Bill van Gilder Pottery
Tips, Tools and Techniques: The Functional Pot
Online Workshops
Hi folks,
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As we open enrollment for my online Tips, Tools and Techniques: The Functional Pot Workshop, I wanted to share a bit about how this project came to be… and what's in it for you.
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During the past couple of years, I've listened to many of you who told me what your challenges are in clay… and this info packed online workshop is my response.
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As you’ve probably read in several of my recent emails to you, this online workshop is a vastly extended version of what I teach on-the-road during a live, in-person workshop… the techniques-loaded workshops I've presented across America and around the world during the past 35 years.
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And for those of you who will never have the opportunity to get to one of my live in-person workshops… this online format is the solution! So, to my clay friends making pots in Israel, Argentina, Chile, Turkey, India, in Europe and Japan and across America, know that I look forward to sharing this workshop with you!
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In a typical on-the-road workshop I have only two days to get my information across. But in this online version I have a huge opportunity to present so much more work, more tips, techniques, and bonus information. There's so much information about making good pots in this two-part workshop (with Part Three now in the works) that it will truly take you some time to absorb it all!
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The workshop begins in Part One with my story in clay which began more than 50 years ago when I was a young high school student. When I first touched clay those many years ago, I knew possibly like you, that I wanted to be a potter. And that put me on a 10-year long path of apprenticeships with some of the world's best potters. And what I learned from them is what I share with you in this workshop…in both Parts One and Two. Plus, what I've developed from those teachings since then. And I do it in a clear and sensibly paced way that's easy to follow. You’ll see my drawn diagrams and photos which further explain what I’m making with lots of verbal descriptions about what my hands are doing.
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I describe it as a crash course for wheel-throwing potters… one that you can watch and learn from at your own pace.
And, once you’ve signed up, you’ll have unlimited online access to it, forever. It’s yours! It’s truly a super valuable, long-term educational investment!
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Note that the workshop is similar in style and details to the many YouTube pieces I've sent out to you on my B. van Gilder YouTube channel. So, if you like what I present on YouTube or in my now classic DIY TV programs, and in the weekly ‘Emails for Potters’ I send out to you then, this workshop is for you!
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I really look forward to sharing this workshop with you and hope to see you there!
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Bill
About Your Instructor
A professional potter for more than 50 years, Bill van Gilder began his clay work at age 15, as a studio apprentice to the late Byron Temple. During the following years he apprenticed in Ireland and England, and received a degree from Harrow School of Art, London, U.K.. He then established and managed two large training pottery centers in Southern Africa (Lesotho & Swaziland) under the auspices of The World Bank. Bill returned to the U.S. in 1979 and in 1985 established a studio and craft gallery atop South Mountain in Central Maryland, which he continues to operate today.
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van Gilder has served on the faculty of The Art League, Alexandria, VA, and was founder/director of The Frederick Pottery School, Frederick, MD. He currently leads workshops nationally and internationally on pottery forming, decorating, and firing techniques, as well as workshops on kiln building. Bill has designed a line of professional potter’s tools (van Gilder ClayTools) available on this website and through retailers nationwide.
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Bill also wrote a regular ‘Teaching Techniques’ column for Clay Times magazine (USA), and was the creator, writer and host of Throwing Clay, an internationally televised DIY Network Television 30-part series about making pottery.
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His clay work is exhibited and held in collections worldwide. It has been featured in ceramic periodicals including Clay Times, Ceramics Monthly, Ceramic Review (UK), Ceramic Arts (China), Sgraffito (S. Africa), and books including 500 Teapots and High Fire Glazes (Lark Books), Salt Glazing (A&C Black, London), and The Art of American Ceramics (Krause Books) and more. van Gilder authored Wheel-Thrown Pottery, a cooperative book venture by Lark Books and the DIY Television Network.
Curriculum
Workshop One: Setting a Foundation for Success - $147.00
Introduction
Get to Know Me
Influences and Ideas
Curious Tools
Preparing Clay
Throwing Basics
Making Sets: Repetition Throwing
Bonuses
Workshop Two:Skill Building and Techniques - $297.00
Introduction
Baking and Serving Ware
Bottle and Vase Forms
Plates and Platters
Throwing Taller: Moving Clay Up
Lids and Lidded Forms
Bonuses
HANDBUILDING
is
NOT COVERED
in either of these workshops.
