SUMMER 2026 · 9–22 June
13-Day Pottery & Wood Firing Immersion
Hand Building · Wheel Throwing · Heirloom Dinnerware · Horses
A once-a-year deep immersion into clay, fire, and presence
This 13-day summer immersion is offered only once per year and is limited to just 4 participants.
We conclude the course by taking part in a traditional Latvian wood-firing event — a rare opportunity to experience fire, community, and ritual as part of your learning journey.
This is a beginner-friendly course — no prior experience with pottery or horses is required.
At the same time, the depth of immersion supports intermediate makers who wish to strengthen foundations, slow down, and work with intention.
Why this immersion is different
Learning ceramics well requires time, repetition, and presence.
This course is designed to give you exactly that.
You are invited to fully inhabit the craft — with:
24/7 access to the studio
On-site accommodation
Structured guidance balanced with spaciousness
Group learning and individual attention
The days unfold at a steady, nourishing pace, allowing skill, confidence, and sensitivity to grow naturally.
“Laima’s courses are far beyond just a ceramics course… the tranquil calm surroundings, wholesome food, beautiful lodging, and presence of animals induce a state of calm and presence that translates directly into the work with clay.”
— Yakeen, UK
Week 1 · Foundations for Fire
The first week focuses on hand building and wheel practice, preparing work specifically for the wood firing.
All pieces created during Week 1 are made from local red earthenware clay, traditionally used for reduction firing.
We explore:
Coiling and slab techniques
Sgraffito carving for decoration
Burnishing and polishing, resulting in a deep black, silky-smooth surface after firing
This process invites patience, touch, and intimacy with the material.
Wheel Throwing
We cover strong foundations:
For participants with experience, we can explore:
Having taught for over 12 years, I guide with clarity, humour, and sensitivity — making each step understandable technically and energetically. The whole art of living is present in the microcosm of wheel practice.
Week 2 · Form, Function & Fire
In the second week, we expand into dinnerware, and integration.
You will:
Learn slab-built heirloom dinnerware techniques
Spend time with my herd of horses, meeting their language and presence
Have space to revisit, refine, and explore techniques independently
The immersion culminates in three days of communal wood firing, where your first-week pieces are fired together in a living, breathing process shaped by fire, timing, and collaboration.
The Setting
The studio is located in the rural Zemgale countryside, surrounded by wide farming fields, an old apple orchard, and the horse sanctuary Laimes Zirgi.
To make local travel easy, we encourage the 4 participants to share a rental car.
If you don’t drive, that’s absolutely fine — you’re welcome as a passenger too.
What’s Included
24/7 studio access
13 nights of on-site accommodation
20 hours of group guidance
2 individual wheel lessons
Materials and firings*
Welcome lunch & final celebratory dinner
* Includes 20 kg of clay for wood firing and up to 10 electric fired pieces (or up to 4kg). Wood-fired pieces may be taken in hand luggage. Electric-fired pieces are glazed, fired, and shipped to you 3–4 weeks later (shipping extra).
Accommodation
Accommodation is provided at our family home, a brick house built in 1878 and lovingly renovated in 2021.
Second floor features:
1 twin room (2 single beds)
1 small private single room
Shared kitchen & bathroom
First floor features:
All rooms include bedding, towels, Wi-Fi. The horse paddock borders the house, and the studio is a 2-minute walk away.
Practicalities
Who is this for?
Beginners and intermediate potters alike.
Where?
A light-filled studio in the Latvian countryside — simply search Laima Ceramics on Google Maps.
Led by
Laima Piliņa — potter, teacher, and guardian of a horse herd. → Read my full story here
Investment
€3,600 — all inclusive
Payment Plan (2 Installments)
Installment 1 – Course Deposit (€1,800)
Due at booking
Installment 2 – Final Course Payment (€1,800)
Due by 31 March 2026
How to Apply
Please write to laimaceramics@gmail.com and include a short introduction and where you are on your journey. After confirmation, you may proceed with reservation via this listing.
