Primitive Pottery ⌖
Shape the Earth. Fan the Flame.
The Primitive Pottery Workshop takes you back to the roots of craft—literally. You’ll learn how to find and process wild clay, shape it by hand using traditional methods, and fire it using open-pit and ember-firing techniques used by cultures for thousands of years.
From bowls and containers to basic tools, you’ll create functional pottery in the wild, using nothing but the earth beneath your feet and fire at your fingertips.
Workshop Overview
This full-day workshop starts with clay sourcing and preparation—learning how to locate, test, and refine natural clay from the landscape. From there, you’ll hand-shape your own piece using coil, pinch, and slab techniques before prepping it for primitive firing.
We’ll build a small open fire or pit kiln (depending on conditions) and explore traditional low-tech firing methods. You’ll leave with a piece you’ve made and formed entirely by hand.
$89.99
Includes instruction + all group materials
Detailed pre-trip gear + packing list
Access to post-workshop field notes
What You’ll Learn
You’ll learn how to identify wild clay in your region, test its workability, and prepare it without modern tools. The course covers hand-building methods, drying best practices, and fire-hardening techniques using simple, time-tested processes.
You’ll gain an appreciation for the patience and technique required to craft vessels that are both beautiful and functional—entirely from the land.
Earth to Vessel
Start with raw, wild clay and shape it into bowls, tools, or containers with primitive techniques.
Low-Tech Firing
Learn how to fire pottery in the wild using open flames, coals, and traditional pit methods—no kilns, no shortcuts.
Functional Craft
Primitive pottery teaches patience, precision, and utility—skills that translate to broader bushcraft and backcountry use.
Identify and harvest wild clay
Learn coil, pinch, and slab shaping methods
Use primitive firing with coals or open flame
Craft functional items like bowls and pots
Understand drying and curing stages
No prior experience needed—just creativity and curiosity
What to Expect
This full-day, outdoor workshop is hands-on from start to finish. You’ll be working with wet clay, gathering firewood, and tending coals, all in a rustic setting. Be prepared to get muddy, work close to the ground, and engage with every step of the process—from earth to ember.
This is a relaxed but immersive experience, perfect for those interested in self-sufficiency, bushcraft skills, or traditional arts.
Primitive Pottery Workshop FAQ
Ready to get your hands dirty? Here’s what most folks ask before stepping into the Primitive Pottery Workshop.
Do I need experience in pottery or clay work?
Not at all! This workshop is beginner-friendly. We’ll walk you through each step of the process, from raw clay to finished vessel.
What should I bring?
Bring weather-appropriate clothing (you will get muddy), lunch, water, and gloves if desired. We provide all tools, clay, and firing materials.
Will I really be using wild clay?
Yes! We’ll use wild clay harvested from local sources when available, or demonstrate traditional techniques with natural materials prepared for the day.
Will I be able to take my pottery home?
Yes, though due to the nature of open-fire techniques, not every piece may survive firing. That’s part of the process—and part of the lesson.
Is the firing process safe?
Absolutely. All firing is supervised and done in a controlled setting using primitive, low-temp methods. Fire safety and responsible wood use are key parts of the course.
Does the workshop run in bad weather?
Yes, unless conditions are unsafe. We adjust the pace and firing process as needed, but pottery and weather go hand in hand—just like in the old days.
