PHILADELPHIA WORKSHOP FIELD GUIDE
Members‑Only Workshop in Philly: Craft Custom Ribs, Rescue Clay, and Shape Surface Language
A focused, two‑hour studio session at Black Hound Clay Studio South teaching reclaiming techniques and how to make metal and plastic ribs for forming, shaping, and texturing pottery.
Members‑Only Workshop in Philly: Craft Custom Ribs, Rescue Clay, and Shape Surface Language.
In a compact, hands‑on two‑hour workshop in Philadelphia, Jenifer Baldwin leads members through practical methods to reclaim clay, build simple tools, and apply those tools to form and texture both wheel‑thrown and hand‑built work. The session emphasizes economical, low‑waste practices and leaves participants with a written handout, the ribs they make, and the techniques to reuse clay in future projects.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Reclaim clay — save money, reduce waste
The workshop centers on simple, repeatable ways to reclaim and reuse clay in the studio—practical tactics that cut material costs and lower studio waste while expanding what you can make.
Make your own metal and plastic ribs
Participants craft one metal and one plastic rib during the session and take them home; the methods apply whether you work on the wheel or build by hand.
Forming, shaping, and texturing techniques
Demonstrations and guided practice show techniques for using ribs to realize forms and surfaces that are difficult to achieve with standard tools; students are encouraged to bring sketches or ideas to develop in the allotted work time.
What the day feels like
What the workshop feels like
The session moves briskly: a demonstration of methods, guided toolmaking where you shape a metal and a plastic rib, then focused work time to apply those tools. The instructor encourages questions, idea‑sharing, and problem‑solving; participants leave with a handout, the ribs they made, and any unused materials—and possibly a greenware piece in progress depending on how they use the time.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this workshop suits—and what constraints to note.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Materials and equipment are provided; participants may bring thin, flexible plastic such as expired gift or credit cards if they want to use personal materials for the plastic rib.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the workshop?
The workshop runs two hours.
Where do we meet?
Meet at the BHCS South members side classroom at 1700 Annin Street, Philadelphia, PA 19146.
Do I need to bring tools or materials?
Materials and equipment are provided, though you may bring thin flexible plastic such as expired gift/credit cards if you wish to use them.
What do participants take home?
Students leave with a handout outlining materials and techniques, one metal and one plastic rib they create, and any remaining unused materials; they could also leave with a greenware project in progress depending on how they use the allotted work time.
What skill level is required?
The workshop is suitable for any learner, from beginner to advanced, and includes methods for both wheel‑thrown and hand‑built pottery and sculpture.