Making Your Mark in Clay - Cambria, Ca - Feb. 20-22, 2026

Making Your Mark in Clay: Three-Day Workshop

Feb. 20-22, 2026

Camp Ocean Pines - Cambria, Ca.

Link to registration and more information: Camp Ocean Pines

Making Your Mark: Three-day Workshop : Feb. 20-22, 2026

Step into a creative retreat where clay becomes your canvas and the forest meets the sea.

Potter and naturalist Patricia Griffin invites you to explore the magic of clay in this lively workshop for all levels – from curious beginner to experienced potter. We’ll practice hand-building techniques and you’ll make your own forms from raw clay. Then we'll decorate them through etching, stenciling, painting, and embossing. After exploring surface techniques, you’ll move on to your individual projects on handmade vessels that Patricia provides.

Beautiful Setting and Meals Provided!

We’ll use the great outdoors for inspiration during this workshop. It’s held in the fabulous Craft Lodge of Camp Ocean Pines, with views of the forest and ocean in all directions. All meals are provided, and there is also an option for lodging. (The meals are delicious and dietary restrictions are accommodated.)

Intimate Learning Environment: Limited to just 12 participants to ensure personalized attention, meaningful feedback, and the kind of creative community where lasting friendships form.

Your Three-Day Journey: Day 1 explores hand-building techniques and ends with a welcome dinner. Day 2 focuses on surface decoration through etching, stenciling, painting, and embossing. On Day 3, you’ll be applying everything you've learned to create unique pieces using handmade vessel forms that Patricia provides as your decorative canvas.

What You’ll Make: Three to five pieces that showcase your new skills - from practice works that capture your learning journey to final projects that reflect your personal artistic vision.

Timeline for Pick-up/Shipping:

Your pieces will be professionally bisque-fired, glazed, and final-fired in Patricia's studio. They'll be ready for pickup or shipping in 3-4 weeks - perfect timing to extend the joy of your creative retreat.

For Beginners:

New to clay? Perfect! No drawing or pottery experience needed. You'll learn fundamental hand-building techniques like pinching, coiling, and slab construction, then discover the joy of decorating through etching, stenciling, painting, and embossing. All materials provided, and you'll be guided step-by-step in a supportive environment where creativity flourishes.

For Experienced Artists:

Seasoned potter or artist? Dive deeper into advanced surface techniques and discover new ways to energize your work. You are welcome to bring leather-hard pieces from your studio to experiment with during the workshop, and take home professional tips you can immediately apply to your practice.