JUNE POTTERY course with woodfiring

Listings for 2026 will open later on.

2026 SUMMER 9-22 June

SUBSCRIBE BELOW TO BE NOTIFIED when applications open.

I run this course only 1 time per year, for a small group of 4 students, we conclude the course by joining a traditional Latvian woodfiring event. This is our beginner friendly course, no prior experience in pottery or horses is required.

I know how essential it is to immerse yourself fully in the pottery craft and the hours needed to get good at something. You are provided with the studio space and on-site accommodation as well as supported with weekly group and individual guided sessions.

There is one local traditions in Latvia I would love to introduce you to: reduction (black) firing for earthenware (1100c).

In week 1 we focus on handbuilding and wheel practice to prepare work for the wood firing. All work made in the first week is made from local red clay.

HANDBUILDING : the best way how to make work for woodfiring is by hand building and polishing. We will explore decoration by sgraffito technique (carving) and all work made for the woodfiring will be burnished/polished and will get a beautiful black silky smooth finish

WHEEL LESSONS : I will cover everything from preparing the clay, to centring and pulling up a cylinder and further shaping techniques, as well as trimming. If you are already advanced we can delve into the art of throwing teapots or other difficult shapes like spheres or combining shapes. Having taught hundreds of students over 12 years I have an eye for detail and a fun way to make each step memorable and easy to understand not just technically, but also energetically. The whole art of living is within the microcosm of the wheel-practice.

On week 2 - I will cover making dinnerware, you will meet my herd of horses as well as get some free time to explore the new found techniques. We will conclude the week with 3 days of woodfiring event.

DINNERWARE: I teach you how to make you dream dinner-set in slab-rolling method- allowing you to create professional looking dinner set in just a few hours. Have a look at my dinner sets to see examples of what can be created under my guidance. I have made thousands of plates and bowls for restaurants around the globe, through repetition I have unlocked the key of looking for efficiency, ease and flow and grace in every process. Even if you already know how to make hand build with slabs- this class will take your skills to the next level!

SELF-DEVELOPMENT and COMMUNICATION - more than just pottery skills and techniques - I love to sprinkle in every lesson glimpses in the the universal truths available in every interaction. 99.99% of life is energy after all. In my own life I use such methods as TheWork of Byron Katie, Belief work, Qigong, Yoga, Somatic movement, Gene Keys, Human Design, meditation etc. as well look for balance and harmony in both life and work.

PROPERTY

Located in the rural Zemgale countryside, the closest town Bauska is 20km, the vibrant capital Riga convenient 70km away, surrounded by vast farming fields and an enchanted apple orchard, next to horse “paddock paradise” sanctuary “LaimesZirgi”. The studio is just 5min away from nr.1 top tourist location in Latvia- the gorgeous Rundale Palace as well as other lovely day trips in the local area.

To make it easy getting around we ask that the 4 participants share a rental car amongst themselves. If you have no driving license thats ok, as you can be a passenger too. Read travel and arrival tips here>

Included:

• Studio access 24/7

• Accommodation included for 13 nights

• 20 hours of group guidance

• 2x individual lessons on the pottery wheel

• Materials and firings*

• Welcome lunch and final dinner

*Our material package includes 20kg of clay for the wood-firing and up to 10 pieces inside the electric kiln. The woodfired pieces can be taken along in your hand-luggage. Electric fired pieces stay for glazing and firing and will be shipped to you 2-4 weeks after the course. Shipping of the pieces is extra.

ACCOMODATION

Accommodation is at our family home - brick building built in 1878 and freshly renovated in 2021. The second floor is shared between 3 guests - and it has one twin room with 2 single beds, 1 private small room with single bed. There is shared kitchen and shared bathroom. On the first floor there is 1 larger room with a double bed 140cm and it features its own small kitchen and private entry. There is bedding, towels, wifi.

As this is our family house (we live on the first floor with our 5 cats and dog) we require “quiet” time after 8pm and before 8am. The horses paddock is right next to the house and studio is located 2min walk away.

WHO is this for? Suitable for beginners as well as intermediate potters

WHERE? Our light-filled gorgeous studio in the countryside of Latvia. Just 1hour drive from RIX airport! Just type “Laima Ceramics” in google maps and you will find it!

BY WHO? Led by me- Laima Piliņa- I manifested this gorgeous pottery studio at age 22 (2013), made my first restaurant tableware ranges for international restaurants at age 24 and became the guardian to a herd of horses at 25- it has been a wonderful and magical journey > read my full story here.

HOW MUCH? All inclusive offering for 3600eur (including the accommodation)

Q&A with travel tips and other useful info here> https://www.laimaceramics.com/q-a

Follow us along on IG @LaimaCeramics to see real insights behind the scenes!

See booking Terms&Conditions here.