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Some examples of cane toppers created in our botanical ceramic cane toppers workshop in the Blended Monkey Studios & Gardens

2027-04-10 | Botanical Ceramic Cane Toppers Workshop | Blended Monkey Studios

£70.00Price

BOTANICAL CERAMIC CANE TOPPERS WORKSHOP

 

Saturday 10 April 10.00 am - 1.00 pm

£70 including refreshments, all materials, use of equipment on the day, glazing, two firings of your pieces, and full tuition.

 

This creative three-hour small-group workshop with our guest sculptor, Aimee, is suitable for all skill levels, including complete beginners. 

 

You'll be handbuilding a collection of decorative stoneware botanical cane toppers, exploring sculptural form in a playful, nature-inspired way. Each participant will create up to six cane toppers, with each finished piece measuring approximately 10 cm tall.

 

Aimee will guide you through a variety of handbuilding and hand‑modelling techniques using a buff stoneware clay, which develops warm, toasty edges during firing that beautifully enhance textured surfaces and organic forms. You’ll explore shaping and refining expressive botanical silhouettes — from poppy seed heads and lotus pods to stylised blossoms, curled leaf forms, rain‑catcher bowls and other nature‑inspired shapes. You’ll also experiment with undulating rim lines, softly folded contours, twisted organic ridges and more, giving each piece its own unique character. 


During the session, your pieces can be decorated using a wide range of coloured slips, experimenting with texturing, layering, and sgraffito (scraping back the clay) to reveal contrasting patterns and details. You’ll have plenty of opportunity to explore surface design, mark‑making, and colour combinations to bring each botanical form to life — whether you choose to replicate natural structures or take inspiration from nature and add your own creative flair.

 

Stoneware clay makes these can toppers durable and weather-resistant, perfect for adding character to garden canes, plant supports, or indoor displays - and they can also be displayed in the garden as sculptural pieces in their own right.



After the initial firing, Louise from the Blended Monkey Studios will glaze your pieces to your chosen specification (the can be left matt) with clear gloss glaze before their final high-temperature firing at 1250°C. She'll contact you when they're ready for collection.

 

This BOTANICAL CERAMIC CANE TOPPERS WORKSHOP will be held in the peaceful setting of our Blended Monkey Studios and Gardens on the Cambridgeshire/Norfolk border. 

 

Numbers are limited to ensure a calm, focused environment and plenty of individual tuition. 

 

This sculpture workshop is suitable for 16+. 

 

Refreshments will be provided throughout the session - tailored to meet all dietary requirements.

 

This would make a fabulous CRAFTY GIFT for someone - so drop us a line and we can post or email a complimentary personalised gift certificate for this experience🎁

 

The half-day workshop includes:

- Materials & use of equipment on the day

- Refreshments (tea/coffee/soft drinks/tasty treats) - catering to all dietary requirements

- As we limit the number of people, you get to have some individual tuition and the maximum benefit from a day with no distractions

- Glazing & firing of your work

- Please wear clothing clothes that you don't mind getting some clay on.

 

We also offer accommodation in the form of our Crafter's Retreat cabin subject to availability or we can advise of other local B&Bs.

Quantity

  • Booking, Cancellation & Refund Terms & Conditions

    • The purchaser of the workshop may cancel the workshop up to 4 weeks before the workshop date with a full refund.

    • If we need to cancel a workshop at short notice for reasons beyond our control, such as illness or mechanical breakdowns, the first option is to rearrange a mutually convenient date or receive a refund. In the event of cancellation for any reason, we are unable to reimburse travel, accommodation or any other expenses that you may incur in relation to the cancelled course.

  • Meet our Guest Tutor

    "Creativity has always been part of what makes me me, and I don’t remember a time without it. My background spans fine art, mixed media and textiles, before I went on to gain a First Class BA (Hons) Degree in Design Crafts, specialising in sculptural ceramics — a journey that’s given me a diverse creative perspective.

    I’ve developed a well‑practised, technical ceramic skill set that allows me to make almost anything; I love a challenge and I’m always creating something new. With a natural affinity for clay — my brain thinks in 3D — I’m particularly inspired by botanical forms and textures, animals (with a special interest in cats!) and playful character design. I love sharing my skills and supporting others as they bring their creative ideas to life. Clay is the ideal material for exploring possibilities: wonderfully malleable yet structurally strong, with limitless potential. Every piece is unique, taking on its own personality and carrying the unmistakable mark of its maker. Using traditional handbuilding techniques with a modern twist, I teach how to create structurally sound ceramic forms with care and intention. I believe technique supports creativity, and each piece deserves the time, attention and love needed to give it the best possible chance of surviving the kiln gods.

    Throughout my workshops, I demonstrate and explain the key concepts behind a successful build, while encouraging playful experimentation and personal expression.

    My sculptural work and ceramic workshops sit under my @aimeesculpts umbrella. You may also recognise me from @nachoandtikisstudio, which represents the mixed‑media and illustrative side of my creative practice.

    I look forward to welcoming you into the studio and supporting you on your creative project."

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