Hand-building Ceramics Workshop - Tree of Life Candlestick COURSE CANCELLED (OL09L65B)

Learn how to design, construct and decorate a Tree of Life Candlestick of your own design, using the coil building technique and underglazes.

Course overview

Learn how to design, construct and decorate a Tree of Life candlestick of your own design, using the coil building technique and underglazes.


Please note the course fee includes all materials to make an 8"-10" (20-25cm candlestick) as well as firing and glazing.

Clay and a modelling tool will be available to collect from the ACRES House reception once the course has been confirmed as running. Please wait to be contacted by one of the ACRES team before collecting your items as the ACRES House is currently only partially opening under restricted and controlled conditions.

If you wish to have your piece fired and glazed, you will need to package up your work securely and hand it into the ACRES House reception before 24th November. We ask you to phone to the ACRES team to arrange a convenient time to drop off your piece to the reception. The firing and glazing of your piece will be done by Clare and we ask you to allow up to 3 weeks, before expecting to be contacted by the ACRES team and to be able to collect your finish pieces.


Where This is an online course.
When Monday, 7:00pm - 9:00pm from 2nd November 2020 until 16th November 2020 for 3 weeks.
Cost The full fee is £61.00. The concessionary fee is £53.00.


Additional Costs
Please see list under "What do I need to bring to the first session". The tutor will advise of any other materials required at the first session. To avoid unnecessary cost please do not purchase any materials or textbooks until you are certain that your course will run. Course decisions are normally made a week prior to the course start date.

What you already need to know

No experience is required. Beginners are welcome and all levels catered for.

What you will learn


If you wish to have your candlestick fired and glazed please arrange for it to be dropped off at the ACRES House reception before 24th November. (see Course Overview section for details). Please let Clare know which colour glaze, either bronze/gold or emerald green, you would like.

Whilst the utmost care will be taken when handling, firing and glazing your work, the candlesticks in their unfired state will be fragile and damage can occur during the firing process. ACRES does not accept liability for any damage caused to your candlestick in its transportation, firing or glazing.

Please pack your candlestick securely, using bubble wrap if possible.

How you will learn it

Using the online medium you will learn directly from your tutor. Each technique and method will be demonstrated and you will then have the opportunity to create your own Tree of Life Candlestick.

Bring to the first session

This course is taught online in real-time using a video platform (usually Google Meet), supported by other online resources.

To ensure you get the most out of the course and can fully participate in the sessions you will interact with your tutor and other students through speaking, listening and the chat function, as well as being able to see each other via the video links, though you can turn off your camera and microphone at any time.

You will need to have access to either a laptop, computer or portable device (e.g tablet) (this ideally needs to be less than 5 years old), with a camera / webcam and microphone, as well as a good broadband / Wi-Fi connection.

Though not a prerequisite, we would advise that you create a separate email account for your online learning prior to the start of the course and let the ACRES' Office and your tutor know the address. This will be more secure and also allow you to share your email address with other students on the course to enhance your learning experience, without disclosing your personal information.

You will be sent more information about your course, including how to join your online sessions, in due course.


Materials you will need to do the course:

The course fee includes all materials to build the Tree of Life Candlestick, including clay, modelling tool and a choice of glaze. The materials will be available to collect from the ACRES House reception once the course is confirmed as running. You will be contacted and given times for collection. Please only come to the ACRES House once you have been contacted as the office is currently only partial opening under restricted and controlled conditions.

Additional items you will need to do the course

Extra study or practice

Researching artists and Studio Potter will expand your knowledge of the subject.

How to enrol

You can enrol by phoning ACRES' House on 01825 761820 on Monday to Friday between 9:30 am and 4 pm. Alternatively, to register your interest in a course please email adultlearning@acres.org.uk with the course title and your contact details and a member of the team will call you back to enrol you on your chosen course.

Next steps within this subject with ACRES

If you would like to continue learning ceramics with Clare in the New Year, we hope to be able to offer a 10-week face to face All Abilities Hand-building Ceramics course at Uckfield College on Mondays at 6.30-9 pm and various Saturday workshops in February and March.

Please check our website for up to date information on all upcoming ACRES courses.

Future steps beyond ACRES

Find out about other courses with the National Careers Service for opportunities to extend your skills and knowledge.

Further information

Please visit the ACRES website, see our brochure, or alternatively call a member of the team on 01825 761820 or email adultlearning@acres.org.uk