SHELLHARBOUR WORKSHOP FIELD GUIDE
Leatherhard Revelation: A Two-Day Carving Workshop in Shellharbour
Run by Black Duck Studio, this two-day Clay @ the Village workshop guides you through making a piece on day one, leaving it to leatherhard overnight, then returning to carve and refine it — this guide outlines what to expect and how to prepare.
Leatherhard Revelation: A Two-Day Carving Workshop in Shellharbour.
Set in Shellharbour as part of the Clay @ the Village series, the Carved Mug two-day workshop focuses on the pottery moment known as the leatherhard stage: pieces are made on day one, allowed to partially dry overnight, then reworked and carved on day two to produce a finished clay object.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Capture the Leatherhard Moment
The workshop is designed around that between-wet-and-dry state called leatherhard: you form your piece on the first day, leave it to partially dry overnight, and return the next day to carve while the clay holds its form.
A Two-Day Rhythm of Make, Dry, Carve
The format splits making and carving across two sessions so you can shape clay, let it firm overnight, then carve into the stabilized surface the following day for crisp detail.
A Large-Sized Piece Included
Sessions include a LARGE-sized allowance (2000 cm³ total volume), which equates to example pieces such as a mug roughly 12 × 15 × 10 cm, a vase or a plate within those volume limits.
What the day feels like
What the Two-Day Workshop Feels Like
Across two focused sessions you make by hand on day one, set the piece aside to reach the leatherhard stage overnight, then return for the satisfying work of carving and refining—the schedule is deliberately split to let you work into the clay when it holds detail best.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this workshop is likely to suit — and where to check before you go.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The workshop follows a two-day format; the session duration listed is 2 hours.
Meet at 80b Towradgi Rd, Towradgi for the start of the workshop.
Wear comfortable clothing and leave jewellery in a safe place; aprons are available and any clay or glaze marks are washable.
Each session includes a LARGE-size allowance (2000 cm³ total volume), which equates to typical examples such as a mug, plate or small vase within that volume.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is a session?
The listed session duration is 2 hours.
Where do we meet?
The meeting location is 80b Towradgi Rd, Towradgi.
What should I bring?
Wear comfortable clothing and leave jewellery safely stored; aprons are available and clay/glaze is washable.
Are aprons provided?
Yes—aprons are available at the studio if you prefer to cover your outfit.
How big can I make my piece?
Sessions include a LARGE sized piece with a total volume of 2000 cm³ (for example, a mug around 12 × 15 × 10 cm, a vase or a plate within that volume).
What does the two-day format mean?
You make your piece on day one, leave it to partially dry overnight to reach the leatherhard stage, then return the following day to carve and finish it.