The Best Pottery Projects for Complete Beginners
Simple, satisfying makes you can try this autumn at Chisel Pottery
Trying pottery for the first time can feel equal parts exciting and intimidating. The wheel! The tools! The glazes! But the good news is: you don’t need any prior experience to create something beautiful (and functional!) out of clay. At Chisel Pottery, we believe pottery should be playful, accessible, and full of joy - especially for beginners.
If you’re just getting started, these are some of the best projects to dip your toe into the world of ceramics - all of which feature in our upcoming September and October workshops.
1. Pinch Pots – Simple, Satisfying, and Full of Possibility
Workshop: Autumn Pinch Pot Café – Cosy Clay Evenings
Cosy up with a hot chocolate and a block of clay in our relaxed autumn sessions. Pinch pots are the perfect beginner project – no wheel, no complicated tools, just your hands and your imagination. You’ll learn how to mould a ball of clay into a small vessel using a technique that’s been used for thousands of years.
You can shape your pot into anything from a tea light holder to a tiny bud vase or a salt & pepper duo – and then personalise it with texture, glaze, and style. Perfect for unwinding midweek and connecting with others in a friendly, no-pressure setting.
Tuesdays – 16th & 30th Sept, 14th & 28th Oct | Chichester Studio
2. Slab-Built Sets – Personalised & Practical
Workshop: September – Olive Oil & Vinegar Bottle Set
Slab building is another beginner-friendly technique, perfect for creating clean, functional forms. In our September workshop, you’ll create a stylish oil and vinegar bottle duo using slabs of clay that you cut, shape, and assemble. The best part? You get to decorate your set with textures and patterns that reflect your personality – and choose a glaze to match your kitchen or gifting style.
This project is ideal if you love the idea of making something practical and beautiful for everyday use.
Saturday 20th September | 10am–1pm | Chichester Studio
3. Nature-Inspired Plates – Learn Texture & Glazing Techniques
Workshop: October – Set of 3 Leaf-Impressed Plates
Celebrate the changing seasons with this gentle, meditative session focused on nature-inspired textures. You’ll hand-build a set of three ceramic plates and press real autumn leaves into the surface for a beautiful, organic design. This workshop is perfect for those who enjoy slow creativity and want to explore texture, pattern, and colour.
You’ll leave with a trio of unique, seasonal plates perfect for gifting or hosting – and a new appreciation for the details found in nature.
Saturday 18th October | 10am–1pm | Chichester Studio
4. Slip-Casting Your Morning Routine
Workshop: October – Breakfast Set (Mug + Bowl)
Want to create something you’ll use every day? Our October workshop will introduce you to the world of slip casting – a beginner-friendly method using liquid clay poured into moulds. You’ll make a matching mug and bowl set and customise it with designs and glazes to reflect your style.
Slip-casting is a great entry point for those who want to achieve uniform shapes and a polished finish, without needing to use the potter’s wheel.
Saturday 4th October | 10am–1pm | Chichester Studio
New to Clay? We’ve Got You Covered
All our classes are beginner-friendly, taught in small groups with lots of hands-on support. You’ll be guided through every step by our experienced instructors, and all materials, tools, and firing are included - just bring your curiosity and a willingness to get a little muddy!
Explore our full class list and book your first session today!
