Leatherhard Revelation: A Two-Day Carving Workshop in Shellharbour

On a sleepy street in Shellharbour, the Carved Mug two-day workshop turns ordinary clay into a carved keepsake. Located in Shellharbour, New South Wales, at the meeting point 80b Towradgi Rd Towradgi, this Clay @ the Village session focuses on the leatherhard stage—the moment when clay is stiff enough to hold form but still soft enough to accept fine incision. Over two afternoons you’ll hand-build a large mid-fire piece, leave it to partially dry overnight, and return to carve designs into that perfect leatherhard surface. Day one is about shaping: under teacher guidance you’ll learn basic hand-building techniques using mid-fire clay, templates, and tools supplied by the studio. The class builds pieces up to a large size allowance (roughly 2000cm³), which translates into a generous mug, plate, or small vase. Overnight the studio begins controlled drying, then you come back for day two, carving with dedicated tools and focused instruction. After the workshop the studio handles drying, bisque firing, glazing in your selected color, and final firing; finished pieces return to Shellharbour for pickup about four to five weeks later. This workshop stands out in the coastal recreation area because it prioritizes that leatherhard window many courses miss. The rhythm—make, wait, carve—mirrors traditional pottery practices while keeping the experience accessible for beginners. The studio provides aprons and tools; participants should wear comfortable clothes and leave jewelry at home. The meeting address, 80b Towradgi Rd Towradgi, anchors the class in a local creative hub within reach of Shellharbour’s beaches and reserves, so you can easily pair the session with a coastal walk or cafe visit. Practical notes: participants must be at least 12 years old; the event requires a minimum of ten tickets to run; delivery of finished pieces is not included. Because volume-based sizing governs pricing, plan your design around the 2000cm³ limit. The mid-fire clay and glazes produce durable household ceramics when properly fired, and the studio’s two-step firing process (bisque then glaze fire) ensures stable, food-safe surfaces if you follow care instructions. For visitors to Shellharbour keen on hands-on experiences, this is a tactile, time-slowing alternative to the region’s outdoor activities—an opportunity to learn technique, leave with a personal object, and gain a small lesson in ceramic chemistry. It’s ideal for makers, couples, and travelers looking to bring home something made by hand rather than purchased from a shop. Booking details are straightforward: sessions run as part of the Clay @ the Village series with dates listed on booking link. Bring patience and curiosity—ceramics reward careful timing—and expect to wait for your finished piece as kiln cycle and glazing schedule take time. If minimum tickets aren't met you'll be offered a refund or a studio credit promptly.