What to buy for a ceramics workshop

A ceramics workshop needs more than clay and a few sculpting tools. Plan materials per participant, then add shared equipment for shaping, glazing, serving drinks, and keeping workstations clean. You will also need a safe way to power equipment, store projects, and transport supplies to the venue. Use this list alongside your participant count so you can portion the clay, prepare each workstation, and avoid last-minute shopping for small items such as sponges, mixing cups, and labels.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Work tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 24
Serving buffet
Coat racksqty 2

Equipment

Ceramic kiln
Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 3
Kettlesqty 2
Coolersqty 2

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 2
Knivesqty 4
Serving spoonsqty 4
Coffee maker

Tableware

Reusable mugsqty 24
Glassesqty 24
Platesqty 24
Cutlery setsqty 24
Serving bowlsqty 6
Pouring jugsqty 4

Ceramics materials

Modeling clayqty 25
Turntablesqty 6
Sculpting toolsqty 24
Modeling knivesqty 24
Modeling loopsqty 24
Wooden spatulasqty 24
Spongesqty 30
Glaze setsqty 8
Glazing brushesqty 30
Mixing cupsqty 12
Clay rollersqty 6
Clay cutting wiresqty 12
Drying sheetsqty 24
Oven traysqty 6
Oven racksqty 12
Name labelsqty 30
Waterproof markersqty 6
Workshop matsqty 24
Apronsqty 24

Cleaning

Bucketsqty 6
Cleaning brushesqty 6
Microfiber clothsqty 12
Mopqty 2
Floor squeegee

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea bags - 60 pieces
- Black tea - 1 box
- Herbal tea - 1 box
- Semi-skimmed milk - 4 liter
- Oat milk - 2 liter
- Sugar - 1 pack
- Mints - 1 box
- Cola - 4 bottles
- Cola Zero - 4 bottles
- Ginger beer - 2 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 12 bottles
- Spa Rood - 6 bottles
- Apple juice - 3 packs
- Orange juice - 3 cartons
- Butter - 2 packs
- Whole grain bread - 4 loaves
- White rolls - 24 pieces
- Hummus - 4 tubs
- Young cheese - 1,5 kilo
- Cream cheese - 4 tubs
- Turkey breast - 1 kilo
- Vegetarian spread - 4 tubs
- Cucumbers - 4 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 1 kilo
- Peppers - 6 pieces
- Carrots - 1 kilo
- Grapes - 2 kilos
- Apples - 24 pieces
- Bananas - 20 pieces
- Paprika chips - 3 bags
- Plain chips - 3 bags
- Salted crackers - 4 packs
- Mixed nuts - 2 bags
- Cookies - 4 packs
- Brownies - 24 pieces
- Mayonnaise - 1 bottle
- Ketchup - 1 bottle
- Mustard - 1 jar
- Olive oil - 1 bottle
- Salt - 1 pack
- Pepper - 1 jar
- Trash bags - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 4 rolls
- Toilet paper - 12 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Dishwasher tablets - 30 pieces
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Scouring sponges - 12 pieces
- Hand soap - 3 bottles
- Paper towels - 4 packs

Tips

Allow one workable portion of modeling clay per participant, plus an extra portion for mistakes or demonstrations. Prepare the clay before guests arrive so the workshop does not start with measuring and cutting.
Provide at least one basic tool set per workstation, including sculpting tools, a modeling knife, a modeling loop, a wooden spatula, a sponge, and a clay roller. Shared tools create queues, especially when everyone starts at the same time.
Plan one turntable for each participant if the activity involves wheel-style hand building; otherwise, use one for every two people. Keep glaze sets, glazing brushes, and mixing cups together at a separate glazing station.
Bring enough tableware for the full group and add 10% extra: one mug and glass per person, plus plates and cutlery for anything served. Prepare coffee, tea, and chilled drinks before participants arrive rather than during the explanation.
Check the venue’s power supply before bringing kettles, a coffee maker, or a ceramic kiln. Pack extension cords and power strips only where permitted, and arrange kiln firing in advance so labeled projects are not left without a confirmed firing slot.

Frequently asked questions

How much clay do I need per person for a ceramics workshop?: Start with one prepared portion per participant and add at least 10% extra for demonstrations, failed pieces, and damaged clay. The exact weight depends on the project, so confirm the portion size with the ceramics instructor before ordering.
How many ceramics tools do I need for a workshop?: Aim for one complete basic tool set per workstation: sculpting tools, modeling knives, loops, wooden spatulas, sponges, and clay rollers. For a group of 12, prepare 12 sets if everyone works independently; fewer sets will mean sharing and waiting.
What supplies are needed for glazing ceramics?: For each glazing station, provide glaze sets, glazing brushes, mixing cups, and clean water with sponges. Prepare at least one brush per participant and several extra cups so colors can be mixed without stopping the workshop.
When should I reserve kiln firing for a ceramics workshop?: Reserve the kiln before sending final participant confirmations, and no later than two weeks before the workshop if the venue or instructor has limited firing capacity. Label every project before it leaves the room so finished pieces can be matched to the right participant.

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