Clay & Words
A creative week of pottery and writing with a working ceramicist. No experience needed.
Group
Up to 10 guests
Level
Restful. Mostly seated studio work and short walks.
Dates
Jun 2027
From
€1,590
per person, shared room
Overview
Clara sets up her studio in the barn each June. Mornings are clay: throwing, trimming and glazing on two wheels and a long work table. Afternoons are writing: short prompts, quiet time in the grove and an evening reading for anyone who wants to share. Your pieces are fired in her kiln on the last day, and you take three finished pots home.
Daily clay sessions
Throwing, trimming and glazing on real wheels.
Writing afternoons
Prompts and quiet time, never homework.
Take three pieces home
Fired in Clara's kiln on the last day.
Is it for you?
You will love it if
You want to make something with your hands
You are a beginner or rusty
You enjoy a small, friendly group
Probably not if
You want advanced ceramics tuition
You want a fitness or yoga week
You need to fly home with fragile luggage limits
From
€1,590
per person, shared room. Private rooms and suites cost more.
A deposit holds your place
Balance due 60 days before arrival
Move your dates once, free
Day by day
How the week runs.
Arrival
Meet Clara in the studio barn and a welcome dinner.
Centering
First session on the wheel and a writing walk.
Forms
Bowls and cups, then an afternoon of free writing.
Trimming
Finishing pieces and a visit to a local pottery.
Glaze day
Choosing colours and writing a short piece.
Firing
The kiln opens and an evening reading at the long table.
Departure
Pack your pots and transfer to Lisbon by 13:00.
A typical day
08:00
Breakfast
On the terrace.
09:30
Studio
Three hours on the wheel.
13:00
Lunch
At the long table.
15:30
Writing
Prompts and quiet time.
18:00
Pool or yoga
Your choice.
20:00
Dinner
And sometimes readings.
What is included
6 nights in your chosen room
All meals
15 hours of studio time
All clay, glazes and firing
Writing sessions and a notebook
Transfers from Lisbon at set times
Not included
Flights
Travel insurance (required)
Shipping pieces home (from €35)
Dates and prices
Pick your week.
Prices are per person. Pay the deposit on the date page to hold your place, or join the waitlist if it is full.
Where you sleep
Shared Twin
2 single beds
Private Double
1 double bed
Garden Suite
1 king bed
From guests
What people said after this retreat.
I had never touched clay. I came home with three bowls I actually use every day.
Julia W.
Toronto, Canada