2026 Hands in Clay Workshops Series
Welcome to our Hands in Clay Workshops — a year-long journey of creative, grounding sessions for adults and young makers. Across our three inspiring locations, with The Yass Visual Arts Society in the country town of Yass, The Malbon in Bungendore, and Gumtree Wellness Studio in Murrumbateman — we offer a variety of workshop series to explore the endless possibilities of clay.
From the garden-inspired Songs of the Garden series to the floral textures explored in the Whispers of Wildflowers series, and the mindful, grounding forms of the Grounded in Clay series, each collection unfolds through a number of workshops released gradually throughout the year.
Each session gently guides you through hand-building, shaping, and surface techniques. Whether you’re a beginner or a returning maker, our workshops offer a mindful escape — a chance to slow down, connect with clay, and create pieces that are both functional and beautiful.
Join us throughout the year as each series evolves, inviting you back to get your hands dirty and take home creations made with care, intention, and joy.
We are also available to host private workshops for small groups seeking a more intimate making experience. More details at the bottom of the page.
**Gift Vouchers can be purchased for all workshops in the Shop section
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Songs of the Garden/ Blossom Box Workshop
Visual Arts Society Yass, Anglican Hall
Saturday 25th July, 10-12.30pm
Songs of the Garden returns for its second gathering, inviting you into a slow, hands-on pottery experience inspired by natural forms.
In this workshop, you’ll transform a wheel-thrown ceramic box—already thoughtfully made by Danielle—into a blossom-inspired keepsake. Using clay moulds, you’ll create and apply delicate floral details, building a soft, layered design across the lid.
This session is suited to beginners and those seeking a gentle, creative experience. You’ll be guided step by step through the process, with a focus on composition, texture and the quiet rhythm of working with clay.
As with each Songs of the Garden workshop, the emphasis is on slowing down, connecting with your hands, and creating something meaningful in a shared, welcoming space.
After the workshop, your piece will be carefully dried, fired and glazed by us, ready for collection a few weeks later.
Morning tea is supplied.
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Whispers of the Garden / The Secret Garden Vase
The Malbon, Bungendore
Sunday 9th August 3-5.30pm
In our latest Whispers of the Garden Workshop at The Malbon, where vases are inspired by the quiet rhythms and subtle beauty of a garden.
Inspired by the flowers of the garden, this gentle, hands-on workshop invites you to create your own small ceramic vase adorned with delicate floral details.
You will begin by hand building and shaping a vase from clay before exploring our collection of flower moulds to create beautiful blooms that are carefully arranged and applied by hand. Each piece develops its own unique character, celebrating the quiet beauty of handmade work.
Suitable for beginners and those with previous clay experience, this workshop is designed to be relaxed, creative, and enjoyable. Guided step by step, you'll learn simple hand-building techniques and discover how small details can transform a piece into something truly special.
After the workshop, your vase will be carefully dried, professionally glazed in your choice of colours, and kiln-fired in our studio. Finished pieces will be ready approximately 6 weeks after the workshop.
Come and enjoy a few hours of slowing down, working with your hands, and creating a piece inspired by the beauty of the garden.
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Songs of the Garden / Petal Bowl
Visual Arts Society Yass, Anglican Hall
Saturday 26th September 10-12.30pm
Songs of the Garden continues with The Petal Bowl—a gentle, hands-on pottery workshop inspired by the softness and movement of petals.
In this session, you’ll create your own petal-inspired bowl, shaping and forming clay into a piece that feels both organic and expressive. Guided step by step, you’ll explore simple hand-building techniques, focusing on form, flow and the quiet rhythm of working with your hands.
This workshop is suited to beginners and those with some experience. No prior pottery skills are needed—just a willingness to slow down and enjoy the process.
As part of the Songs of the Garden series, this workshop invites you to connect with nature through making, creating something that feels personal and alive.
After the session, your piece will be carefully dried, fired and glazed by us, ready for collection a few weeks later.
A shared space to create, reflect and bring something gentle into form.
We offer a selection of private workshop experiences for Yass and surrounding areas.
Each workshop is calm, hands-on, and tailored to your creative interests. Whether shared with friends or family, these small group sessions provide a relaxed space to explore clay, learn new skills, and create meaningful handmade pieces.
We supply all clay and tools for up to 12 guests, and can offer a local venue or bring the workshop to your home or work place. A minimum of 6 attendees applies.
Workshops run for approximately 2–3 hours, depending on your chosen pottery experience. You can add on a relaxed 30-minute morning or afternoon tea break, provided by you during the workshop to create a break or at the end.
All pieces are left overnight to dry and we will collect and bring back to our studio for final firings and glazing in a choice of colours.
Contact us for available dates.
Private Workshops
Blossom Curves Workshop, a gentle 2 hour hand building session exploring soft, petal-like forms in clay inspired by natural flow and movement. $150 per person, ages 15 and over only
Whispers of the Garden Tea Bowls, held in two handmade tea bowls in a 2 hour, calm hands-on workshop inviting you to slow down, shape clay and create something quietly meaningful. $125 per adult, ages 14 and under $80
Meadow Platter Workshop, a 2 hour hand building session inspired by open fields and natural textures, creating generous organic serving forms in clay. $150 per person, ages 15 and over only
Slip Design Bowls, a 2 hour focused hand building session creating a set of three coordinating bowls exploring form, texture and slip decorating in clay. $125 per adult, ages 14 and under $80
Bird Making Workshop, a 2 hour hand building session creating a clay bird and finishing them with expressive underglaze colour and detail. $125 per adult, ages 14 and under $80
Art of the Vase Workshop, a 3 hour hand building session focused on creating sculptural, functional vessels with flowing organic form in clay. $170 per person, ages 15 and over only
Lotus Candles Workshop, a 3 hour quiet, hands- on workshop where you create two lotus candle holders shaped slowly petal by petal, inviting you to pause and make something calm and considered. $160 per person, ages 15 and over only