What to Buy for a Ceramics Workshop

A ceramics workshop needs more than clay and a kiln. You will also need a workable setup for each participant, shared shaping tools, covered tables, storage, and a simple drinks station. Buy or collect the clay early enough to keep it airtight, and check that the kiln, extension cords and power strips are ready before workshop day. Use the plan’s full shopping list to match supplies to your final participant count rather than buying everything at the last minute.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Work tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 24
Stoolsqty 4
Shelving unitsqty 2
Waste binsqty 3

Equipment

Ceramic kiln
Turntablesqty 4
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4
Kitchen timerqty 2

Kitchen

Electric kettleqty 2
Coffee maker
Coolersqty 2
Water jugsqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 3
Bread knivesqty 2

Tableware

Coffee cupsqty 24
Glassesqty 30
Platesqty 30
Cutlery setsqty 30
Serving plattersqty 6
Serving spoonsqty 6

Ceramics

Modeling clayqty 30
Modeling boardsqty 24
Modeling sticksqty 30
Ceramic knivesqty 24
Modeling loopsqty 24
Modeling spatulasqty 24
Spongesqty 30
Clay rollsqty 6
Cookie cuttersqty 12
Engobesqty 12
Glazesqty 12
Glazing brushesqty 24
Glaze jarsqty 12
Oven traysqty 6
Oven racksqty 24
Project labelsqty 30
Water bowlsqty 12
Drying racksqty 4

Cleaning

Bucketsqty 6
Cleaning clothsqty 24
Scouring spongesqty 12
Hand broomsqty 4
Vacuum cleaner
Mop setsqty 2

Safety

Apronsqty 24
Protective gogglesqty 12
Heat-resistant glovesqty 2

Decorations

Tableclothsqty 6
Name badgesqty 30

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea bags - 80 pieces
- Herbal tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Milk - 4 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Lemon - 6 pieces
- Spa Blauw - 24 bottles
- Sparkling water - 12 bottles
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Orange juice - 4 cartons
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Tortilla chips - 4 bags
- Salsa - 4 jars
- Cucumber - 6 pieces
- Carrots - 2 kilo
- Cherry tomatoes - 2 kilos
- Grapes - 2 kilos
- Apples - 30 pieces
- Bananas - 24 pieces
- Baguettes - 8 pieces
- Whole grain bread - 4 loaves
- Wraps - 48 pieces
- Hummus - 8 tubs
- Cream cheese - 6 tubs
- Young cheese - 2 kilos
- Hummus with paprika - 4 tubs
- Turkey breast - 1 kilo
- Vegetarian falafel - 2 kilo
- Lettuce - 6 heads
- Bell peppers - 12
- Red onion - 6 pieces
- Mayonnaise - 2 jars
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Olives - 4 jars
- Mixed nuts - 1 kilo
- Raisins - 500 grams
- Cookies - 6 packs
- Brownies - 4 boxes
- Olive oil - 1 bottle
- Salt - 1 pack
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Hand soap - 3 bottles
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 2 rolls

Tips

Allow enough modeling clay for one complete project per participant, plus extra for test pieces and mistakes. Pick it up early and store it airtight so it does not dry out before the workshop.
Prepare one modeling board and one basic tool set per participant where possible. Shared tools such as modeling loops, spatulas, sponges and clay rolls should be available in several copies to prevent queues.
Check the kiln’s power requirements before bringing extension cords or power strips. Do this at least one week ahead, because a workshop space may not support every piece of equipment at once.
Cover every work table before setting out clay and tools, and place waste bins where participants can reach them. Keep shelving units or another dry storage area ready for unfinished pieces.
For the drinks and icing table, count one cup or glass per guest and provide at least one water jug for every 8–10 people. Buy coffee, tea, chilled drinks and serving items before the final setup day.

Frequently asked questions

How much clay do I need per person for a ceramics workshop?: Plan one workable amount of clay for each participant’s chosen project, then add about 10–15% extra for failed pieces, trimming and demonstrations. The exact quantity depends on the project size, so confirm it before ordering.
How many ceramic tools should I buy for a workshop?: Provide one board and one basic tool set per participant if you want everyone to work continuously. For a shared setup, aim for at least 1 tool of each type per 2–3 people and prepare extra sponges and clay rolls.
When should I buy clay for a ceramics workshop?: Collect the clay several days before the workshop, then keep it sealed airtight until use. Check its condition the day before, rather than discovering dried or hard clay during setup.
How many cups and glasses do I need for a ceramics workshop?: Count one cup or glass per attendee, plus around 10% extra for spills and replacements. Add plates, cutlery sets and serving spoons if you are putting out food at the icing table.

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