Course Overview: This course focuses on creating functional, eco-conscious and sculptural ceramic habitats designed to support local wildlife and pollinators. Participants will design, build, glaze and assemble a series of outdoor ceramic pieces for gardens and natural spaces, emphasizing thoughtful design, durability and environmental care. The course begins with building dwellings for reptiles and insects, including toad houses for protection, bee houses to encourage pollination and critter caves that provide shade and shelter for small creatures. Participants will also create feeders and waterers, such as bird feeders for small backyard birds and shallow-water baths for bees and birds. Surface decoration is explored using natural oxides, with instructions on applying washes to create subtle, earthy patinas. Students will also prepare paper tubes and house insulation and create “seed bombs” for pollinators using leftover recycled clay. In the final stage, pieces are assembled and finished using natural wire and glass beads. You will leave with a cohesive collection of five to seven ceramic works designed to support wildlife while adding beauty and intention to outdoor spaces.

Skill Level: All levels

Dates and Time:

Week-long course
Monday, July 6 – Friday, July 10
9:00 am – 4:00 pm

Important Notes:

Course fee: $540.00 (General) or $505.00 (Senior 55+). HST is not included in the price.
Materials included in the price: One bag of clay, glazing, firing and decorative items to personalize your dwellings.
Students can expect to make 5-7 pieces.
This course takes place at The Core in Belleville: 223 Pinnacle St, Belleville, ON K8N 3A7
Building information, including room number, parking, directions, etc., will be provided closer to the start date.
A refund (less $20.00 administrative fee) will be issued if you withdraw from a class at least 14 days before the start date of the class. After this deadline, no refunds will be issued.
If a course is cancelled by Loyalist College, registered students will be provided with a full refund. College decisions to cancel a course will be made 14 days before the class start date.
If you have any questions or issues, please reach out to art@loyalistcollege.com

Supply List:

Basic pottery tools, including: sponge, wood rib, metal rib, pearcorer, loop trim tool, wood modeling tool and a wire.
Something like this: https://amaranthstoneware.ca/products/pottery-tool-kit?_pos=5&_sid=82fb30958&_ss=r

Pottery: Eco-Dwellings for Backyard Animals with Sarah Hamelin