Ceramics for Beginners Course

with RENATO COSTA E SILVA and KERSTIN THOMAS

The Ceramics for Beginners Course offers an intensive and embracing approach.

Understanding the whole ceramics process, from the preparation of the clay to form giving, from glazing to tool making and firing, that’s what we propose - six days of intense ceramic work, conversation, and silence in our studio.

Knowing and choosing the right clay for our pieces and each ceramic technique is fundamental for successful work. We will create our pieces, molding and modeling, building, sculpting, or working on the potter's wheel. We will also get to know the advantages of each technique and benefit from your newly acquired knowledge.

You’ll have access to a small specialized library for those who wish to be inspired or deepen their knowledge.

At the end of the Ceramics Workshop for Beginners, we learn to fire our works, draw conclusions about the firing processes and, of course, take home some very special artworks.

CERAMICS FOR BEGINNERS COURSE details

CERAMICS FOR BEGINNERS COURSE PROGRAM:

• IdenIdentification of clays and their characteristics and functions;

• Forming techniques: molding, shaping, turning, roll, and plate construction;

• Work in Potter's Wheel;

• Techniques of decoration in ceramics and pottery;

• Tools making;

• Construction and operation of a small, rudimentary kiln (paper kiln, wood-fired or gas-fired kiln)

SCHEDULE:

January 7th

• 3 pm: Check-in of participants;

• 5 pm: Reception at the studio and presentation of the group and trainers;

• 7:30 pm: Welcome dinner at Casa das Artes

January 8th to 13th - Course from 10 am to 6 pm, with a two-hour lunch break.*

*The schedule is flexible on the days the kiln firing starts and ends.
January 14th - Until 11 am: check-out from accommodation

Want to know more? Ask us for the full program at artsandcrafts@cerdeirahomeforcreativity.com ✨

CONDITIONS

• Deadline for enrollment: December 7th, 2026.

• Special discount for members of our community available for early bird registrations by 14/09/2026.

THE COURSE FEE INCLUDES:

• Integration in a small group of participants (máx. 10 people).

• Training 5-6 hours a day, speaking in English and Portuguese.

• Welcome dinner on the first day of the course.

• Lunch during the course, from 7th to 13th January.

• All the materials needed for the course.
  

  IMPORTANT! 

  For safety reasons during the ceramic firing, we ask you to bring footwear that protects the toes, such as sneakers/shoes/boots. We also ask to avoid clothing with synthetic fibers, opting for natural fibers such as 100% cotton. 

  We also recommend bringing extra space in your luggage to take your pieces home at the end of the course. The available shipping options are not the most suitable or cost-effective for transporting ceramics, so personal transport is recommended. 
  

ACCOMMODATION AVAILABLE:

Course participants can rent a Schist House located in Cerdeira. (you can check them out at https://www.cerdeirahomeforcreativity.com/accommodation#houses)

• All course participants will benefit from a 50% discount on the price of each Schist House during the course days. This rate is not cumulative with other discounts or promotions. 

• Please note that all accommodation options have limited availability and will be booked according to the order of registration and payment. For more information on accommodation, contact reservations@cerdeirahomeforcreativity.com.

ENROLLMENTS AND MORE INFO:

artsandcrafts@cerdeirahomeforcreativity.com

+351 913 989 281*

*(call to national mobile network)

CANCELLATION POLICY FOR COURSES AND WORKSHOPS

You may withdraw within 14 days of registration, paying the correspondent transfer fees. Following the EU consumer protection legislation, payments are not refunded past 14 days of registration. The payment will be fully reimbursed if the training cannot be held because of insufficient students.

Suppose the training is canceled by Cerdeira - Home For Creativity for reasons of significant force such as a pandemic, civil disorder, a natural catastrophe, medical or family issues of the teacher, and others beyond our control. In that case, Cerdeira will offer a voucher for a different workshop of your choice. The voucher is valid for two years.

PAYMENT INSTALLMENT OPTIONS

You can pay for the course in up to 5 monthly installments, depending on the course. Payments are automatically deducted from your chosen payment method starting from the date you submit your registration form. Please be aware that additional costs for this service apply, depending on the selected installment plan. At checkout, after selecting your preferred option, make sure to review the total amount to be paid before completing your registration. Please note that if installment payments are not fulfilled within the established timeframe, your registration will be canceled without a refund of the amounts already paid.

If you have any questions, contact us at artsandcrafts@cerdeirahomeforcreativity.com.

PHOTO GALLERY