Residents can explore the art of shaping clay at the Sun City West Clay Club’s Beginning Hand-Building class, a starting point for new members.

Among the club’s instructors is Debbe Manchester, with more than five decades of experience. Her journey began in high school, where she fell in love with the potter’s wheel. Today she specializes in hand-building, celebrating its personal touch and artistic possibilities. In BHB, she guides students through foundational techniques while encouraging exploration, from choosing textures to glazing.

“Watching creativity pour out after learning a few basics is amazing,” said Manchester. “The moment students realize they can create—and their smiles—makes it all worthwhile.”

The BHB class dives deep into hand-building over six fast-paced sessions. A highlight is “Casserole Day,” where students craft pieces they once thought impossible, discovering the potential of their own hands.

For Manchester, teaching is about more than technique — it’s about fostering dreams. Her advice for beginners is to “start playing in clay right after completing BHB. Dream big and keep learning!”

After graduating BHB, new members to the clay club can sign up for BHB Next Step and other classes to further hone their hand-building skills. Instruction on glazing techniques and throwing pottery on the wheel are available to members, as well.

The Sun City West Clay Club, located at the Beardsley Recreation Center, welcomes RCSCW cardholders. Visit 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday–Saturday or 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Tuesday–Thursday. Learn more at scwclayclub.com.