A MONTHLY OPPORTUNITY TO PLAY WITH CLAY, CREATE, CHAT & GROUND YOURSELF
Why Chat With Clay?
Grounding
Clay (processed soil) is a therapeutic material which helps ground our energies, much like when we walk or hike in nature, dig in the garden, or take our shoes and socks off on bare soil. It’s scientifically proven that clay and soil contains a natural bacterium called mycobacterium vaccae which is therapeutic to breath in…and this is released when we ‘play’ with it.
Kinaesthetic Movement & Meditative Brain Waves
What’s more, because we engage our hands in feeling the clay and moulding it into shapes, it allows us to ‘unravel’ our emotions at the same time. It’s helpful that our mind is occupied thinking about how the clay feels, and so it can offer a release from the ‘hustle and bustle’ of everyday life. Playing with clay also engages the creative part of our brain, and helps us to dip into a more meditative brain wave state.
Playing not ‘Artistically’ Creating
All these aspects help us to come back to ourselves, gain increased balance and harmony, help clarify our minds and increase overall wellbeing. Some people feel nervous about doing anything creative, because they may feel they are not artistic. This time to play with clay, is not about artistic prowess – it’s about you relaxing with a medium which can help you unravel. Much like when women come together to cook, knit, harvest produce…we will be coming together to share stories, challenges and ask for support within a held environment. So this way of gathering together has multiple benefits and is also open to men!
What happens during Chatty Clay Play?
A typical Itinerary will look like this:
3:00pm Arrival, Facilities Overview & Quick Introductions
3:15pm Clay Play Guided Making (lead by Sonya) see examples below*
4:45pm Closing Circle (how you feel versus on arrival & plans for next time)
*Potential Topics
Often people like to roll, cut, mould or blend the clay intuitively and I see my role as a guide and supporter if you wish to do something more complicated, or if you have a specific item you’d like to make. Each week I will offer a *mini project for those wanting ideas or to learn a basic clay craft. For others who have been previously, or know what they want to make, they can carry on and ask me for guidance as and when required. It’s all very relaxed! If people want to glaze and fire their made items, this is possible and will be charged at and additional £10 per item (this includes glazes and 2 firings in my kiln). Alternatively, I can once fire the item and you can paint it with acrylics and varnish for only £5 per item.
*Pinch Pots (condiment bowls)
*Wild Clay Ball (for therapeutic properties)
*Leaf Coaster (for your favourite drink or to gift)
*Coil Pot (condiment bowls)
*Small Animal Sculpture (of your pet/favourite animal or to gift)
*Trinket Dish (for jewellery, keys, buttons etc)
*Slab Built Mug (for your hot chocolate!)
Friday 30th January 2026 (pinch pots)
Friday 27th February 2026 (Kurinuki pots)
Friday 24th April 2026 (Miniature Houses)
Future Dates Pending
Please Note: If you are unable to attend and use your paid place, you can gift or transfer your place to a friend or family member. In this instance, please simply let me have their name so I know who is coming on the day.
“I wish we had more time to play with the materials which I was loving – the feel of the clay and hearing about their provenance. The feeling of the ground beneath my barefeet was both liberating and grounding and the meditation sessions were wonderfully calming. Thank you ! I will now experiment with my own clay out in nature”.
