Hand-Building Pottery Workshop

Embark on a creative adventure by delving into the art of working with clay in this Santa Clara pottery workshop!



1.5 hours Location Santa Clara Class size 1 to 15 (public classes), 5 to 50   $85 ($85 per class surcharge applies for private classes)
San Jose Activities
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Craft
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Pottery
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Clay Sculpture & Hand Building
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Kids activities Experience Gifts
Enjoy a delightful and cozy evening of clay-making at Jiaren Cafe in Santa Clara! In this hand-building pottery workshop, you'll be guided through the creative process of crafting your ceramic masterpiece. This Bay Area workshop is designed especially for beginners, making it perfect if you are interested in trying out pottery for fun and great for groups or couples looking for creative activities to experience together!
During this workshop, you'll dig your hands into some clay and learn how to create functional ceramics! Your instructor will walk you through the basics of hand-building clay and using sculpting tools as you embark on your creative adventure.
First, you'll get to know clay, its characteristics, strength, and the tactile sensations involved in working with it. Explore how your imagination and body play essential roles in the creative process. Next, you'll learn how to create fundamental three-dimensional shapes that serve as the foundation for your ceramic piece.
Discover a variety of techniques for crafting and decorating ceramic pieces. With these skills in your arsenal, you'll have the freedom to bring your creative ideas to life. Clay, tools, and glazing and firing of your piece are included!
The workshop is hosted by our Chubby Hands instructors and takes place in the warm and inviting ambiance of Jiaren Cafe, a friendly community space with comfortable seating and a selection of coffee and boba teas to savor during your creative journey.
You'll enjoy an evening of artistic expression, relaxation, and the satisfaction of creating something beautiful with your own two hands. No prior experience is needed, just your enthusiasm and willingness to explore the world of ceramics. Get ready to unleash your creativity and connect with fellow art students in this ceramics workshop in San Jose.
Post-class Information:
After the class, every piece needs to sit for around 2 weeks to dry completely before entering the kiln for firing! This is to prevent any pieces from exploding inside the kiln from excess moisture. Once the pieces are completely dry, we take them to the firing studio and glaze and fire the pieces two times before they are complete! We fire in batches and the pieces are in the kiln for roughly 25 hours for each firing. Once the pieces are ready, we will inform the class in a group chat! Items can be picked up from the cafe during cafe hours. Effective 11/24/2024: The turnaround time for ceramics is now 4-6 weeks due to the holiday season and capacity in the studio. We will give more updates when the turnaround time changes. Thank you for your understanding!
About Our Glaze: Mamo WhiteAll our ceramic pieces are finished with a signature glaze called Mamo White. This glaze offers a simple and minimalist aesthetic, allowing the natural beauty of the clay to shine through. The subtle speckles and textures from the clay's grog are gently highlighted, adding character and a handcrafted charm to each piece. Perfect for those who appreciate understated elegance and a timeless look.
More details about Private Event Booking:
We're excited to offer our private event hosting services, and we've outlined some key details for your convenience. The minimum payment for a private booking is $350, covering the first 5 attendees. Should you have additional guests, there will be a charge for each additional attendee depending on the workshop you are requesting. We're committed to making your event special, and we're more than happy to customize the design to align with your chosen theme. To kickstart the conversation and booking process, simply reserve space for at least one person, and from there, we'll provide further details tailored to your specific event requirements. We look forward to the opportunity to host your event and create an unforgettable experience for you and your guests. If you have any questions or special requests, please feel free to reach out, and we'll be glad to assist you.
No-refund Policy
Kindly note that there is a strict no-refund policy for all classes purchased. Once a purchase is made, no refunds or store credits will be issued. By acquiring a ticket, we assume that you have thoroughly read and agreed to the terms and conditions outlined above.
Thank you for being a part of the Parttime Artists community!
Disclaimer and Guidance:
Please take note of the following important information:
Processing Time: It typically takes 4- 6 weeks for your pieces to complete the drying, firing, glazing, and final firing processes. 6-8 weeks for holiday seasons and special occasions. We will keep you updated with photos and videos once your pieces are ready. Kindly review the videos sent for confirmation of your pieces.
Pickup Instructions: Pickup of your finished pieces should be done during cafe hours. Please make arrangements to collect your items promptly once items are ready.
Breakage or Loss: While we take utmost care in handling your pieces, there is a possibility of breakage or loss during the firing process. In such circumstances, we sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused. We may offer replacement housemate ceramics as a substitute, and we appreciate your understanding in such situations.
Responsibility: It is important to note that students are responsible for their own items. We kindly request your cooperation in promptly collecting your pieces when notified of their readiness and properly stamping your items with the provided stamps. This helps to avoid confusion or mistakes, such as inadvertently taking someone else's item.
Replacement and Mistakes: We are not responsible for any mistakes made by students, including but not limited to picking up the wrong item. Please ensure you verify and collect your pieces during the designated pickup times.
Thank you for your cooperation and understanding. Should you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out to us using the Contact button below in the Your Teacher section.
Warm regards, Chubby Hands Ceramic Workshop Team

