Working with Clay

Making a clay pot with a slab of clay
Hand; not using the potter's wheel.

Projects done with groups: wind chimes, animal bowl, handbuilt bowl or plate, clay tiles, and pencil holders - student projects pictured here

Name of artisan, teacher: Elaine Hardman
Address: 3180 Riverside Drive, Wellsville, NY 14895
Phone: 585 808 0385
Email: Elaine(at)StoneFlowerPottery.com
Website: www.StoneFlowerPottery.com

Description of project: Prefer to work with multi-generational family groups where parent (or aunt, grandparent, uncle) works with one or two children to create a clay project. Will use a slab (a sheet) of clay and fold it into one of the projects named above.


Amount of time, number of sessions: one 2 ½ hour session. During the session, participants will add color to the clay with a material called underglaze. The item will be fired and glazed and returned to the participants at a later date. The firing process may take 1-3 weeks depending on studio activity of the time. Person making arrangements should pick up finished work and distribute to participants.

Suitable ages: No children under the age of 8. No upper age limit. No more than 2 children per adult. Does require some hand and arm dexterity and use of rolling pins.

Blackout periods: Not September or October until after the Allegany Artisans Studio Tour.

Number of participants and suitable age ranges: up to 10 adults with up to 25 total people.

Location of workshop: in a church hall or library hall or community center. Need tables for all participants to work on. A 6 foot table accommodates 3 partnerships. Participants should bring rolling pins and may wish to bring other materials depending on the project. Examples: textured fabric such as lace (9 x 12 inches in size roughly), cookie cutters for wind chimes.

Cost: $25 for one adult/one child; $30 for one adult/2 children. 10-18 people in a group. Includes travel time and mileage, all preparation for the workshop, presentation and work time, firing and glazing and gift bags for finished pieces.

Special note: since we would be working with clay it would not be suitable to have snacks available during the workshop. If you would like to serve refreshments it would be best to wait until everyone is finished and the space is cleaned.