Please note scheduled workshops are currently on pause
However you can still reach out to arrange private workshops
I can host up to 6 people in my atelier or more at an alternative location
It is also possible for me to bring the clay and tools to you, indoors or outdoors!
moments of connection & creation together
in creative workshops
workshop offerings
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make your own plant pot
Join Harriet for a 3hr guided ceramics workshop learning to make your own plant pots!
We will make two tiny planters to practice handbuilding techniques before you work on a creation of your own larger design. Harriet will explain the benefits of different designs of planters so you can make the right pot for your plant needs.
We will be working with terracotta stoneware with optional underglazes for painting (or drawing) your own additional details in a variety of colours. You are always welcome to come with ideas and moodboards inspiring what you would like to make.
We hope this workshop will take place outdoors in a beautiful green setting.
In collaboration with CityPlot
date tbc - september 2026
3hr handbuilding workshop
75 euros -
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powerful plates: ceramics workshop
These powerful plates will consider the question of what or who do you want to bring to the table and celebrate/acknowledge.
You will choose to decorate an existing plate or make your own plate and then decorate your own table offering.
Your own plate might choose to honour femme, trans, and non-binary icons and legacies, your own power and sensuality. Come think, create, and celebrate.
What would you like to bring to the table?
3hr ceramics workshop
(handbuilding, sculpting, and painting possible)75 euros
multiple dates available
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play with clay
find some creative flow and either allow yourself to be guided or experiment wildly while working with clay
3hr handbuilding workshop
65 eurosmultiple dates available
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make your own plant markers in a garden
Get your hands dirty and get creative!
Join Harriet for a 2hr ceramics workshop learning to make your own reusable plant markers.
We will be working with terracotta stoneware with optional underglazes for painting your own additional details. You are always welcome to come with ideas and moodboards inspiring what you would like to make.
We hope this workshop will take place outdoors in a beautiful green setting.
In collaboration with CityPlot
date tbc - september 20262hr handbuilding workshop
45 euros
lets make art
faqs & more information
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I use the term ritual to refer to a sequence of activities designed with a specific intention. The rituals (or workshops) I offer are designed to give participants the opportunity to play and create alongside other people. They will take place at my own artist atelier (unless stated otherwise), which is a small green oasis in Amsterdam Zuidoost.
Gift yourself (or someone you love) the ritual of being an artist in an artist studio alongside an artist. No experience or specialist ability needed.
I hope that my rituals are social, repeated and spiritually nourishing. -
I have been teaching for four years and refining my workshops based on my interest in craft, feelings and entanglement.
I am not aiming to create a commercial ceramics studio where my income is a result of selling as many workshops as possible. Instead I want to invite people into my practice and love of craft, and ideally into relation with each other (for the length of workshop).
I care about your intention. I can hold space for fluidity, for different needs, abilities and experience levels, and for different interests. -
My atelier is located within OAZO (Open Ateliers Zuidoost), at Kruitberg 1002A. It is up one flight of stairs and has a shared toilet.
The studio is very close to Kraaiennest metro station (53 line) and there is bike parking in front plus (paid) parking spots nearby for cars. -
I will contact you once your work is back in my studio. I aim to do this within 3-4 weeks but currently I rent a kiln nearby so this can sometimes change.
Work can be collected from my atelier for free or posted for cost of postage.
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I have been teaching since 2021.
I am happy to be hands on or hands off, but I will make alongside you so that you can see each step of the process. I also find this helps visual learners.
I always aim to cater each class to the individuals in the class depending on previous experience and learning styles. I have led mixed ability, all beginners, and more advanced workshops. I have taught private one-to-one sessions and led 40 person workshops. In my atelier I guide a maximum of four participants. -
Psychedelic ceramics is a 2-part weekend workshop which takes place at Harriet’s artist studio in Amsterdam Zuidoost. They will guide you in the creation of 2-3 psychedelic marbled ceramics, which will then be fired, then glazed with a transparent glaze ready for you to collect.
Play with clay is less focused on creating a specific piece than spending a few hours making space for play. You can be taught handbuilding techniques or you can simply touch clay for a few hours. It is possible to fire your work for an additional cost, this makes the class more sustainable and more affordable. If you sign up to multiple sessions you may also continue working on the same piece.
Sculpting mushrooms and more is a guided handbuilding workshop with a sculptural focus. It is possible to fire your work for an additional cost, this makes the class more sustainable and more affordable. If you sign up to multiple sessions you may also continue working on the same piece.
Grief pebbles is both a ritual and a guided workshop, more focused on sharing, feeling and creating than a specific outcome.
Each workshop includes tuition, materials, tea, coffee, fruit and biscuits. It is stated whether firing (to keep the creations) is included when booking. -
Currently this is my focus, yes :)
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Please reach out!
Unfortunately, the studio is up one flight of stairs so the studio is not fully accessible.
I have multiple lighting options, a cosy space to sit away from the ceramics table, and music can always be turned off or changed to suit sensory preferences. This will be discussed at the start of the workshop. You can also communicate this before if that is more comfortable for you. -
Yes! You can always reach out to me with your dream workshop ideas and budget.
I have taught private themed workshops at my studio for a maximum of 6 people. These have included ceramic pumpkin carving, mug decorating, and tarot themed handbuilding.
For groups larger than 4 people it is also possible for me to rent a location for the workshop.
In addition I have carried out larger workshops on site, where the organisation has provided a location, and I provide the clay, tools and guidance. Creations can then be delivered back to location after firing.
Please reach out via email to harrietsmithdesign@gmail.com to discuss -
Ceramics is a costly process with a significant environmental impact.
Clay is typically quarried from the earth on large sites and transported long distances.
If you want to keep your ceramics you typically run a bisque and glaze firing up to 1200 degrees celsius, each one taking 12+ hours in an electric kiln.
Once fired it will last a very long time but has a higher embodied energy. This is why I encourage a certain amount of destruction. Slow intentional making is better than keeping every single piece.
When you come to a workshop I typically spend up to an hour before setting up and 30 minutes after cleaning. If you decide to keep your pieces I will also transport them to the kiln, run a firing, glaze each piece and then run a second firing. Firing is fairly expensive, due to energy usage.
I offer clay workshops without firing to improve accessibility, environmental impact and reduce costs.
If my workshops are still too expensive to you please get in touch, I am always interested in improving access to this craft and am also open to trades.