WORKSHOP BUNDLE - $355.00
Get 20% OFF if you purchase the Workshop Bundle which includes Workshop One AND Workshop Two!
Testimonials
“When Kris and Bill asked me to preview this online course they were putting together, I was delighted. I had taught ceramics with Bill at his Frederick Pottery School and on the occasions that I substituted for him, I learned more skills and techniques from his students than I was able to offer them. He is clearly a great teacher. This workshop will confirm why. Bill communicates and demonstrates every project clearly and concisely. And each project, while complete in itself, carries over into the next project in such a way that the techniques and concepts are reinforced and accumulate. In every lesson from the most basic form to the most complex form, I learned new skills that have already improved my own work. You will too." ~ SC Burgess
I am teaching students in the Distance Learning scenario and using your videos is priceless. Your presentation skills being casual with clear hand to voice instruction is perfect for DL students to understand the project they need to complete at home. Thanks, Mike
You make these techniques look so simple. The results are beautiful & uniform. Can't wait to give it a try. Thanks for sharing!! A++++ ~ B.D.M.
An awesome, inspiring and educational workshop, Bill! Thanks, and hope to see you again. I intend to employ some of your techniques... 2 thumbs up! ~ CJS
If you ever get a chance to go to one of Bill's workshops I highly recommend it. I love his DVD's and DIY shows but nothing beats attending an actual workshop! ~ LPT
FAQ
1. Will this work for me?
Absolutely! This workshop is designed to meet you wherever you are in your pottery journey. Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been making pots for years, the techniques I share are adaptable and practical. You’ll learn skills that you can immediately use and adjust to fit your personal style and goals.
If you’re willing to put in the time and practice, this workshop can help you improve your skills and create the pieces you’ve always wanted to make.
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2. How many courses are available?
There are two workshops currently available:
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Workshop One: Perfect for building foundational skills.
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Workshop Two: Focused on advanced techniques and skill-building.​
Because the volume of information is so vast, I’ve divided the series into smaller workshops. Future workshops are already in the works!
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3. How long do I have access?
You’ll have immediate, unlimited, lifetime access to all workshop materials.
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4. Can I download the material?
The videos are ONLINE ONLY and cannot be downloaded. However, there are plenty of downloadable PDFs throughout the course to support your learning.
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5. How long does it take to go through the workshops?
The workshops are completely self-paced, so you can learn at your own speed. With lifetime access, you can revisit any lesson as often as you need.
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6. How long does it take to get results?
Results depend on your individual effort and practice. If you commit to implementing what you learn, you’ll see improvements quickly!
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7. Is there a guarantee/refund policy?
Yes! I offer a 15-day, no-questions-asked, full refund policy. Just let me know within the first 15 days, and I’ll issue a full refund. Absolutely no refunds are available after this period.
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8. Do you update the course, and will I get updates?
If I update or add to the course, you’ll receive the updates for free! I’ll notify you via email about any new content.
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9. What if I have questions?
You can email Kris at support@billvangilderonlineworkshops.com
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10. Is there a Facebook Group or something like that?
Yes! There is a private community just for workshop students within the workshop website. This is a great place to ask qustions of your peers and share information. Bill will be monitoring the group and will pop in now and then.
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Other questions can be directed to Kris via email at support@billvangilderonlineworkshops.com
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11. I'm not very tech savvy. Is the workshop difficult to navigate?
Teachable.com where we are hosting these workshops is a very easy site to navigate. Help is available through the website if you are having a problem OR email Kris at support@billvangilderonlineworkshops.com
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12. How much is enrollment, and how do I sign up?
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Workshop One: $147.00
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Workshop Two: $297.00
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Bundle Price (both workshops): $355.00
Flexible payment options are available during checkout for qualifying individuals and countries.​
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Choose one of the options below and click on the BUY box to sign up!
Workshop One:
Setting a Foundation
for Success
WORKSHOP BUNDLE
Both ONE and TWO
SAVE 20%
Workshop Two:
Skill Buiding and Techniques
