Clay Workshop: Handbuild Ceramic Incense Holders

Join our creative community series, hosted here in the bookshop; a space for hands-on workshops, fresh ideas, and new hobbies.

A two‑part winter workshop with Sophia & Mary

Join us for two intimate Sunday evenings learning the art of handbuilding. If you’ve ever considered trying pottery, handbuilding is a wonderful and relaxing place to start. Across two sessions, you’ll be guided by Sophia and Mary, two passionate teachers and hobby-potters, to design, shape and glaze your own ceramic incense holders. The incense holders you sculpt with us will make a beautiful addition to your home or a thoughtful handmade gift.

Our workshops are gently scented with handmade natural incense from Brisbane-based Incense Lab. We’ve chosen scents to complement each part of the creative process.

We’d love to welcome you into the world of pottery and show you the tips and tricks we’ve learned along the way!

Session 1 — Sunday 2nd August

You will design and create several incense holders, learning handbuilding techniques through the process such as pinching, coiling and slabbing. You will also learn about and be able to choose from a range of clay bodies and creation styles.

We'll be burning Incense Lab's handmade Ember incense during the first session, to create a calm, grounded atmosphere.

Then sit back and relax! We will sort out drying and bisque-firing your pieces, ready for our next session.

Session 2 — Sunday 16th August

This week we will teach you glazing techniques and let you explore the range of glaze options for your final creations. You will learn about glaze application, decorative techniques, layering and underglaze. Choose your glazes and experiment, this is your time to make bring your unique creations to life!

During the second session, we'll be burning Incense Lab's handmade Serein incense.

Then your pieces will be kiln fired, beautifully packaged with gifts from Incense Lab, and ready to collect from Cursive Knives the very next week!

What You’ll Learn

◦ How to design and build functional ceramic objects
◦ Glazing basics and techniques
◦ The joy of making something with your hands
◦ How to continue your practice in the Brisbane area. No gatekeeping here, we’ll let you know the best places to buy materials, fire your pieces and connect with other potters.

What’s Included

◦ Two two-hour guided sessions with Sophia & Mary - your ticket includes both sessions, and you'll need to come to both to complete your pieces!
◦ All clay, glazes and firings
◦ Refreshments, treats and cosy winter vibes (feel free to BYO as well)
◦ Your finished incense holders, ready to collect from Cursive Knives after the final firing
◦ Gifts and an exclusive discount from Brisbane-based incense studio, Incense Lab

Limited spots to keep the workshop intentionally small. This helps us to give plenty of hands-on support to all member of the class.

This event is non-refundable. Store gift cards cannot be used for events (yet!).

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