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Cheerful collection of hand-sculpted clay gonks made at the Blended Monkey Studios

Festive Gonk Sculpture Workshop | Blended Monkey Studios | 4 October 2026

£70.00Price
FESTIVE GONK SCULPTURE WORKSHOP
 
Sunday 4 October 9.45 - 1.00 pm

£70 including refreshments, all materials, use of equipment on the day, glazing, two firings of your pieces, and full tuition.
 
This cheerful three-hour small-group workshop with our guest sculptor, Aimee, is suitable for all skill levels. 
 
You'll be hand-sculpting your own collection of festive gonks in stoneware clay - each participant will make up to six individual 3D gonks, all approximately 6 cm wide, with a mix of hanging and freestanding designs.
 
Aimee will guide you through a combination of hand‑building techniques to help you shape each gonk, form expressive noses, beards, and for the more adventurous - moustaches! You'll explore different ways to style hats, add textures, and alter proportions so each gonk has its own personality.
 
During the workshop, you'll apply your choice of coloured clay slips as decoration. The examples shown in the photographs feature red slip for hats and white slip to enhance beards and moustaches - but a variety of colours will be available if red doesn't take your fancy.
 
You'll have the option to create a selection of freestanding gonks perfect for shelves and mantels, as well as hanging gonks ideal for Christmas trees; all make thoughtful handmade gifts for friends and family.
 
Stoneware clay makes these pieces durable and long-lasting, ready to become part of seasonal festivities for many years to come.
 
After the initial firing, Louise from Blended Monkey Studios will add a glossy clear glaze to your gonks´hats to intensify the chosen colour and create a beautiful contrast with the matt body. A fully matt finish is also available if you prefer.
 
This FESTIVE GONK SCULPTURE WORKSHOP will be held in the peaceful setting of our Blended Monkey studios 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 14+ with under 16s accompanied by an adult. 
 
About a week before your workshop date, we'll e-mail you again with more details about parking etc.

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 out 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/cake) - 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 2 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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