Ceramic classes
Save the date
6th December 2025
The Concept
Hand-modelling - Wheel throwing - Glaze experimentation - Pit fire workshops
Shape, Explore, Relax, and Create—Your Way
I’ve designed these pottery classes with both flexibility and intention—so they can fit easily into your life without adding any extra mental load. This isn’t another commitment to keep up with; it’s a space that adapts to you. I know what it’s like to juggle work, family, and friendships while still craving a moment of calm, focus, and expression. That’s why I created this studio—so you can have that restorative pause without the pressure.
Classes take place in my calm, light-filled studio, surrounded by majestic sequoia trees. With a maximum of four participants per session, the atmosphere is quiet, intimate, and supportive.
From my own experience, I know how grounding pottery can be. The simple act of shaping clay can restore balance, ease the nervous system, and invite a sense of presence and simplicity. You choose the rhythm that works best for you—come weekly to decompress, drop in occasionally for inspiration, or immerse yourself in a focused workshop. However you join, it’s designed to support you, not weigh you down.
Pottery is a deeply tactile practice. The repetitive, sensory rhythm of touching and forming clay has been shown to lower cortisol and calm the nervous system. Working with your hands becomes a soothing meditation—an invitation to pause, reset, and gently return to yourself, free from the stress of daily demands.
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 primitive firing 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.
FAQs
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At Clay & Tao, the courses are tailored to you:
If you’d like a structured program, I’ll design one for you — with step-by-step guidance, exercises, and tracked progress to help you grow steadily as a maker.
If you prefer to explore freely, the studio also welcomes that approach. You’ll always have the space, materials, and gentle support when (and if) you need it.
Many students choose something in between — starting with some structure, then gradually exploring at their own rhythm.
Techniques available include hand modeling, glaze experimentation, pit firing, and wheel throwing, all adapted to your pace and interests
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Booking is simple and flexible:
Use our Zoom link (provided on the website’s booking page).
Choose your preferred arrival time.
Select the length of your session — 2, 3, or 4 hours.
This allows you to shape your creative time in the studio according to your own schedule.
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Plans Changed? No Problem!
Cancel up to 24-48 hours in advance (depending on your pack). Hectic week? Just reschedule! -
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 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 20-hour pack, can be shared between two people — perfect for friends, couples, or creative partners.
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Our courses are held in German/English/French or Italian depending on the students wishes.
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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!
Our Guarantees
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A Quiet Space for a Loud Mind
A space to slow down, focus, and create with intention. More than just a studio, it’s a revitalizing environment where your process can unfold at its own pace. -
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Safe & Sustainable Studio Practice
The studio is fully equipped for safe ceramic work: proper ventilation, a well-aerated space, vented kilns, and 100% lab-tested, food-safe glazes. All materials are selected with technical care and long-term safety in mind. -
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Curated Artistic Development
Guided by a professional art curator, the studio offers a fresh perspective on your practice. Whether you're just starting or deep in your journey, it’s a space to explore your work with care, intention, and new insight.
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 !”