Upcoming dates for Hand-Building Pottery Workshop

Times are Los Angeles time. Dates and prices as of 14 Nov 2026, 3:33pm; availability and price are confirmed live when booking on this page.

176 upcoming dates between 19 Nov 2026 and 31 Dec 2027.

  • Thu, Nov 19 2026, 7pm-8:30pm
  • Fri, Nov 20 2026, 2pm-3:30pm
  • Sun, Nov 22 2026, 10am-11:30am
  • Thu, Nov 26 2026, 7pm-8:30pm
  • Fri, Nov 27 2026, 2pm-3:30pm
  • Sun, Nov 29 2026, 10am-11:30am
  • Thu, Dec 3 2026, 7pm-8:30pm
  • Fri, Dec 4 2026, 2pm-3:30pm
  • Sun, Dec 6 2026, 10am-11:30am
  • Thu, Dec 10 2026, 7pm-8:30pm
  • Fri, Dec 11 2026, 2pm-3:30pm
  • Sun, Dec 13 2026, 10am-11:30am
  • Thu, Dec 17 2026, 7pm-8:30pm
  • Fri, Dec 18 2026, 2pm-3:30pm
  • Sun, Dec 20 2026, 10am-11:30am
  • Thu, Dec 24 2026, 7pm-8:30pm
  • Fri, Dec 25 2026, 2pm-3:30pm
  • Sun, Dec 27 2026, 10am-11:30am
  • Thu, Dec 31 2026, 7pm-8:30pm
  • Fri, Jan 1 2027, 2pm-3:30pm
  • Sun, Jan 3 2027, 10am-11:30am
  • Thu, Jan 7 2027, 7pm-8:30pm
  • Fri, Jan 8 2027, 2pm-3:30pm
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  • Thu, Jan 14 2027, 7pm-8:30pm
  • Fri, Jan 15 2027, 2pm-3:30pm
  • Sun, Jan 17 2027, 10am-11:30am
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  • Fri, Jan 22 2027, 2pm-3:30pm
  • Sun, Jan 24 2027, 10am-11:30am
  • Thu, Jan 28 2027, 7pm-8:30pm
  • Fri, Jan 29 2027, 2pm-3:30pm
  • Sun, Jan 31 2027, 10am-11:30am
  • Thu, Feb 4 2027, 7pm-8:30pm
  • Fri, Feb 5 2027, 2pm-3:30pm
  • Sun, Feb 7 2027, 10am-11:30am
  • Thu, Feb 11 2027, 7pm-8:30pm
  • Fri, Feb 12 2027, 2pm-3:30pm
  • Sun, Feb 14 2027, 10am-11:30am
  • Thu, Feb 18 2027, 7pm-8:30pm
  • Fri, Feb 19 2027, 2pm-3:30pm
  • Sun, Feb 21 2027, 10am-11:30am
  • Thu, Feb 25 2027, 7pm-8:30pm
  • Fri, Feb 26 2027, 2pm-3:30pm
  • Sun, Feb 28 2027, 10am-11:30am
  • Thu, Mar 4 2027, 7pm-8:30pm
  • Fri, Mar 5 2027, 2pm-3:30pm
  • Sun, Mar 7 2027, 10am-11:30am
  • Thu, Mar 11 2027, 7pm-8:30pm
  • Fri, Mar 12 2027, 2pm-3:30pm
  • Sun, Mar 14 2027, 10am-11:30am
  • Thu, Mar 18 2027, 7pm-8:30pm
  • Fri, Mar 19 2027, 2pm-3:30pm
  • Sun, Mar 21 2027, 10am-11:30am
  • Thu, Mar 25 2027, 7pm-8:30pm
