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When making ceramics, it’s essential to prioritise safety to ensure a positive and secure experience. Here are some key safety considerations to keep in mind:

Workspace Setup:

  1. Ventilation: Adequate ventilation is crucial when working with ceramics, especially during processes like glazing and firing. Ensure your workspace is well-ventilated to minimise exposure to dust, fumes, and chemical vapours. Consider using exhaust fans or working near open windows.
  2. Fire Safety: Ceramics involve high-temperature processes like kiln firing. Ensure your workspace is equipped with fire safety measures, such as fire extinguishers and fire-resistant materials. Keep a clear and unobstructed path to exits in case of emergencies.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):

  1. Dust Mask: Wear a dust mask to protect your respiratory system from inhaling clay dust, glaze materials, or other airborne particles that may be harmful when inhaled.
  2. Gloves: Use protective gloves, such as latex or nitrile gloves, to shield your hands from potential irritants, chemicals, or sharp edges associated with ceramic materials.
  3. Eye Protection: Wear safety glasses or goggles to protect your eyes from flying clay particles, glaze splatters, or any other potential hazards.

Material Handling:

  1. Clay Preparation: Follow proper guidelines for preparing clay, which may involve kneading, wedging, or slicing. Be mindful of your posture and technique to prevent strain or injury to your back, wrists, or hands.
  2. Chemical Safety: If you work with glazes, stains, or other chemical materials, always read the safety data sheets (SDS) and follow the recommended safety precautions. Use chemical substances in a well-ventilated area, wear appropriate PPE, and avoid ingesting or inhaling hazardous materials.

Equipment Safety:

  1. Kiln Safety: If you have a kiln, familiarise yourself with its operation and safety guidelines. Ensure it’s well-maintained, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper usage, temperature control, and ventilation.
  2. Tools and Equipment: Use appropriate tools and equipment for ceramic work. Keep them clean and in good condition to avoid accidents or injuries caused by faulty or damaged tools.

Education and Training:

  1. Learning from Experts: Seek guidance from experienced ceramic artists or instructors who can provide insights into safe practices, techniques, and equipment handling.
  2. Ceramics Courses: Consider enrolling in ceramics courses or workshops that emphasise safety protocols. Learning from professionals in a structured environment can provide a solid foundation for safe ceramic practices.

Remember, safety should always be a priority when working with ceramics. By taking the necessary precautions, you can enjoy the creative process while minimising risks and ensuring a safe and fulfilling experience.

ACTIVITY
Day 1 (Friday) - Today, you will arrive in the serene village of Dharamkot. We recommend you check-in to our Studio latest by 12PM, though checkin time is till 2PM.
After settling-in to your rooms, you will be served lunch at the cafeteria.
At 4 PM, you will start with your first workshop “An Introduction to Pottery”. This workshop will take about 2.5 to 3 hrs.
At night, you will indulge in dinner (possibly around a bonfire depending on weather) and then relax.
Day 2 (Saturday) - Today, you will start your day with a warm cup of tea & Nature Walk to Naddi. The trail meanders through the forests, offering stunning views of the valley below and the distant mountain ranges.
On returning, you will be served a sumptuous breakfast in our cafe.
At around 11 AM, you will head to the Studio for your second workshop. Today we will split the group in two batches for personalised attention to all participants. One group will attend the “Hand-building- pinching” workshop and the other will learn the “Intro to Pottery Wheel” workshop. Each workshop will take about 2.5 hrs.
Then you will break for lunch.
Post-lunch, you will take the second workshop from the above two, depending on what you did in the morning.
Wrap up your dinner at our cafe.
Day 3 (Sunday) - Today is a mix of learning and exploration!

After breakfast, you will attend the fourth workshop on “Texturing/Surface Decoration”.
Then after lunch, you will start your local sightseeing tour. Our expert local guides will take you to the Dalai Lama Temple, St. John’s in the Wilderness Church and the Mcleodganj Market. Take time to experience the spiritual energy of Dharamshala.
You can either return to the Studio with our guide in a cab which departs by 6 PM or stay longer and take a taxi back.
Dinner will be served in the evening but you can also explore one of the many restaurants/ bars in Mcleodganj.
Day 4 (Monday) - You will begin the day with yoga/meditation at one of the many renowned yoga studios in Dharamkot.

Then, head back to the Studio for breakfast and another day of pottery learning. You will now learn the advanced techniques in pottery making in your fifth and sixth art sessions.
We will again split the group in two batches for personalised attention to all participants. One group will attend the “Advanced Hand-building- Slab/coiling method” workshop and the other will learn the “Wheel Throwing/ Shaping Technique” workshop. Each workshop will take about 2.5 hrs.
Then you will break for lunch.
Post-lunch, you will take the second workshop from the above two, depending on what you did in the morning.
Wrap up your dinner at our cafe. By now you must have made friends with instructors and other participants, so we are sure you have some amazing conversations.
Day 5 (Tuesday) - You will begin the day with another session of yoga/meditation.
Then, head back to the Studio for breakfast. You will now attend the last and seventh art session on “ surface decoration with Coloured Under-Glazes”. The session will be of 2.5 hrs.
After lunch, you can spend the rest of the day at leisure. You can pick your favourite thing to do today…finish off your artwork with some guidance from our instructors, head out and take a hike, go shopping, spend a lazy day in a cafe, walk around the flag point for sunset…the choices are endless. We will see you back at the Studio at 7 PM for our farewell dinner.
Day 6 (Wednesday) - Today is the day we bid adieu! After breakfast, it’s time to pack up and gaze at the Dhauladhar range for one last time till we see you again. The check-out is at 11 AM.

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INCLUDEDNOT INCLUDED
5 nights accommodationAirfare
All meals (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)Alcohol
Pottery Sessions Courier charges for shipping Art pieces you create
Half- Day tour to McleodgunjBank fee/ Money exchange fee/ Other payment charges
Nature walk, Yoga/Meditation SessionsLaundry
Art Supplies

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