🔗 Q&A with travel tips, arrival information, and practical considerations
📷 Follow behind-the-scenes on Instagram @LaimaCeramics
📄 Booking Terms & Conditions
With warmth,
Laima
SUMMER 2026 · 9–22 June
13-Day Pottery & Wood Firing Immersion
Hand Building · Wheel Throwing · Heirloom Dinnerware · Horses
A once-a-year deep immersion into clay, fire, and presence
This 13-day summer immersion is offered only once per year and is limited to just 4 participants.
We conclude the course by taking part in a traditional Latvian wood-firing event — a rare opportunity to experience fire, community, and ritual as part of your learning journey.
This is a beginner-friendly course — no prior experience with pottery or horses is required.
At the same time, the depth of immersion supports intermediate makers who wish to strengthen foundations, slow down, and work with intention.
Why this immersion is different
Learning ceramics well requires time, repetition, and presence.
This course is designed to give you exactly that.
You are invited to fully inhabit the craft — with:
24/7 access to the studio
On-site accommodation
Structured guidance balanced with spaciousness
Group learning and individual attention
The days unfold at a steady, nourishing pace, allowing skill, confidence, and sensitivity to grow naturally.
“Laima’s courses are far beyond just a ceramics course… the tranquil calm surroundings, wholesome food, beautiful lodging, and presence of animals induce a state of calm and presence that translates directly into the work with clay.”
— Yakeen, UK
Week 1 · Foundations for Fire
The first week focuses on hand building and wheel practice, preparing work specifically for the wood firing.
All pieces created during Week 1 are made from local red earthenware clay, traditionally used for reduction firing.
We explore:
Coiling and slab techniques
Sgraffito carving for decoration
Burnishing and polishing, resulting in a deep black, silky-smooth surface after firing
This process invites patience, touch, and intimacy with the material.
Wheel Throwing
We cover strong foundations:
For participants with experience, we can explore:
Having taught for over 12 years, I guide with clarity, humour, and sensitivity — making each step understandable technically and energetically. The whole art of living is present in the microcosm of wheel practice.
Week 2 · Form, Function & Fire
In the second week, we expand into dinnerware, and integration.
You will:
Learn slab-built heirloom dinnerware techniques
Spend time with my herd of horses, meeting their language and presence
Have space to revisit, refine, and explore techniques independently
The immersion culminates in three days of communal wood firing, where your first-week pieces are fired together in a living, breathing process shaped by fire, timing, and collaboration.
The Setting
The studio is located in the rural Zemgale countryside, surrounded by wide farming fields, an old apple orchard, and the horse sanctuary Laimes Zirgi.
To make local travel easy, we encourage the 4 participants to share a rental car.
If you don’t drive, that’s absolutely fine — you’re welcome as a passenger too.
What’s Included
24/7 studio access
13 nights of on-site accommodation
20 hours of group guidance
2 individual wheel lessons
Materials and firings*
Welcome lunch & final celebratory dinner
* Includes 20 kg of clay for wood firing and up to 10 electric fired pieces (or up to 4kg). Wood-fired pieces may be taken in hand luggage. Electric-fired pieces are glazed, fired, and shipped to you 3–4 weeks later (shipping extra).
Accommodation
Accommodation is provided at our family home, a brick house built in 1878 and lovingly renovated in 2021.
Second floor features:
1 twin room (2 single beds)
1 small private single room
Shared kitchen & bathroom
First floor features:
All rooms include bedding, towels, Wi-Fi. The horse paddock borders the house, and the studio is a 2-minute walk away.
Practicalities
Who is this for?
Beginners and intermediate potters alike.
Where?
A light-filled studio in the Latvian countryside — simply search Laima Ceramics on Google Maps.
Led by
Laima Piliņa — potter, teacher, and guardian of a horse herd. → Read my full story here
Investment
€3,600 — all inclusive
Payment Plan (2 Installments)
Installment 1 – Course Deposit (€1,800)
Due at booking
Installment 2 – Final Course Payment (€1,800)
Due by 31 March 2026
How to Apply
Please write to laimaceramics@gmail.com and include a short introduction and where you are on your journey. After confirmation, you may proceed with reservation via this listing.
🔗 Q&A with travel tips, arrival information, and practical considerations
📷 Follow behind-the-scenes on Instagram @LaimaCeramics
📄 Booking Terms & Conditions
With warmth,
Laima
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