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Training & Courses
Hobby Ceramicraft offer training and courses throughout the year both for newcomers to the trade and for more experienced ceramists who are interested in increasing their knowledge.
Starter Courses
Our weekend "Introduction to the Business of Paint Your Own Pottery" course is the ideal starter course if you are looking at starting up in the contemporary ceramics business. This two-day course takes the worry out of starting up a ceramic cafe or mobile pottery painting business. Let Jane and Matthew give you the benefit of over two decades of experience with ceramics - not just showing you how it's done, but also how to make the most of the business opportunity, taking you through the different business scenariso, how to prepare for opening your own business.
You'll learn what equipment to use, including the all-important kiln!
Taking this course gives you the peace of mind to know that you have had the best possible preparation. This can avoid costly mistakes in the early days, and give you the kick-start you need!
Courses are held over a weekend at our studio in Hampshire. Both days start at 9:30am. On the Saturday we usually go on until 6pm, and on the Sunday around 4pm, as we know that some attendees will have a long drive home! The atmosphere is relaxed and open, so you can ask any questions you like without feeling awkward. A pub lunch is included on both days, so you should be able to get to know the other participants well. We encourage people to stay in touch after the course so you can benefit from each other's experiences.
The course costs £165 per person (including all materials used and a pub lunch on both days). We take a non-refundable deposit of £85 to secure your place, and the balance is payable on the day. You will have the chance to purchase the equipment and materials you will need to start off at a discounted rate when you attend the course.
Upcoming course dates: -
- MARCH 8th - 9th 2008
- APRIL 26th - 27th 2008
- JUNE 7th - 8th 2008
- JULY 26th - 27th 2008
Other Courses
As well as our starter course, we also offer training days throughout the year covering other subjects, including slip-casting, working with clay, using glass, and many more. As part of our commitment to helping your business grow, we also arrange business seminars hosted by very successful owners of contemporary ceramics business, who will share with you the secrets of their success!
Upcoming seminars:-
- Wednesday MARCH 4th 2008 - GORGEOUS GLASS SEMINAR Jane will be showing you how to start glass fusing. This is a natural progression for ceramics studios, since you can use your existing kiln! In this workshop you will learn about working with glass safely, and create your own coaster and pendants. Cost: £40 + VAT (including lunch)
- Thursday 5th MARCH 2008 - ASTOUNDING ACRYLICS An expert with acrylics, our very own Rosemary Richardson will be teaching the secrets of decorating pieces using non-fired colours in this PRIATE THEMED acrylics workshop. Most of you will already know Rosemary as one of our lovely ladies on the end of the phone at Hobby Ceramicraft. Come and enjoy this fabulous day at our cosy studio in Hampshire and benefit from her expert tuition. Shiver-me-timbers!!! Cost: £40 + VAT (including lunch)
- Monday MAY 5th - Wednesday MAY 7th 2008 - PAINT ESCAPE AT HIGHFIELD PARK This is the flagship event of our 21st year, so you can be sure that we'll pull out all the stops to make it memorable for you. This is your chance to spend THREE DAYS simply enjoying ceramics, with expert teachers taking you stroke-by-stroke through a number of techniques specially devised for this event. Show off your talents in our painting competition and win £100 worth of Mayco bisque! When you book the course, you will be sent a small piece to decorate and fire. Bring it with you on the course and Tim and Jon will judge the winner. All teaching, materials and colour are included in the price, as well as a celebration dinner on the Tuesday evening with an 80's theme. As well as this you will automatically be entered into the painting competition. Accommodation is available onsite at Highfield Park country house hotel at a special rate of £35 per night - please book this directly with Highfield Park - their contact details are on the booking form. Cost: £230 + VAT (£270.25 including VAT). £150 deposit required on booking. To book a place, please click here to go to the booking form.
- Thursday MAY 8th 2008 - GORGEOUS GLASS SEMINAR Jane will be showing you how to start glass fusing. This is a natural progression for ceramics studios, since you can use your existing kiln! In this workshop you will learn about working with glass safely, and create your own coaster and pendants. Cost: £40 + VAT (including lunch)
- Sunday MAY 11th- Monday MAY 12th 2008 - MAYCO POTTERY CAMP with Tim'n'Jon - Exclusive to Hobby Ceramicraft! Once again we are hosting an annual pottery camp, this time hosted by Tim and Jom. This event is geared towards our trade customers. You will learn 8 techniques for you to pass on to your customers - using the latest Mayco colours and shapes. This popular event quickly fills up, so be sure to book in good time! Cost: £100 + VAT (£117.50 including VAT). £60 deposit required on booking. Pub lunch on both days included.