Handbuilding: All Levels
Handbuilding: All Levels
Instructor: Laura Hoppenjans
Dates: Sept 15th-Nov 17th, 2026
Time: Tuesdays, 6pm-9pm
Fees: $485 (does not include tools, clay, or sales tax)
Explore the playful possibilities of color, pattern, and handbuilt form in this all-levels ceramics workshop with artist Laura Hoppenjans of Hop & Jans Studio. Laura’s work is known for its joyful use of color, graphic surfaces, and imaginative forms that blur the line between functional and sculptural ceramics. Drawing inspiration from her approach to making, participants will experiment with handbuilding techniques while exploring how color, surface design, and composition can transform a clay object into a vibrant personal statement.
Through demonstrations, guided exercises, and individual exploration, students will learn methods for building and refining forms, incorporating pattern and imagery, and using underglazes and colored slips to create dynamic surfaces. Whether you are new to clay or an experienced maker looking to expand your creative vocabulary, this workshop offers a supportive environment to explore color confidently and develop new ideas through the handbuilding process.
All Levels Welcome! You must be 15+ years of age to participate. This class is a great fit for those wanting to grow their skills with an instructor present to ask questions. There is a 15” maximum size, in any direction, when creating with clay at RCC.
Materials: Clay is $40 for new clay or at times we have recycled clay for sale for $20. This is a separate purchase from your class fee. Purchase clay ahead of time HERE.
Bring an apron, comfy clothes, a quart-sized container (like a yogurt container), and a beginner's set of tools to the first class.
Tool kits are available for purchase online or at Seattle Pottery Supply or Clay Art Center. Or here is another option on Amazon. The class fee includes all glazing materials, firings, and generous open-studio access for practice time.
About Laura Hoppenjans (she/they):
Laura Hoppenjans (she/they) is an interdisciplinary artist and designer, and creates all of the pieces featured on this site. Their work examines the balance of form versus function and its relationship to craft, pop culture, and traditional ‘women's work’, while exploring the political weight of domestic objects and the often-overlooked labor associated with them. She has exhibited in the U.S. and abroad, and currently lives and works on Duwamish land in Seattle, WA. https://hopandjans.com/about
Prepare for Class
Full information on how to prepare for classes is available on our Clay Q&A Platform (Links below).
Tools: These are included in Youth Classes
Clay: These are included in Youth Classes
Studio Access: Youth do not receive practice time outside of class at Rain City Clay
FAQ’s about classes: https://raincityclay.com/education-faq
RCC Communication Platform
Our studio communication platform, The Clay Q&A “Space”, is hosted on the Mighty Networks App.
Participation is required to take classes at RCC or have a membership at RCS.
Clay Q&A is essential to participants. It is where participants may:
Buy Clay
Schedule practice time
Learn about kiln deadlines/ kiln unloadings
Hear studio news & events
Learn more/ download the More about the Mighty Networks App, or text the Mighty Network App to your Phone.
This app can be used on a desktop or mobile device. This app is essential for purchasing clay during the session, scheduling practice hours, and keeping up to date with studio deadlines for kilns and finishing your art projects at RCC.
Studio Policies and Information
Registration Policies: Information on being prepared for class, refunds, and more.
Hold Harmless Agreement: View what you agree to when registering for a class.
Code of Conduct: Expectations of studio conduct for students, staff, and instructors, as well as ways to give feedback anonymously.
