Work can be stressful and the daily grind can bring us down; every once in awhile, it’s good to have a change of pace by getting off the computers and enjoying a bit of gadget-free time.
Where exactly in Singapore can you escape from all the humdrum? Well, Thow Kwang Pottery Jungle is an excellent place for a relaxing afternoon of creativity and fun.
Famous for its rich heritage, a variety of activities are available for you to occupy yourself over the weekends; and one most notable activity is the pottery workshops guided by their friendly staff.
Here’s how you can get fired-up during your free time at Thow Kwang Pottery Jungle.
Hand-Building Pottery Workshop
The Hand-Building Pottery Workshop is a simple and pleasant activity suited for people of all ages.
Everyone starts out with a hollow block with an extra bit of clay on the side.
Our instructor demonstrates various techniques in shaping and moulding the clay, as well as tips on adding coloured glaze to it. Then, it’s time to let our imaginations run wild.
There are many types of designs that can be made out of the plain materials given. From flower vases to essential oil diffusers, the sky’s the limit as you produce your masterpiece.
Your pieces will be ready for collection a few weeks after the workshop, as time would be needed to fire it in a kiln; you’ll be notified when they’re ready for pickup.
Weekend workshops starts at S$35 for adults and S$28 for children.
Use A Potter’s Wheel
This is an additional activity that you can register for, alongside the Hand-Building Pottery Workshop.
Watch the magic happen as the potter’s hand and spinning wheel transform a lump of clay into elegant cups, bowls and pots.
After a clear explanation and demonstration, the class is split into groups to take turns at the wheel.
You can choose to make either a cup or a bowl and you’ll be guided into shaping and customising it with your own hands.
The personalisation technique involves using your finger to create designs around the exterior of your work, seen above. As no two hands are the same, the pattern made by you will be unique. Big plus points here if you love custom-made goods, like I do.
Using the potter’s wheel together with Hand-Building Pottery Workshop during weekend sessions will cost a total of S$50 for adults and S$38 for children.
Tour The Dragon Kiln
Thow Kwang Pottery Jungle is home to one of the few surviving Dragon Kilns in Singapore today — it was built way back in the 1940s, can you believe that?
Unlike electric kilns that produce consistent work, these Dragon Kilns are said to provide an element of individuality in every art piece.
A special tour allows you to get close to the Dragon Kilns, and if you’re very lucky, you can even get your works fired in it too. I say “very lucky” because these kilns are only fired about three to four times yearly.
To get hold of the schedule and pricing, you can refer to their Facebook page or contact them for more details.
Discover Cute & Curious Pottery Collections
Pretty much everywhere on site, you can see numerous crafts on display – some are displayed neatly on shelves, arranged on the floor and even lining walkways.
Just as how you’d find many trees in a jungle, you’ll find pottery pieces everywhere; befitting of the place’s name, don’t you think?
They come in so many styles too: some appear to be more traditional, while others are infused with a modern touch.
Quite a few of them are pretty eccentric, but cute at the same.
Shop For Exquisite Souvenirs
After a day of working hard at your masterpieces and being fascinated by the beauty of handmade crafts, you might feel the urge to incorporate pottery into your house.
Forget wooden pencil holders, a nice pottery jar would look way better, wouldn’t it? Or you could get a teapot as a gift.
Whatever your needs may be, there’s something for everyone at Thow Kwang Pottery Jungle . While most of the products are made in-house, others are from suppliers — those tend to be more “standardised” as you’ll see many pieces with similar designs.
Ready to unleash your inner artistic talents? Check out their various workshops and be sure to register before heading down.
Prices: Starts from S$35 for adult weekend classes, enquire for more details.
Dates: Refer to their Facebook page or enquire for more details.
Thow Kwang Pottery Jungle: No. 85 Lorong Tawas Singapore 639823 | Opening Hours: 9am to 5pm (Daily) | Tel: 62655808 | Website | Facebook
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