Spiral Vase Workshop with Sara Federici

This Spiral Vase Workshop is a two-day journey into intuitive form-making, led by Florence-based ceramic artist Sara Federici of SFceramica. Using hand-building methods rooted in coiling and pinching, you’ll build a one-of-a-kind vase that captures movement and balance through gesture, asymmetry, and organic construction.

Sara will guide you through clay preparation, forming and attaching coils, and developing expressive lines through pinching. We’ll work slowly and intentionally, embracing the irregularity and spontaneity that make hand-building so personal and dynamic.

On day two, the focus shifts to surface. You’ll explore Sara’s approach to decoration using the sponge technique and overlapping engobe layers to create nuanced, non-uniform color palettes—adding depth and richness to your final piece.

Whether you’re new to clay or building on past experience, this workshop invites you to connect more deeply with material, form, and your own creative voice.

Level: Beginner-Advanced

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

What to Know Before Class

• Tools: Tool kits will be loaned to you for the duration of the workshop. If you’d prefer to use your own, you’re welcome to bring them or purchase a kit from our on-site shop. Should you choose to bring your own tools you will need the following:
  • needle tool
  • knife
  • metal kidney
  • loop trimming tools
• Dress Comfortably: We’ll provide aprons, but wear clothes you don’t mind getting messy. Short nails and hair ties are recommended.
• Clay: 25 lbs of clay is included in the workshop fee. 

Firing: The class fee does not include firing. Pieces can be fired at our standard rate of $3.00/lb. Students will be expected to pick up their pieces within 2 weeks of firing and students will be notified via email when their pieces have been fired.

Studio Access: Attendees will have access to the studio after the workshop to glaze their pieces, if necessary. 

Cancellation Policy:

• Cancellations made more than 30 days in advance: 50% refund.

• Cancellations within 30 days of the workshop start date: non-refundable.

Missed Days:

We do not offer refunds or make-up sessions for missed workshop days.