Throwing Bud Vases off the Hump

Throwing ‘off the hump’ is a traditional method of throwing, originating in Asia, and is now used in many countries around the world.

This workshop will focus on throwing small bud vases off the hump, which means throwing multiple items off one large mound of clay. Great for batch throwing smaller items without having to prep and weigh clay individually.

Suitable for: Anyone who has completed one of our Beginner or Improver Throwing Courses or similar and wants to further explore techniques.

Our guest tutor for this workshop is Maya Hughes.

Maya describes her practise: "A considerable goal in my work is to create a marriage between clay, surface decoration, glaze and firing which incorporates the use of found materials, connecting the work back to the earth in this highly processed age.

Form, function and use are important to me. I want the pots to be held in hand, encouraging people to notice the variations built up through the subtle layering of chosen materials and firings. I am learning to see how I must allow the pot to speak for itself and not overwork it, to have as little contact as possible so as to keep the piece “alive”; an entity of its own, with personality and a story of what it is made from."

Workshop outline

We will be looking closely at shaping small round bud vases and learn how to section off a consistent amount of clay each time, so each pot is similar in size. We will break down the sections of this form, lifting the clay to the correct thickness, coning in the neck, shaping the curve and undercutting the pot so that it requires as minimal trimming as possible, or even better, no trimming at all.

These pots encompass a great variety of technical elements as well as the unique process of ‘throwing off the hump’ whilst also leaving room for individuality.

Further details

Our throwing workshops are open to adults (16+), with a maximum of nine attendees. Drinks and refreshments included.

You can keep a maximum of three pots* and we will recycle any other ones you make on the day.  These three pots will be glazed for you and you can pick them up a few weeks later once fired.

Please bring an apron if you have one, wear old clothes and shoes (no sandals) you don't mind getting a little mucky.

*For current students at The Clay Studio: If you wish to keep more than three pots, you can turn and glaze these extra pots in your weekly class. Please weigh and pay as usual.