Ceramic classes
The Concept
Hand-modelling - Wheel throwing - Glaze experimentation - Fit fire workshops
Shape, Explore, Relax, and Create—Your Way
I’ve designed these pottery classes for a maximum flexibility and deep intention—so they can fit easily into your daily rhythm while offering much more than just creative time. I know what it’s like to try to manage everything—work, family, friends—and still crave a moment of calm, focus, and expression. I’ve been there, and I created this flexible space with that in mind.
The classes take place in my calm, light-filled studio with views of majestic sequoia trees. It’s a small, quiet atelier (maximum 4 people per session), designed to ease the nervous system and support a feeling of presence and simplicity.
From my own experience, I know how supportive pottery can be in helping us feel more grounded and balanced. That’s why I’ve created a space where you can slow down, reconnect with yourself, and enjoy the grounding process of working with clay. Whether you come once a week to decompress, drop in occasionally for inspiration, or join a focused workshop, your experience is fully customizable.
Pottery is a deeply tactile activity—touching, shaping, and repeating movements with clay has been shown to help lower cortisol levels and calm the nervous system. The physical rhythm of working with your hands engages the senses in a soothing way, making space for stillness, presence, and a gentle reset from daily stress.
No rigid programs—just your path.
I offer gentle, personalized guidance while allowing your creativity to lead. Whether you're just starting or returning to clay with more experience, I help you find your own rhythm and style. From hand modeling, glaze experimentation, and pit fire techniques to wheel throwing, I adapt everything to your pace and interests. I also keep track of your progress to support your growth as a maker over time.
Centered hand, a Taoist approach to wheel throwing.
Inspired by the “Slow Throwing” method developed by Joëlle Swanet, this is a slow, embodied approach that draws on breath, grounding, and internal awareness—rather than muscle or force. I incorporate breathwork into the sessions to help you stay centered while working. This mindful way of throwing helps you build inner stability and presence, and allows you to work with larger or grogged clay bodies without strain.
I guide you in shaping from the inside out, following the Taoist principle of Wu Wei—effortless action. In this way, pottery becomes more than technique. It becomes a way to circulate energy, clear stagnation, and cultivate patience, intuition, and non-resistance.
Whether you're new to clay, returning after time away, or looking to deepen your creative practice, I offer a calm, supportive space where you can explore, reflect, and grow—at your own pace, in your own way.
Curated approach
As an art curator and former gallery owner, I bring a deep appreciation for form, texture, and creative intention into my practice. In this studio, I’ll guide you not just in shaping clay, but in developing a personal, artistic approach to your work. Whether you're a complete beginner or looking to refine your skills, you'll be invited to explore ceramics with the same care, curiosity, and critical eye that shapes any meaningful creative practice.
Choose your pack
Love regular sessions? Friends of Clay & Tao is for you (limited spots!).
Prefer flexibility? Grab a 10 or 20 pack and drop in when it suits you.
Want to deepen your skills in an intensive workshop? Saturday 6 hours intensive workshop is the answer!
Just testing the waters? Pay by the hour!
We reward your loyalty
We believe in building long-term relationships — and that’s why the more you engage, the more you save.
Up to 10 hours: CHF 47/hour
10 to 20 hours: CHF 42.60/hour
Over 20 hours: CHF 36.40/hour
Enjoy the best price for the highest quality of guidance, teaching, and experience.
Some packs, like the Introduction to the Wheel and the 20-hour pack, can be shared between two people — perfect for friends, couples, or creative partners.
Flexible organisation
Book Online in Seconds.
Plans Changed? No Problem!
Cancel up to 24-48 hours in advance (depending on your pack). Hectic week? Just reschedule!
Language
Our courses are held in German/English/French or Italian depending on the students wishes.
What Are the Main Steps in the Ceramics Process?
1. Shaping (Hand Building or Wheel Throwing)
This is the creative stage where you form your piece out of soft clay. Techniques may include hand modeling (slab, coil, pinch) or wheel throwing for more symmetrical forms.
Time: at least 2 hours
2. Leather-Hard Stage & Finishing Touches
As the clay begins to dry, it reaches a leather-hard stage—firm but still workable. This is the perfect time to refine the shape, smooth surfaces, and add decorations like textures or engobes (liquid clay mixed with pigments).
Reaching this stage naturally can take 1–5 days, depending on the clay body and weather conditions.
However, with a little help from a hair dryer, you can speed up the process and finish your work in a single session.
3. Drying (Bone Dry Stage)
Once all finishing is done, the piece must fully dry before firing. At the bone-dry stage, the clay is fragile and chalky—ready for the kiln.
Drying can take several more days/weeks depending on thickness and conditions.
4. Bisque Firing (First Firing)
The dry clay is fired in the kiln at about 980°C, turning it into solid ceramic. This makes the piece stronger, porous, and ready for glazing.
This is known as "bisque" or "biscuit" firing.
5. Glazing or Painting – What’s the Difference?
After the bisque firing, your ceramic piece is ready for decoration—but glazing and painting are two different approaches, each with its own effect.
Glazing involves applying a glass-like coating (liquid glaze) that melts during firing to create a smooth, often shiny, and waterproof surface. Glazes can be transparent or opaque, glossy or matte, and come in many colors. It seals the surface, making it food-safe if the glaze is appropriate.
Painting on bisque (using ceramic stains, underglazes, or oxides) allows for more detailed or illustrative decoration. These paints sink into the porous surface and are usually covered with a clear glaze afterward to make the piece functional and waterproof. Think of painting as adding images or patterns; glazing is more like coating.
6. Glaze Firing (Second Firing)
Your glazed piece is fired again at a higher temperature—around 1220°C for stoneware. This melts the glaze and creates a strong, finished surface.
7. Pickup and Enjoy!
Once the kiln cools, your piece is ready to pick up, use, or display. Each stage transforms the clay, making the final result even more rewarding!
What People Are Saying
“Une excellente expérience ! Le cours d'introduction est super pour les débutants qui souhaite s'initier à la céramique. Alexandra a su rendre chaque étape accessible et ce, dans une ambiance conviviale. Je recommande vivement !.”
“It was an amazing experience! It was my first time creating something in the wheel and she was super nice, guiding me through the process patiently. Moreover, she created something for me so that I could try on different techniques on different pottery. Highly recommended!!!”
“I participed in a few workshop with sweet teacher Alexandra. I was always free to develop my own project, with her help and knowledge to choose the fitted technic. More recently, she taught me how to use the Wheel. She is very patient and sweet, I learned a lot and while having fun ! Can’t wait for my next workshop in December !”