Next-Level Handles with Naomi Clement
This virtual workshop has both live & on-demand lessons
Description
Advanced techniques for handles that are distinctly you
You know how to make a handle. Now let's make it yours.
This 2-hour virtual workshop is for makers who are ready to go beyond a standard pulled handle — and start thinking about handles as a real design opportunity. Whether you've already taken my signature Handle It workshop, you want to learn some new techniques, or you're feeling stuck in a handle rut, this workshop is for you.
We'll dig into the details that separate an ordinary handle from an extraordinary one: the techniques, the decisions, and the relationship between a handle and the pot it lives on. (Because yes, that relationship matters. A lot.)
In this workshop, you'll learn:
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Hand-built handles, hollow handles, and multi-part handles — plus variations on pulled handles that go beyond the basics
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How to create attachment points that form a smooth, elegant transition from handle to pot — and how to avoid the cracks and shrinkage that haunt us all
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Techniques for backfilling handles to add visual weight and strength
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Handle embellishments — thumb rests, decorative elements, and other ways to make your handles distinctly you
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Larger handles: how to form large, elegantly shaped handles for a basket or teapot
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A fresh perspective on handle placement and the relationship between the handle and the body of the pot
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Ergonomics in relation to the size and shape of the pot — because a beautiful handle that's uncomfortable to hold isn't really a great handle, eh?
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How handles can be more conceptual — and what that even means for your work
PLUS — included bonuses:
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A collection of on-demand videos to get (or refresh) your foundations before the live session: pulling handles 101, handle ergonomics, placement and more
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An on-demand video on forming hollow handles
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A handle inspiration guide to spark your creativity in the studio
Join the Live Session
Date: April 22nd, 2026
Time: 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM EST [convert to timezone]
Can't make it live? No worries — you'll have access to the recording for 90 days from your purchase date and can watch it as much as you like during that time.
"Thank you, Naomi! This was helpful, especially working with smaller pieces and roughly shaping before pulling. Getting the handle position versus shape/volume was a revelation!" — Kim, handle workshop participant
A handle may be a small piece of clay, but it has a big job to do. Handles are where our hands connect directly to those of the maker — a real opportunity to say something new and leave your mark as an artist.
Ready to take your handle-making to the next level?
You'll leave this workshop with fresh techniques, a sharper eye, and enough inspiration to head straight to your studio and make some kick-ass handles of your own.
About Your Teacher Naomi
Hi, I’m Naomi Clement, I’m a ceramic artist, teacher, and creative entrepreneur. I’ve been working in clay for 30+ years, and I’ve taught workshops and exhibited my work all across Canada and the US. I have my BFA from the Nova Scotia College of Art & Design, and my MFA in Ceramics from Louisiana State University.
Today I am well known for my elegant hand-built forms and the rich and layered surfaces on my pots. I was a thrower for many years, but switched to hand-building a few years ago now and have never looked back! At first I was intimidated by hand-building functional work—I thought it meant I wouldn’t be able to get consistent forms or that it would take forever to get a single pot. But I loved the new world of form and texture that opened up to me when I started hand-building my pots. Sure, it did take a bit longer, but ultimately I was way happier with the end results. Plus, slab-building my pots means I get to add lots of yummy texture to them which contributes to my signature layered surfaces. Hand-building opened up a whole new way of thinking about and decorating my work, and I’ve never looked back.
I created this workshop to share some of the basic strategies that have worked for me, and help you learn how to create your own unique pots!
Frequently Asked Questions
How does it work?
This is a virtual workshop, simply purchase it here in the shop! After that, check your inbox for an email from my virtual platform, Naomi’s School, with a link to login to your new account and access the course. The zoom link to the live class will be in your student dashboard, along with any other course materials.
Note: if you have previously purchased workshops through my website, the new course will be added to your existing student dashboard. Simply login there to access the new course.
How do I access the recording and other course materials?
Once you register for the workshop, you’ll get all the info on how to access the course delivered right to your inbox within about 15 min. You will need to create a login password within Naomi’s e-learning platform, Thinkific. Please save that information in your browser, so that you can easily access the course materials whenever you like.
How long do I have access to this course?
Pottery Technique courses have an access time of 90 days and Professional Development courses are accessible for 1 year -both from the date of purchase. You can watch your course as much as you like during that time, and on any devices you own!
What kinds of tools do I need to take a pottery workshop?
You will be able to make everything I demonstrate using the basic pottery tools you already have on hand. So as long as you have some clay, and your standard pottery tools (wire cutter, knife, sponge, and a board to work on), you’ll be good to go. One thing you will need access to is a kiln to fire your finished work. If you want to know more about the tools I use most in my work, check out this video.
Refunds
Due to the digital nature of this product we don’t offer refunds.