Exciting, fun and inspiring workshops for all skill levels
We are always coming up with interesting ideas for workshops.
All our sessions are led by experienced practitioners: if you are one and would like to lead a workshop on your art or craft, do get in touch with us!
Clay Date:
Valentine's Clay Portraiture Evening
​
Saturday 14th February | 6:30 - 9:00pm | £59 per person
Celebrate Valentine's Day with a creative twist at Dalston Clay's intimate portrait sculpting evening. Spend 2.5 hours getting lost in the details of your loved one's face as you sculpt their likeness in clay – a unique way to truly see and be seen.
Led by Dalston Clay founder and ceramic artist Barnaby Hosking, this playful session begins with a brief demonstration before you dive into capturing each other in three dimensions. No experience needed – just curiosity, a sense of humour, and a willingness to look closely at the person across from you.
​
There's something wonderfully romantic about studying your partner's profile, the curve of their smile, or the way their eyes crinkle when they laugh. This isn't about creating a perfect replica – it's about the joy of making, learning something new together, and taking creative risks in a supportive environment.
​
What's Included:
​
-
Expert tuition from ceramic artist Barnaby Hosking
-
All materials and tools
-
BYOB – bring your favourite drinks to share
-
Plenty of time to head out for dinner afterwards
​
Please note:
If you wish for us to fire and glaze your sculpture there is a £10 charge payable on the night with cash or contactless
Your sculpted portraits will be ready for collection one month after the session
​
Perfect for couples who want to:
​
-
Try something completely different this Valentine's
-
Learn a new creative skill together
-
Unleash your inner artist (wonky noses welcome!)
-
Have a laugh while making something meaningful
-
Take home a handmade keepsake you actually made
​
Please note: If you wish for us to fire and glaze your sculpture there is a £10 charge payable on the night with cash or contactless
​
New to ceramics or want to get back into it? Join our Queer Taster session - a welcoming space for our LGBTQ+ community to connect, create, and find their flow together.
In our inclusive taster sessions, you'll be guided through the two most common clay construction methods: handbuilding and wheel throwing, all while building genuine connections with fellow queer creatives in a judgment-free environment.
What to expect
The session begins with a handbuilding demonstration of making a simple vessel using pinch, coil and slab techniques - perfect for expressing your authentic self through clay. Then you'll be guided through each step of making a bowl on the pottery wheel, with plenty of encouragement and zero pressure to be perfect.
​
You'll be led by our Studio Manager Ben Nicholls, with expert guidance, unlimited clay, tea, and carefully curated playlists. These sessions are wonderfully free and dynamic - we can suggest simple projects or you're welcome to bring your own creative vision to life.
​
This is your space - whether you're looking to try something new, meet like-minded people, or simply enjoy some therapeutic time working with your hands in authentic community.
​
After a few taster sessions, you'll be perfectly prepared to join our vibrant Drop-In Community with discounted sessions, giving you access to the studio every day from 9am to 10pm - and you'll already have connections within our creative family.
Why join us?
​​
-
Safe Creative Space: A welcoming environment where you can be completely yourself while exploring clay
-
Community Connection: Meet fellow queer creatives and build lasting friendships over shared artistic exploration
-
Affordable Excellence: Outstanding value that makes creative wellbeing accessible to our community
-
Comprehensive Learning: Master both handbuilding (pinch, coil, slab) and wheel throwing techniques
-
Everything Provided: Tools, aprons, and unlimited clay - just bring your authentic self
-
Intimate Groups: Maximum 12 participants ensures personal attention and genuine connection opportunities
-
Perfect Environment: Climate-controlled studio filled with natural light, designed for comfort and creativity
-
No Judgment Zone: Celebrate mistakes, embrace imperfection, and find joy in the creative process together
-
Come as you are, create what speaks to you, and discover your tribe in the therapeutic world of clay.
-
Part of Dalston Clay's commitment to creating inclusive spaces where creativity and community flourish together.
*Firing and in-studio dip glazing of your pieces will be an extra charge of £5 - £10 depending on size. You can also glaze your work yourself at a Glazing Tutorial.
As a CIC and Social Enterprise, it is our intention to make Dalston Clay a studio that is available to everyone, regardless of financial circumstance. While we need to function as a business, we never want money to be the reason why someone can't benefit from what we've built. If you truly can't afford the full cost of our offerings, we invite you to contact us to discuss your situation and we will endeavour to sort something out.
