming space to learn, play, and create.
Why You’ll Love This Workshop
Winter is the season for slowing down and there’s no better way to do that than with clay. Each class offers a balance of mindful making, creative play, and technical skill-building. You’ll leave with beautiful, food-safe pieces ready for everyday use (or gifting!) and a renewed sense of calm to carry into the year ahead.
📍 Location:
Studio Sumi
5031 Geary Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94118
Featured Workshops
A little clay, a lot of zen
Handbuild Your Own Tea Bowl 🍵
Upcoming Dates:
Tuesday, April 21st from 6:30-8:30pm
Sunday, May 17th from 11am-1:30pm
Slow down and get your hands in some clay because your morning matcha deserves a handmade bowl.
In this 2-hour handbuilding workshop, you’ll create your own chawan (matcha bowl) using simple pinching techniques. This project is beginner-friendly, relaxing, and full of creative possibilities. Once your bowl takes shape, you’ll have time to decorate the inside and outside with attachments, carvings, and colorful underglazes to make it entirely your own.
✨ What to Expect:
• Pinch & Shape – We’ll start with pre-prepared clay balls so you can dive right in. You’ll learn how to shape and refine your matcha bowl by hand.
• Personalize – Add texture, sculpt small attachments, or carve patterns. Play with underglazes to add color and personality.
• Relax & Create – Our instructor will guide you step-by-step through the process in a fun, welcoming setting—no pressure, no experience required.
• We’ll Handle the Rest – Once you’re done, we’ll take care of the firing, glazing, and pickup notifications so you can just enjoy the process.
☕ Perfect for: Beginners, tea lovers, or anyone who wants to unwind and make something functional and beautiful.
What’s Included:
✔️ All materials (clay, tools, and underglazes)
✔️ Firing and clear glaze finish by Studio Sumi
✔️ Complimentary tea to sip while you sculpt
✔️ Finished piece will be food safe, microwave safe, and dishwasher safe thanks to our professional glaze firing
Why Handbuilding?
Handbuilding is one of the most approachable and grounding ways to work with clay. It slows you down, invites you to connect with the material, and leaves room for imperfection. Unlike wheel-throwing, handbuilding is less about precision and more about play. You’ll leave not only with a functional piece but also with the calm that comes from creating something with your hands, start to finish.
Location:
Studio Sumi- 5031 Geary Blvd, SF 94118
a gift for every occasion 💙
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a gift for every occasion 💙 〰️
Stuck on What to Gift? We’ve Got You.
Let’s be real, finding the perfect present is hard. You want it to feel personal, not just another random thing. That’s where our gift cards come in. Whether they’re into getting creative at a pottery workshop or picking out something handmade from the ceramics shop, they’ll get something they actually want. No guessing, no stress, just good gift-giving vibes.
Does your space need a refresh?
Look no further!