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  • Sun, Mar 28 2027, 10am-11:30am
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  • Fri, Apr 9 2027, 2pm-3:30pm
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  • Thu, Apr 15 2027, 7pm-8:30pm
  • Fri, Apr 16 2027, 2pm-3:30pm
  • Sun, Apr 18 2027, 10am-11:30am
  • Thu, Apr 22 2027, 7pm-8:30pm
  • Fri, Apr 23 2027, 2pm-3:30pm
  • Sun, Apr 25 2027, 10am-11:30am
  • Thu, Apr 29 2027, 7pm-8:30pm
  • Fri, Apr 30 2027, 2pm-3:30pm
  • Sun, May 2 2027, 10am-11:30am
  • Thu, May 6 2027, 7pm-8:30pm
  • Fri, May 7 2027, 2pm-3:30pm
  • Sun, May 9 2027, 10am-11:30am
  • Thu, May 13 2027, 7pm-8:30pm
  • Fri, May 14 2027, 2pm-3:30pm
  • Sun, May 16 2027, 10am-11:30am
  • Thu, May 20 2027, 7pm-8:30pm
  • Fri, May 21 2027, 2pm-3:30pm
  • Sun, May 23 2027, 10am-11:30am
  • Thu, May 27 2027, 7pm-8:30pm
  • Fri, May 28 2027, 2pm-3:30pm
  • Sun, May 30 2027, 10am-11:30am
  • Thu, Jun 3 2027, 7pm-8:30pm
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  • Sun, Jun 6 2027, 10am-11:30am
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  • Sun, Jun 20 2027, 10am-11:30am
  • Thu, Jun 24 2027, 7pm-8:30pm
  • Fri, Jun 25 2027, 2pm-3:30pm
  • Sun, Jun 27 2027, 10am-11:30am
  • Thu, Jul 1 2027, 7pm-8:30pm
  • Fri, Jul 2 2027, 2pm-3:30pm
  • Sun, Jul 4 2027, 10am-11:30am
  • Thu, Jul 8 2027, 7pm-8:30pm
  • Fri, Jul 9 2027, 2pm-3:30pm
  • Sun, Jul 11 2027, 10am-11:30am
  • Thu, Jul 15 2027, 7pm-8:30pm
  • Fri, Jul 16 2027, 2pm-3:30pm
  • Sun, Jul 18 2027, 10am-11:30am
  • Thu, Jul 22 2027, 7pm-8:30pm
  • Fri, Jul 23 2027, 2pm-3:30pm
  • Sun, Jul 25 2027, 10am-11:30am
  • Thu, Jul 29 2027, 7pm-8:30pm
  • Fri, Jul 30 2027, 2pm-3:30pm
  • Sun, Aug 1 2027, 10am-11:30am
  • Thu, Aug 5 2027, 7pm-8:30pm
  • Fri, Aug 6 2027, 2pm-3:30pm
  • Sun, Aug 8 2027, 10am-11:30am
  • Thu, Aug 12 2027, 7pm-8:30pm
  • Fri, Aug 13 2027, 2pm-3:30pm
  • Sun, Aug 15 2027, 10am-11:30am
  • Thu, Aug 19 2027, 7pm-8:30pm
  • Fri, Aug 20 2027, 2pm-3:30pm
  • Sun, Aug 22 2027, 10am-11:30am
  • Thu, Aug 26 2027, 7pm-8:30pm
  • Fri, Aug 27 2027, 2pm-3:30pm
  • Sun, Aug 29 2027, 10am-11:30am
  • Thu, Sep 2 2027, 7pm-8:30pm
