This intensive ceramics summer week offers children aged 9 to 13 a structured, creative, and screen-free holiday experience. Over five consecutive days, children work with clay in a calm, professional studio environment, strengthening concentration, fine motor skills, and creative confidence under the guidance of experienced ceramists.

Throughout the week, children follow a clear creative process — from the first idea to the finished ceramic object. They learn to work independently, develop patience and problem-solving skills, and experience the satisfaction of creating something with their own hands. The course takes place in our pleasantly climate-controlled studio in Neubau, providing a safe and comfortable working environment even on hot summer days.

What you will do
Over the course of the week, you will create your own ceramic pieces step by step with the support of our experienced ceramists. You will begin by working on the potter’s wheel — an exciting introduction to the world of clay — and gradually learn different hand-building techniques such as coil building, slab work, and pinch forms.

You will also learn how clay is recycled and explore simple decorative techniques for surface design. With a focus on form, texture, and the working process, you will create functional pieces such as cups, bowls, or vases, as well as free, personal works based on your own ideas.

Each child works with approximately 25 kg of clay during the week. All works intended for final production will be professionally fired and glazed by us after the course.

No previous experience required
This course is ideal for beginners in ceramics aged 9 to 13.

Course program
You can find the current start dates in our calendar. Click on a date to view the full weekly schedule.

Day 1
9:00–10:00 – Circle Time & idea development
Getting to know each other, first sketches, and developing your own ideas.
10:00–12:00 – Centering the clay
Basics of wedging, preparing, and centering clay on the potter’s wheel.
12:00–13:00 – Lunch break and Open Studio
13:00–15:00 – Hand-building
Introduction to the pinch technique and decorating a first small piece.

Day 2
9:00–10:00 – Circle Time & personal pottery stamp
Developing ideas further and creating your own stamp.
10:00–12:00 – Throwing cylinders
Practicing a fundamental form on the potter’s wheel.
12:00–13:00 – Lunch break and Open Studio
13:00–15:00 – Hand-building
Coil-building technique and the start of the week-long project.

Day 3
9:00–10:00 – Circle Time & slip
Making and using slip.
10:00–12:00 – Throwing cups
Creating first functional vessels on the potter’s wheel.
12:00–13:00 – Lunch break and Open Studio
13:00–15:00 – Hand-building
Slab technique and continued work on the week-long project.

Day 4
9:00–10:00 – Circle Time & carving
Surface design and carving techniques.
10:00–12:00 – Throwing bowls
Deepening wheel-throwing skills and forming larger vessels.
12:00–13:00 – Lunch break and Open Studio
13:00–15:00 – Hand-building
Finalizing the hand-built sculpture.

Day 5
9:00–10:00 – Circle Time & week wrap-up
Review, planning final steps, and clay recycling.
10:00–12:00 – Trimming your work
Attaching feet and handles and refining the pieces.
12:00–13:00 – Lunch break and Open Studio 
13:00–15:00 – Underglazes & free work
Decorating all works and a creative closing session.

How many pieces will I take home?
 2–4 wheel-thrown pieces
3 small hand-built pieces
1 large hand-built piece (week-long project)
All pieces are fired twice and transparently glazed. They are fully functional and suitable for microwave and dishwasher use.

Location
Westbahnstraße 18, 1070 Vienna (Neubau)

Course fee
€480 per person
The price includes all materials, all firing processes, glazes, and intensive supervision over five full course days.

Language
The course is held in German.