Pottery has been around for as long as time can remember, and recently, this process of creating objects with clay has been growing in popularity. Once I tried my hand (literally) at it, I instantly understood why more and more people are showing interest in pottery nowadays.
Laro Ceramics is one of the pottery studios in Metro Manila that offers pottery workshops and classes to everyone who wants to give it a try. This chic ceramics shop and pottery studio is located along Katipunan Avenue. They’ve been around for a couple of years already, but their new studio just opened in August 2023.
Erika Austria, owner of Laro Ceramics, shares that she studied pottery for four months in Tuscany, Italy. Equipped with knowledge and a passion to share what she learned with Filipinos, she opened the studio to allow everyone to learn the basics of pottery.
The stylish pottery studio was designed to be a space that allows creativity to flow thanks to the bright natural light coming in from their glass wall, as well as the fun art displayed all around the studio. It’s easy to enjoy a couple of hours of creativity in a space like theirs.
A Private Mug-Making Workshop at Laro Ceramics
We had the privilege of enjoying a private mug-making class at Laro Ceramics. The private class can be good for up to six people, making it a great bonding experience for barkadas and families. Laro Ceramics provides all the materials needed, even adding fresh floral arrangements to the workshop to add inspiration.
We started the workshop with some mindfulness exercises led by Erika herself. It was to help us understand our personal intentions for the class, also allowing us to draw out ideas and inspiration for what we wanted to create during the workshop.
We all appreciated this part of the class because it also allowed us to be more comfortable with the space, with the people around us, and with ourselves.
Then, it was on to make mugs!
Our teacher, Nini Salazar, taught us the basics of mug-making using the pinching method. She made every step so easy to follow, especially since she was always ready to assist whenever we needed help.
To tell you honestly, I was intimidated at first at the thought of creating a mug from scratch when I had zero experience with pottery. But thanks to Laro Ceramics and the patience of our teacher, I quickly realized how fun and therapeutic it can be. And no, it is not difficult at all!
This mug-making workshop is perfect for first-timers. It’s like playing with clay but with more direction and structure, so really, anyone can do it.
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They also allowed us to make two items, one of them being anything we wanted—be it a fun sculpture, a pet bowl, a pot, or whatever came into our minds. It was also fun exploring what else we could create through pottery.
And when we finished our items, we painted and decorated them—another way to explore our creativity.
The workshop lasted for 3 hours, and by the end, we had created and decorated two pottery items from scratch even without prior experience! The items then needed to be dried and fired in the kiln before we could bring them home—the whole process would take about 8 weeks.
While you wouldn’t be able to bring home your work right after the class, you’ll be coming home with a unique and unforgettable experience and a whole new skill.
You should also watch out for other workshops held at Laro Ceramics, including their wheel-throwing classes, mug-painting workshops, and floral vases.
We highly recommend joining a pottery workshop at Laro Ceramics; it’s perfect for a weekend bonding sesh with the besties, for celebrating special occasions (unique birthday party, anyone?), and even for a fun date with your significant other.
PS. The normal rate for their mug-making workshop is PHP 3,200 per head, but they’re currently offering a PHP 500 off promo! Book a slot through their website at laro-ceramics.com.
Laro Ceramics
YDG Building, 219 Katipunan Avenue, Quezon City
laro-ceramics.com
Facebook: Laro Ceramics
instagram.com/laro.ceramics
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