  • Fri, Sep 3 2027, 2pm-3:30pm
  • Sun, Sep 5 2027, 10am-11:30am
  • Thu, Sep 9 2027, 7pm-8:30pm
  • Fri, Sep 10 2027, 2pm-3:30pm
  • Sun, Sep 12 2027, 10am-11:30am
  • Thu, Sep 16 2027, 7pm-8:30pm
  • Fri, Sep 17 2027, 2pm-3:30pm
  • Sun, Sep 19 2027, 10am-11:30am
  • Thu, Sep 23 2027, 7pm-8:30pm
  • Fri, Sep 24 2027, 2pm-3:30pm
  • Sun, Sep 26 2027, 10am-11:30am
  • Thu, Sep 30 2027, 7pm-8:30pm
  • Fri, Oct 1 2027, 2pm-3:30pm
  • Sun, Oct 3 2027, 10am-11:30am
  • Thu, Oct 7 2027, 7pm-8:30pm
  • Fri, Oct 8 2027, 2pm-3:30pm
  • Sun, Oct 10 2027, 10am-11:30am
  • Thu, Oct 14 2027, 7pm-8:30pm
  • Fri, Oct 15 2027, 2pm-3:30pm
  • Sun, Oct 17 2027, 10am-11:30am
  • Thu, Oct 21 2027, 7pm-8:30pm
  • Fri, Oct 22 2027, 2pm-3:30pm
  • Sun, Oct 24 2027, 10am-11:30am
  • Thu, Oct 28 2027, 7pm-8:30pm
  • Fri, Oct 29 2027, 2pm-3:30pm
  • Sun, Oct 31 2027, 10am-11:30am
  • Thu, Nov 4 2027, 7pm-8:30pm
  • Fri, Nov 5 2027, 2pm-3:30pm
  • Sun, Nov 7 2027, 10am-11:30am
  • Thu, Nov 11 2027, 7pm-8:30pm
  • Fri, Nov 12 2027, 2pm-3:30pm
  • Sun, Nov 14 2027, 10am-11:30am
  • Thu, Nov 18 2027, 7pm-8:30pm
  • Fri, Nov 19 2027, 2pm-3:30pm
  • Sun, Nov 21 2027, 10am-11:30am
  • Thu, Nov 25 2027, 7pm-8:30pm
  • Fri, Nov 26 2027, 2pm-3:30pm
  • Sun, Nov 28 2027, 10am-11:30am
  • Thu, Dec 2 2027, 7pm-8:30pm
  • Fri, Dec 3 2027, 2pm-3:30pm
  • Sun, Dec 5 2027, 10am-11:30am
  • Thu, Dec 9 2027, 7pm-8:30pm
  • Fri, Dec 10 2027, 2pm-3:30pm
  • Sun, Dec 12 2027, 10am-11:30am
  • Thu, Dec 16 2027, 7pm-8:30pm
  • Fri, Dec 17 2027, 2pm-3:30pm
  • Sun, Dec 19 2027, 10am-11:30am
  • Thu, Dec 23 2027, 7pm-8:30pm
  • Fri, Dec 24 2027, 2pm-3:30pm
  • Sun, Dec 26 2027, 10am-11:30am
  • Thu, Dec 30 2027, 7pm-8:30pm
  • Fri, Dec 31 2027, 2pm-3:30pm
What you'll get
Clay, sculpting tools, glaze, and firing will be included!
All workshop attendees will enjoy a 20% discount on anything they purchase at Jiaren Cafe on the day of the event.
Read more details   
Knowledge required
Designed especially for beginners!
What to bring
Nothing is required! Make sure to wear clothes you don't mind getting dirty as we provide aprons but clay can get everywhere!
Suitable for

