What to Buy for a Ceramics Workshop

A ceramics workshop needs more than clay and a few tools. You will need a workable station for each participant, enough water and cleaning supplies, labelled materials, protective clothing, and a safe way to dry and fire the pieces. Buy or confirm kiln space early, especially if finished work must be collected by a fixed date. This list covers the materials and shared supplies that are easy to underestimate when planning a hands-on workshop.

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What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Work tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 32
Buffet tableqty 2
Drying racksqty 4

Equipment

Electric kettleqty 2
Coffee maker
Coolersqty 2
Power stripsqty 4

Kitchen

Ceramic kiln
Clayqty 30
Modeling toolsqty 32
Clotheslinesqty 16
Wooden rollersqty 10
Work planksqty 32
Turntablesqty 8
Texture matsqty 12
Water tubsqty 16
Spongesqty 32
Engobesqty 8
Glazesqty 10
Glazing brushesqty 32
Mixing cupsqty 16
Measuring cupsqty 4
Protective apronsqty 32
Glovesqty 40
Cleaning clothsqty 24
Glaze sieveqty 2
Label stickersqty 100
Waterproof markersqty 12

Tableware

Platesqty 36
Bowlsqty 36
Mugsqty 36
Glassesqty 36
Cutlery setsqty 36

Cleaning

Dishpanqty 3
Cleaning bucketsqty 4
Broom and dustpanqty 2
Mop and squeegeeqty 2
Microfiber clothsqty 20

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea bags - 60 pieces
- Coffee milk - 4 liters
- Sugar - 1 kilogram
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 4 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 8 bottles
- Spa Red - 4 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Lemons - 8 pieces
- Baguettes - 12 pieces
- Wholemeal bread - 6 loaves
- Hummus - 8 tubs
- Young cheese - 2 kilograms
- Cream cheese - 8 tubs
- Turkey fillet - 1.5 kilograms
- Vegetarian spreads - 8 tubs
- Cucumbers - 8 pieces
- Tomatoes - 2 kilograms
- Bell peppers - 12 pieces
- Arugula - 6 bags
- Mixed salad - 6 bags
- Pasta salad - 6 kilogram
- Potato salad - 4 kilogram
- Falafel - 3 kilograms
- Chicken pieces - 3 kilograms
- Yogurt dressing - 4 bottles
- Garlic sauce - 3 bottles
- Pesto - 4 jars
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Grapes - 3 kilograms
- Apples - 3 kilograms
- Cookies - 6 packs
- Brownies - 48 pieces
- Paper napkins - 200 pieces
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Garbage bags - 30 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls

Tips

Allow about 1–1.5 kg of clay per participant for a typical hand-building session, plus a small reserve for demonstrations and failed pieces. Keep the clay sealed until the workshop so it does not dry out.
Prepare one basic tool set per participant or per two participants, depending on the activity. Include a wooden roller, modelling tools, a work plank, a sponge and access to a turntable where needed.
Use at least one water tub for every four participants and keep extra sponges and cleaning cloths nearby. Water is used continuously, so a few small tubs are easier to manage than one large shared container.
Label every workpiece with the participant’s name using waterproof markers and label stickers before pieces go onto the drying racks. Do this immediately; unlabelled greenware is difficult to identify later.
Buy glaze and engobe only after confirming the firing temperature and kiln capacity. Set aside mixing cups, measuring cups, glazing brushes and a glaze sieve, and allow time for pieces to dry fully before firing.

Frequently asked questions

How much clay do I need per person for a ceramics workshop?: Plan on 1–1.5 kg of clay per participant for a hand-building workshop. Add roughly 10–20% extra for demonstrations, trimming and pieces that do not work out.
How many ceramics tools do I need for a workshop?: Provide one complete tool set for each participant if everyone works independently. For a shared setup, one set per two people is usually workable, but provide one wooden roller, work plank and water tub for every station or pair.
How many water tubs are needed for a pottery workshop?: Use one water tub for every four participants, with additional tubs for washing tools and sponges. Empty or refresh them at least once during a full-day workshop, or sooner when the water becomes muddy.
When should I arrange kiln space for a ceramics workshop?: Reserve kiln space before sending final participant instructions, preferably at least 2–3 weeks before the workshop. Confirm the kiln size, firing temperature, drying time and collection date before buying glazes or promising finished pieces.

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