Join us for a week of creativity, experimentation, and hands-on making at Atelier Alfar!

Throughout the week, participants will experience the complete ceramic process—from developing an idea and working with clay to exploring surface decoration, porcelain, colour, and design. Each day introduces a different ceramic technique, allowing children to discover the many possibilities of this fascinating craft while creating their own unique pieces.

Day 1 – Handbuilding: From Idea to Clay

Every ceramic piece begins with an idea. We start by sketching our designs and learning how to transform them into three-dimensional ceramic objects using handbuilding techniques. Children will explore creativity, form, and problem-solving while creating their first pieces.

Day 2 – Pottery Wheel Introduction

A full day dedicated to the pottery wheel. Participants will learn the fundamentals of wheel throwing, including centering clay and creating different cylinder forms. Through lots of practice, they will discover the challenges and rewards of working on the wheel.

If the weather allows, we will enjoy our lunch break by Lake Zurich.

Day 3 – Nature Hunt & Surface Design

We begin with a nature walk, collecting leaves, flowers, and interesting textures from a nearby park. Back in the studio, we will use our discoveries to create botanical impressions in clay and experiment with slip-transfer printing techniques to create unique patterns and decorative surfaces.

Day 4 – Porcelain Casting & Porcelain Painting

Discover the elegance of porcelain. Children will learn how ceramic moulds are used to create cups, bowls, and other objects through porcelain casting. Once the pieces are ready, we will decorate them using porcelain paints and creative design techniques.

Day 5 – Colour Lab: Clay, Pigments & Experiments

On our final day, we become ceramic scientists! Children will experiment with ceramic pigments and learn how colours can be mixed directly into clay. Through creative challenges, they will explore marbling techniques, colour blending, patterns, textures, and playful experimentation while creating one-of-a-kind ceramic pieces.

Young Ceramists Exhibition

Approximately 3–4 weeks after the camp, participants and their families will be invited back to Atelier Alfar for a special exhibition and collection event. Children will have the opportunity to present their finished creations, see the results after firing and glazing, and celebrate everything they learned during the week.

What's Included

• All materials

• Firing and glazing of finished pieces

• Daily instruction and supervision

• Drinks throughout the day

• Young Ceramists Exhibition & Collection Event

Please bring a packed lunch and weather-appropriate clothing.

Pricing: CHF 100 per child, per day

Children may attend individual days or the full week.

Sibling Discount:

Families receive 20% off the second sibling's participation fee.