Hand Building Classes - Pottery without the Wheel
A form of hand-made pottery that's been around since ancient times.
About US
What is Hand Building?
What is Hand Building?
What is Hand Building?
Hand building is where pottery meets pure creativity! It’s an ancient (and totally awesome) way to make ceramics using just your hands and a few simple tools—no pottery wheel required. That means you can shape, pinch, roll, and sculpt until your heart’s content, whether you’re making something useful or something beautiful to admire.
The best part? You’re not limited to round bowls and cups—hand building lets you dream up any shape you like! Plus, it’s perfect for adding texture, patterns, and personal flair to your creations. And here’s the cherry on top: no endless clay wedging or super-messy cleanup. More fun, less fuss!
Hand Building Class
What is Hand Building?
What is Hand Building?
Join us for a 6-week pottery class where you’ll explore the art of hand-building with clay in a relaxed, creative space.
Whether you’re a total beginner or already know your way around a slab of clay, this class is all about sparking inspiration, finding your artistic flow, and giving yourself a mindful break from the everyday rush.
Over six weeks, you’ll craft one-of-a-kind pottery pieces—from shaping and texturing to glazing your finished creations. You’ll learn to roll out slabs of clay by hand, add patterns and textures, make and attach coil handles, experiment with molds, and bring your pieces to life with glazes.
It’s hands-on, messy-in-the-best-way, and totally addictive!
We’ve got all the materials covered—clay, tools, glazes, and kiln firings—so all you need to bring to class is your creativity and curiosity. Let’s make something amazing together!
Workshops
What is Hand Building?
Private Parties
We’re all about keeping things creative (and a little messy!) with our mini holiday and seasonal pottery workshops happening all year round!
Want to play with clay but not ready for a six-week class? These one-time workshops are perfect for you. No experience? No problem! We’ve got easy templates and step-by-step guidance to help you make something awesome. If you’ve worked with clay before, you’ll still have plenty of room to do your own thing and get creative.
Check out what’s coming up — and come get your hands dirty with us!
Private Parties
Private Parties
Private Parties
Enjoy exclusive use of our studio with a private pottery session for 5–16 guests. In just three hours, your group will create a handmade piece of pottery from scratch — no experience required! Our expert instructor has easy-to-follow templates that make the process fun and achievable for everyone.
Choose from festive holiday projects or functional pieces like bowls, mugs, and plates. It’s the perfect way to spark creativity and connection — ideal for team-building events, bridal showers, birthdays, baby celebrations, girls’ nights, holidays, or any special occasion.
Contact us for pricing and available dates.
The Studio
Private Parties
The Instructor
Our studio is nestled inside the historic JN Long Cultural Arts Center complex in Cleburne, TX—a charming spot that blends creativity with local history. The studio is bright, welcoming, and roomy enough to host up to 16 people for classes, mini-workshops, or private parties, all without feeling crowded.
When you join us, you’ll have full access to studio tools, equipment, molds, and glazes—everything you need to shape, create, and bring your hand building clay visions to life.
The Instructor
Private Parties
The Instructor
Hi, I’m Nerrissa!
I’m the owner of Pottery Energy Studio, and I truly believe that everyone has an artist within, just waiting to emerge. Too often, limited time, self-doubt, perfectionism, and fear of judgment can hold us back. That’s why I love teaching pottery—helping people uncover their creative voice and create pottery that genuinely reflect who they are.
I’ve been hand-building with clay for over 25 years, and throughout that time I’ve learned that hand building doesn’t have to be complicated. I’ve dedicated my work to breaking down fundamental pottery structures and developing approachable, easy-to-understand techniques. My classes and workshops provide a supportive and accessible way to work with clay, empowering you to begin your pottery journey with confidence and inspiration—while encouraging exploration of your own unique style and personal expression.
Discover the Talent: A Gallery Of Student Work
