Gingerbread House Pottery Workshop

Join us for a cosy and creative day making your very own ceramic gingerbread house!

This workshop is all about relaxing, getting creative, and connecting with others in a warm and friendly atmosphere. Whether you're coming on your own or with a friend, you'll be warmly welcomed.

In the morning, you'll be guided through the process of designing and building your gingerbread house using traditional slab-building pottery techniques—no experience needed, just your imagination! After a break, we’ll dive into decorating, where you’ll learn how to use coloured slips to bring your house to life with charming patterns and personal touches.

All materials and equipment are provided.

Just bring a packed lunch and either an apron or wear clothes you don’t mind getting a little messy.

Once the workshop wraps up, Helen will carefully take your gingerbread house home to be kiln-fired and glazed, giving it a beautiful finish. Your delightful creation will be ready to collect approximately six weeks later from The Walronds—we will be in touch to let you know the date and time.

Tea & Coffee available throughout the day for a small donation.

If a workshop you'd like to do is fully booked ring Box Office (01805 624624) to be added to the waiting list, you might be lucky! This also helps us ascertain the demand for particular workshops when programming.

PARKING

The closest long term car parks (and the cheapest) can be found at:

Fair View, Barnstaple EX31 1JR

Pilton Causeway, Barnstaple EX32 7AA

Seven Brethren Bank (beyond the Leisure Centre)

About Helen

I am a Welsh ceramicist and art teacher living in Cullompton, Devon. My hand-built ceramic vessels are strongly influenced by the coast and my time living, teaching and travelling in South East Asia. My forms are inspired by my first-hand experience of bulbous and curvaceous shapes found in many of the countries I travelled through. 

Each vessel is an exploration into the plasticity of the clay and the relationship between the maker and material. Beginning with a simple pinch pot, I build each piece over a few days so that there is time to reflect whilst the clay is drying and before adding the next coil. I then turn back the form by hand with a metal kidney, carving excess clay away, and using a mirror to help me achieve symmetry. I use stoneware clay, which I high bisque fire before applying very thin glaze. The surface is achieved by layering slip and barium glaze via pouring, dipping, spraying or brushing onto the vessel, layering the glaze. Each piece is a flux of blues and greens, reflecting the richness of the ocean.

I studied a BA in 3D Design at Exeter School of Art in 1996-1999 and a MA in Ceramics in Cardiff in 2003-2004. Having a desire to share my knowledge I completed a PGCE in Secondary Art and Design 2005-2006. I have taught in schools in Wales, England, Ghana, Thailand and Hungary for 16 years. I am now taking a leap of faith and focusing on sharing my skills via local community workshops and developing my studio practice; in my new life as an independent educator and studio potter.

I am a member of the Westcountry Potters Association and The Cullompton Arts House.