Slab Built Mugs Workshop with Ava DeCapri

Join ceramicist Ava DeCapri of Trapdoor Studio for a hands-on workshop designed for both beginners and intermediate potters looking to deepen their hand-building skills.

In this session, you’ll learn how to create a functional mug using soft slab construction, a foundational hand-building technique that opens the door to building strong, refined forms. We’ll cover essential skills including rolling and shaping slabs, building volume from flat clay, creating clean, durable seams, and attaching handles that are both comfortable and structurally sound.

You’ll also explore what makes a well-designed mug, from proportion and form to thoughtful details like lips and handle ergonomics.

Each student will complete one mug during the session. After bisque firing, your piece will be glazed by our studio team in a glaze of your choice and will be ready for pickup approximately two weeks after the workshop.

Level: Beginner

Prerequisite: No prior experience is necessary. Open to all skill levels.

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Tools & Materials: We provide all the clay, glaze, and tools needed for this introductory course. A selection of our favorite tools are also available for purchase in our on-site shop.

Firing: The course fee includes firing for one piece, which will be glazed by our staff. Finished pieces will be ready for pickup during open hours, approximately 2 weeks after the workshop.

Studio Access: This is a one-time workshop with no studio access outside of the scheduled class.

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We reserve the right to cancel the class due to low enrollment or for other necessary reasons.

Cancellation Policy:

Please note that all registrations are final, and we are unable to offer refunds for cancellations.

Missed Classes:

We do not offer refunds or make-up classes. If you need to miss a class, our staff will do their best to help you catch up during the next session or open studio hours.

Questions? Email info@taoofclay.com.