Intermediate Throwing with Julie MacKinnon - Sept 4, 5 and 6, 2026

Intermediate Throwing with Julie MacKinnon - Sept 4, 5 and 6, 2026Hey Julie School of Clay comes to the Mainland! Join us for Julie's signature 3 day Intermediate Throwing Intensive Friday May 15 , Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 Instruction: 10am 4pm each day with practice room open 9am 5: 30pm Join us for an extra special 3 day intensive workshop with Julie MacKinnon! With over 25 years of experience in clay and design, Julies warm and enthusiastic teaching style has inspired students from across Canada and the U. S.

Hey Julie School of Clay comes to the Mainland! Join us for Julie's signature 3 day Intermediate Throwing Intensive

Friday May 15 , Saturday 16 and Sunday 17

Instruction: 10am - 4pm each day with practice room open 9am - 5:30pm 

Join us for an extra special 3-day intensive workshop with Julie MacKinnon! With over 25 years of experience in clay and design, Julie’s warm and enthusiastic teaching style has inspired students from across Canada and the U.S.  Known for her humour, creativity, and ability to tailor each class to her students' unique needs, Julie creates a fun, supportive environment that encourages reflection, curiosity, and non-judgment. Julie is thrilled to be coming to Café au Clay, and is excited to share a customized, fun-filled experience with you.

What to expect:

INTENTION - CONFIDENCE - CONTROL - EVALUATION - DESIGN

You will leave with:

• Intentional throwing skills

• A contemplative "eye" to match and challenge your skills

• Hand-building skills that will simplify your design efforts and shake up your perception of the vessel.

• Ergonomic tips for strength, endurance and health.

Requirements
* You must have throwing competencies to enroll in this class. ie: to centre and be able to throw a 6-8 inch cylinder and use 2lbs of clay confidently.

This is an elongated chunk of fun, creative-time to be challenged alongside others. *We nerd out.

Includes:

• 1 bag of M340 clay with additional clay available for purchase - bisque firing included with workshop

• Your own wheel and space. All tools provided but I ask for intermediates to bring their favourites.

• Lots of colour. Many underglazes and slips for you to enjoy.

We will dig into:

• Advancing your throwing skills by perfecting the basics

• Throwing larger work… trimming and altering

• Lots of forms. Whatever you would like to work on. Ie: large pieces, complex forms with seams, teapots, plates….

• Timing and STAGING your work

• Surface design (carving, slips, underglazes and glaze)

• Personalized studio practice tips, troubleshooting, marketing and pricing advice

FIRING AND GLAZING

Firings and glazing happens AFTER your workshop. You will have the option to pick up your bisqueware, leave your items to be glazed satin white by our staff or join an additional glaze class at an additional cost. 

What to expect:

• Personalized support: Each student will receive a one-on-one FaceTime call with Julie ahead of time to discuss your personal goals and where you might be “stuck.”
• Critique (not scary!): Learn to "see" your pots with insightful, non-intimidating feedback on your current work.
• Foundational skills refresher: Advance your throwing skills by perfecting the basics.
• Making lots of pots and forms: We will explore whatever each student would like to work on, including large pieces, complex forms with seams, teapots, plates, etc.
• Hand-building: Add complementary hand building skills to simplify your design efforts and shake up your perception of the vessel complement.
• Efficiency in your practice: Learn how to time and stage your pieces for better consistency in larger or repeated forms.
• Beyond throwing: How to go about sharing, marketing, and pricing your work.

Takeaways:

• Confidence on the wheel: Leave with intentional throwing skills and a fresh sense of direction in your work.
• A new perspective: Develop a contemplative and creative “eye” to match and challenge your skills.
• Elevated Work: Learn simple techniques to refine and elevate your pottery.
• Health and endurance: Ergonomic tips to enhance strength and reduce bodily strain in your practice.
• Design language: Develop a design vocabulary and ways to incorporate these elements into your work.

Already a Café au Clay Member?

Receive a $50 discount with code HeyJulie (other discounts do not apply)

Glaze at your own pace

Add Ons:

Additional Clay - at studio cost

Glaze Session - $40

About Julie

Julie is a clay artist and single parent (of fabulous twin girls) on Salt Spring Island BC.  She makes high-fire, small batch porcelain tableware for 20 years. Her work has been exhibited and collected throughout Canada and internationally. Alongside her studio practice I have passionately taught hundreds of clay workshops, beginners through advanced, developing my student’s curiosity, voice and excellence. She strongly believe in creating access to the healing and empowerment that clay offers.

Learn More About Julie here!

https://juliemackinnonceramics.com/workshops

Cancellations or changes: 

We understand that plans sometimes change. We're unable to offer refunds or credits for missed classes.

Cancellations made 14 or more days before the start date are eligible for a refund minus a $30 administration fee.

If you can’t attend, you’re welcome to gift your spot to a friend — just let us know who will be joining us in your place.

Any changes to a scheduled class, workshop, or event are subject to a $30 administration fee.

Thank you for understanding and supporting our small studio ❤️