What to Buy for a Ceramics Workshop

A ceramics workshop needs more than clay and a few tools. You need enough work surfaces, boards, water tubs and basic hand tools for everyone to work without waiting, plus a clear plan for drying and firing the pieces. Use the participant count to calculate materials before shopping, then check kiln capacity and power access before the workshop day. This list covers the supplies and equipment needed for a practical, hands-on session.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Work tablesqty 5
Chairsqty 22
Instruction table
Drying racksqty 4
Lockable supply cabinet

Ceramics materials

Modeling clayqty 25
Engobeqty 12
Transparent glazeqty 5
Clay rollerqty 4
Modeling boardsqty 22
Modeling sticksqty 24
Modeling loopsqty 24
Modeling knivesqty 24
Spongesqty 30
Wire Clay Cuttersqty 12
Texture stampsqty 30
Templatesqty 20
Brushesqty 40
Mixing bowlsqty 30
Water tubsqty 12
Clay slabsqty 30
Paper name badgesqty 25

Equipment

Ceramic kiln
Oven traysqty 6
Oven racksqty 24
Kitchen scaleqty 2
Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 4

Tableware

Reusable mugsqty 25
Reusable glassesqty 25
Platesqty 25
Cutlery setsqty 25

Kitchen

Kettlesqty 2
Coffee maker
Soup bowlsqty 25
Serving spoonsqty 2
Coolersqty 2

Cleaning

Washing-up tubsqty 3
Dish brushesqty 3
Bucketsqty 4
Mopsqty 3
Hand broomsqty 3
Dustpan and brushqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Decaf coffee - 1 pack
- Black tea - 1 box
- Herbal tea - 1 box
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Milk - 4 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Still mineral water - 12 bottles
- Sparkling mineral water - 12 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 liter
- Orange juice - 4 liters
- Cola - 3 bottles
- Cola Zero - 3 bottles
- Tomato soup - 6 liters
- Vegetable soup - 6 liters
- Whole grain bread - 4 loaves
- White baguette - 4 pieces
- Butter - 500 grams
- Young cheese - 1,5 kilo
- Hummus - 1 kilo
- Cream cheese - 750 grams
- Cucumbers - 6 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 1 kilo
- Paprika chips - 3 bags
- Plain chips - 3 bags
- Salted crackers - 4 packs
- Rice cakes - 3 packs
- Apples - 24 pieces
- Bananas - 24 pieces
- Grapes - 2 kilos
- Cookies - 4 packs
- Dark chocolate - 4 bars
- Lemons - 6 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 2 rolls
- Nitrile gloves - 2 boxes
- Hand soap - 3 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 2 packs

Tips

Allow one modeling board and one basic tool set per participant where possible. If tools are shared, provide at least one complete set for every two people so the session does not slow down.
Buy or portion enough clay for the planned project, then keep a small reserve of about 10% for mistakes and reworking. A kitchen scale helps you give each participant the same amount.
Prepare one water tub for every four to six participants and provide several sponges per table. Too few tubs create queues and make it harder to keep work areas clean.
Check the kiln before ordering clay, engobe and transparent glaze. Confirm its usable capacity, firing requirements and booking deadline at least one week before the workshop.
Plan the drying space before the day itself: provide a labeled place for every participant’s work and keep templates, brushes and texture stamps together in the supply cabinet between sessions.

Frequently asked questions

How much clay do I need per person for a ceramics workshop?: Start with the amount required for the planned project and add about 10% for mistakes, trimming and reworking. For a small hand-building project, many workshops use roughly 1–2 kg per participant, but check the project size before ordering.
How many ceramics tools do I need for each participant?: One complete basic tool set per participant is the easiest setup. If the budget or storage space is limited, provide one set for every two participants and add extra sponges, modeling sticks and cutting tools for shared use.
How many water tubs are needed for a pottery workshop?: Provide one water tub for every four to six participants. For 12 people, prepare at least two tubs, with a third available if tables are spread across separate work areas.
When should I book the ceramic kiln?: Book the kiln before confirming the workshop date, preferably at least one to two weeks in advance. Allow additional time after the workshop for drying and firing, because clay pieces may need several days before they are kiln-ready.

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