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Make a handbuilt ceramic lantern in a focused two-hour evening workshop at theaccidentalartist in New Bern. Roll slabs, cut patterns, and return to paint after firing to create a glowing keepsake.
Make a handbuilt ceramic lantern in a focused two-hour evening workshop at theaccidentalartist in New Bern. Roll slabs, cut patterns, and return to paint after firing to create a glowing keepsake.
Book with The Accidental Artist
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Operated by The Accidental Artist · New Bern, North Carolina
At the heart of New Bern, North Carolina, a two-hour evening workshop at theaccidentalartist turns a lump of clay into a lantern you’ll bring home and light. Held in a compact studio in this riverside town, the Lantern Clay Class (June 5th, 5–7 p.m.) teaches the hollow-form technique: rolling slabs, assembling walls, cutting decorative apertures, and finishing surfaces for firing. Participants craft small (≈4"×3.5") or large (≈5"×4.5") lanterns suited to tea lights or LED candles; finished pieces are bisque-fired, then returned for optional painting. The class is guided and project-focused. The schedule moves from settling in and tool orientation to 90 minutes of hands-on forming, with the final quarter hour devoted to smoothing and refining. Kiln firing and a follow-up painting session are part of the workflow: you’ll be notified by text when your bisque is ready to decorate, then again when the glazed, fired lantern is available for pickup. The studio supplies slabs, cutting tools, and access to its kiln; bring curiosity and clothes you don’t mind getting a little clay on. What sets this offering apart in New Bern’s outdoor-minded travel scene is its maker-driven intimacy. Unlike large pottery schools, this workshop is short, project-driven, and deeply tactile—ideal for travelers who want a tangible souvenir made with their own hands. The lantern form encourages experimentation with negative space and shadow, so the finished object becomes both functional light and a small, sculptural skylight. Key features you’ll notice: rolling slabs, hollow clay forms, piercing tools for patterning, the studio’s firing schedule, and options for tea-light or LED use once complete. This class is family-friendly (minimum age 10), and requires no prior pottery experience—just patience and willingness to learn a few basic handbuilding techniques. It’s a good fit for visitors planning an afternoon exploring New Bern’s historic downtown or a quiet evening by the river. Theaccidentalartist’s compact class size keeps instruction personal, and the two-step process (build, then paint) lets you revisit the studio and refine color choices after the initial firing. Bring closed-toe shoes and a sense of play. Expect clay dust and surprising satisfaction when your lantern’s holes spill patterned light. Whether you’re a curious first-timer, a seasoned traveler collecting maker experiences, or someone hunting for a meaningful handmade gift, this workshop is a small, memorable creative detour from the usual sightseeing itinerary. After the build session, expect two weeks’ turnaround before the bisque notification and a four-day notice after glazing once you paint—timing the studio provided. Painting day is drop-in; staff guide glaze selection and application. The class makes an excellent group activity for small parties or families, and finished lanterns are safe for LED use indoors. Reserve a spot early—space is limited for June 5th evening.
No. This workshop teaches basic handbuilding and hollow-form techniques suitable for beginners; instructors guide each step.
Slabs, cutting tools, guidance, kiln firing, and notifications for bisque and final pickup are included. Painting supplies are available during the drop-in paint session.
You will receive a text in approximately two weeks when your pottery is ready to paint; after painting, expect about four days for glazing and final firing.
Lanterns are sized for tea lights or LED candles; for safety, the studio recommends using battery-powered LEDs indoors.
Minimum age is 10. Younger children should be supervised and may require parental assistance.
Yes—small groups and families often book multiple spots. Contact the studio (theaccidentalartist) in advance to coordinate group needs.
The Accidental Artist is a hands-on ceramics and pottery studio located in New Bern, North Carolina. The studio offers a rotating schedule of guided classes and creative experiences including clay lantern building, textured fish plaques, vegetable stamping, pottery painting, a New Bern skyline sushi server workshop, pop‑tart light switch covers, and seasonal projects like a hot dog penguin craft. Classes range from one-night workshops to multi-step projects that include glazing and firing; completed pieces are available for pickup after kiln firing. The Accidental Artist also provides curated birthday party packages, field trip experiences for schools and groups, and special event packages for private gatherings. Friendly instructors guide participants through step-by-step techniques for forming, decorating, and glazing in a relaxed, beginner-friendly environment. The studio accommodates families, children, adults, and small groups seeking memorable, maker-focused activities in a welcoming setting. Safety, clear instruction, and quality materials are emphasized; all clay is kiln-fired and professionally glazed. Located in downtown New Bern, the studio connects local inspiration with practical craft instruction and keeps class sizes comfortable to preserve individual attention. Reservations are recommended for scheduled classes and party bookings due to limited seats. Gift certificates and walk-in pottery painting options may be available seasonally.
Book with The Accidental Artist