This class is great for individuals and couples as well as for a date idea, team building activity, Christmas party, birthday or bachelorette party.

Suitable for adults, and kids (minimum 7 years old).

An adult must accompany any attending kids, and must pay for a separate ticket.

This experience would also be a fun gift for her, gift for mom, Xmas gift or gift for couples.

Location

1171 Homestead Rd #140b, Santa Clara, CA 95050

Hand-Building Pottery Workshop location
Verified reviews

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Recent reviews of Hand-Building Pottery Workshop

  • 5/5 from Meggan Molinaro, attended Feb 2026: It was a great class, they are really helpful with tips and tricks for what you are wishing to create. Everyone from our team loved it and loved the drinks and food too.
  • 5/5 from Maxine Becker, attended Jan 2026: our teacher was very good. She explained the process, did demonstrations and helped us individually. it was a fun class and i would recommend it
  • 5/5 from Kevin Peng, attended Aug 2025: Mei was great at explaining fundamental concepts and more details for hands on pottery. We were able to make cups, plates, bowls, and some more customized pieces.
  • 5/5 from Adrin Balili, attended Jul 2025: Sol was a wonderful teacher, she was really kind and patient and so helpful
  • 5/5 from Poorwa Hirve, attended Jul 2025: Mei was an excellent teacher, the class was well prepared and I really enjoyed and learned quite a bit!
  • 5/5 from Erik Lamp, attended Jun 2025: The teacher was really friendly and helpful for beginners like myself. Would recommend for beginners.
  • 1/5 from Hsuan-Hsin Huang, attended May 2025: There is only short demo to start the class but it would improve the student experience to have more active monitoring. The teacher is not proactively monitoring if participants need help throughout the class. Instead she makes her own piece and sees her role as a clock timestamp announcer. There was no explanation of the various tools provided and how to use them.
  • 5/5 from Bran Scott, attended Apr 2025: Mei taught me a TON about the clay, and various techniques. Super helpful and fun!
  • 5/5 from Charlotte Bayly, attended Mar 2025: i love the teacher and it was allowing for a ton of options of what to make
  • 5/5 from Ricardo Lopez, attended Feb 2025: Our instructor, Mango, was very good. She kept the directions simple and answered all our questions.
  • 5/5 from Amanda Haogs, attended Feb 2025: The instructor was so knowledgeable and helpful!
  • 4/5 from Melody Fortes, attended Feb 2025: I enjoyed the overall experience. It really helps to have some people in the group that are social. With that said, some tips for Mango is to speak up a bit more and pay a little more attention to her students. During the event, some students/attendees kept trying to seek guidance from her, so it would be better to focus more on the students and check in with them by getting off her seat and walking around to check. I think creating another one of her masterpieces is great to also enjoy the class herself, but the attendees are usually new to experiences like these, so it would've been great to hear her tips and get her help rather than us reaching out to her.
  • 5/5 from Andrew Ng, attended Jan 2025: The instructor, Nicole, was great and friendly. Nicole helped whenever we needed and gave helpful tips if we were in a bind. 10/10
  • 5/5 from Donald Bateman, attended Nov 2024: It was fun
  • 5/5 from Eminet Ayele, attended Nov 2024: Thank you
  • 5/5 from Phuong Lam Hoang, attended Sep 2024: The class was super fun. The teacher is nice and helps me with shaping the figures I wanted and explain different technics working with clays. I made 1 cup and 1 cute lemon figures. Super happy with it
  • 5/5 from Benjamin Mullen, attended Aug 2024: Wonderful time with good conversation while learning how to make the pottery. It was also good to have advice on how to customize.
  • 5/5 from Megan Glover, attended Aug 2024: Mango was great! Very helpful, kind, and a great teacher! I would definitely recommend this class.
  • 5/5 from Faiza Qadri, attended May 2024: Loved it. Mariya was great teaching us pottery. Had such a lovely experience. Will be coming again soon️
  • 5/5 from Sophia Yu, attended Apr 2024: The class was small and super lowkey, which was a great way to start off our sunday. The instructor taught us two different techniques to start building our clay into pieces and walked around to all the guests to help them out. Excited to come back again in the future
  • 3/5 from Michelle Maa, attended Mar 2024: It’s not so much a class as a brief demo and a lump of clay to play with. It’s not a lot of clay and I wish there had been some inspiration or objectives. That said, if you just want to sit with a friend and chat with a beverage and clay, it’s maybe worth it? Post-class communication is messy. Everyone gets added to a WhatsApp channel with participants even from earlier/other sessions (think group size 40+) and occasional pictures of a box of glazed items with “If you see your piece, come get it today by X time.” I think that part can definitely be more streamlined.
  • 4/5 from Elsa Salgado, attended Feb 2024: Was a nice and relaxing experience! I wish we had aprons just to avoid getting our clothes dirty.
  • 5/5 from Gandhimathi Gandhinathan, attended Jan 2024: Materials were provided, and the session was highly enjoyable. I had a great time engaging in an art activity.
  • 5/5 from Magda Przybylowski, attended Jan 2024: Great experience! Teacher was great: she did a short but detailed intro at the beginning and then helped us throughout the process. I liked we could create whatever we wanted!
  • 5/5 from Talat Tehranchi, attended Jan 2024: I really enjoyed the relax atmosphere. Maria was so calm and attentive, she answered all our questions with patience and a big smile. The cafe is very a very cozy place. I highly recommend this class for beginners. Thank you
Your teacher

Jiaren Cafe
Jiaren Cafe

4.8 (268)

Jiaren Cafe is a non-profit neighborhood cafe in Santa Clara, specializing in high-quality matcha drinks, local espresso, and fruit and herbal drinks. Jiaren Cafe serves as a space for our local community of San Jose. We offer community events and fun classes in latte art and barista skills. It's a welcoming location full of laughter and learning.
We proudly support female-owned businesses as Jiaren Cafe serves Ritual Coffee Roasters and sources products from other local female-owned businesses.

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class 0 4FHB8OR140 b96a490f1dd90bcefdba5812d2d1076a 1 production san-jose San Jose CA US san-jose