$90 Per Person / Ages 8 and up
They won't water your plants. But they will judge you for forgetting.
Spring has officially given us permission to get weird and whimsical — and we're celebrating with clay. Join us at Hearthfire Clay for a 2.5-hour sculpting workshop where you'll bring to life your very own garden gnome or clay creature, entirely by hand, entirely your way.
Maybe it's a grumpy gnome with a fishing rod and strong opinions. Maybe it's a frog, a sleeping fox, a mushroom with a face, or some unclassifiable little thing that just feels right. There's no wrong answer here — only clay and imagination.
Using classic handbuilding and sculpture techniques, you'll build your creature from the ground up:
- Armature-free solid and hollow sculpting basics
- Building three-dimensional forms with your hands and simple tools
- Adding character: faces, textures, hats, tails, tiny accessories
- Attaching and blending parts so nothing falls off in the kiln (we've all been there)
- Surface detailing, stamping, and carving to make it truly yours
- A quick intro to what glazing options await when your piece comes back from its first firing
Our instructors will guide you through the process with demos, one-on-one support, and zero judgment about your gnome's proportions. Part of the magic of sculpture is that wonky is charming — and your little weirdo is going to look great in a garden.
Who's it for? This one's built for multigenerational fun. Adults, teens, and young sculptors ages 8+ are all welcome — kids must be accompanied by an engaged adult (this means you're participating too, not just supervising!). It's a wonderful spring outing for families, parent-child duos, grandparents and grandkids, or anyone who wants to make something alive-looking out of mud.
What's included: All clay, tools, and materials. Firing is included — your finished gnome or garden pal will be bisque-fired and ready for a glaze session, with pickup expected within 4–6 weeks. (Yes, good things take time. Your gnome is worth the wait.)
What to wear: Close-toed shoes, and clothes you're okay getting earthy with. Clay is enthusiastic and tends to travel.
