May 1-7, 2027
Clay Imprintology with Helen the Persian Potter
A retreat is always a good idea. Best vacation ever, especially for new potters who are still exploring their own styles. During his particular retreat, Helen Rasekhy, aka The Persian Potter , will teach you to create your own personalized texturing tools with clay, designed by you, according to your own personal preferences.
Depending on your pace, you should leave your 'claycation' with:
- one large roller stamp of your own design
- 3-10 other smaller stamps of varying styles and sizes
- Learn how to hand build a lidded box (bisque firing included- to be glazed in your own studio).
- meet some very cool people, while enjoying the simple tranquility of the Portuguese countryside.
- most importantly, the know-how to become your own master of textures.
See: best vacation -no, Claycation ever!
- Maximum Class Size: 12 people
- Minimum: 6 people
Materials will be provided, but guests are welcome to bring their favorite tools/accessories.
Ask about adding an extra week residency for only 400€ (while space is available)
Meet
Helen Rasekhy, the Persian Potter
Originally from Iran, Helen approaches life with equal parts creativity, wonder, and playfulness. Drawn to beauty in everyday details, she finds inspiration in nature, storytelling, travel, and the small moments that often go unnoticed.
For Helen, clay is far more than a material — it is a source of endless possibility. She describes it as her “positive proof of magic in our natural world”: earth that gives those who discover its powers the ability to create almost anything they can imagine. What began as a creative pursuit became a lifelong fascination with exploration, transformation, and the joy of making.
That sense of wonder remains at the heart of everything she does. Whether she is creating ceramics, designing texture tools, or sharing her process with others, Helen is guided by a love of creativity, texture, color, and discovery. Every piece is made with genuine awe for the material and the process itself — a small act of celebration for the magic she has found in clay, and an invitation for others to discover it too.
Lodging Options and Pricing
This six day workshop runs May 2-7, 2027. Traveling guests are encouraged to arrive a day early on May 1 for our welcome dinner and to settle in.
All prices include 23% VAT
There are four tiers for participation:
Guests can add an extra week stay and studio access, at Well Traveled Wares guest house, for 400€. First come first served, as space allows.
Prices do not include airfare or transportation to or from the studio.
Stay at Well Traveled Wares Guest House above the Studio
Tier One- All inclusive with Lodging: Is available for four guests, and includes shared lodging at Villa do Barro, 24/7 studio access, 5 lunches, and 5 dinners, plus transportation for half day and full day explorations of local towns with a focus on Portuguese culture, art and architecture. Meals on these day trips (1 lunch and 2 dinners) are not included in the price of the retreat. All materials are included, and we will bisque fire your pieces to take home. Stay with us in our cozy guest house, above the studio. There are two single rooms and one double room, and two full bathrooms, plus a kitchen and living/dining room area.
- 2) Single Rooms 2,975€
- 1) Shared Double Room 2,600€/ per person
Stay at Neighboring Accommodations in the Village
Stay at our neighbors lovely rental, just a short walk away from the studio. You'll have a full kitchen and laundry space, plus you'll enjoy all the prepared shared meals at Well Traveled Wares guest house, full studio access, and transportation to field trips.
- There is one bedroom, and a pull out bed. This space is ideal for a couple, or friends who don't mind sharing space.
- 2,975€ for single occupancy
- 2,625€ per person/double occupancy
Workshop, Meals, and Activities
If you'd like to participate in the workshop, shared meals, and day trips, but prefer to find your own place. This option is for you. Note: you will be responsible for getting to and from the studio, but transportation for activities will be provided from here.
- 2,115€ per person
Just Lunches and the Workshop
Local artists are welcome to join us for the workshop and lunches only. You can also add on farewell and welcome meals for a separate fee.
- 500€ per person
Sample Itinerary
Day to Day of Retreat
Saturday, May 1 2027
Arrival day for guests who are traveling to Portugal. Artists staying at Well Traveled Wares guest house, or in accommodations in the village can arrive after 1:00 pm. We will have a catered welcome dinner at the guest house around 7:00 pm.
Sunday, May 2, 2027
Day One
9:30-5:30 Workshop
- Draw your own designs on paper
- Demos on preparing the clay to create:
- Hollow Roller Stamps
- Medium Solid Roller Stamps
- Conic Stamps for circular designs
- ball rollers, disc rollers and signature stamps
1:00-2:00 Lunch Break
- 2:00-5:30
- Preparing each of our clay forms for the next day's carving.
- Planning our designs for each of our stamps
- 7:30 Dinner onsight
Monday, May 3, 2027
Day Two
9:30-5:30
- Demo on using the Dowel System to make Hollow Stamp Rollers
- Making Texture Tiles
- Rolling out our rollers using dowels
1:00-2:00 Lunch Break
2:00-5:30
- Carving our designs onto the rollers
7:30 Dinner onsite
Tuesday, May 4, 2027
Day Three
9:30-5:30 Workshop
- Demo on medium solid roller & Conic stamps
- Carving rollers
1:00-2:00 Lunch Break
2:00-5:30
- Demo & Carving time for Ball rollers, disk rollers & Signature stamps
7:30 Dinner onsite
Wednesday,May 5, 2027
Day Four
9:30-2:30 Workshop
- Use Helen’s rollers to learn techniques to create a lidded box.
1:00-2:00 Lunch Break
2:30
- Field trip after lunch to explore Caldas da Rainha, or Obidos Castle
- dinner will be at restaurant (not included)
Thursday, May 6 2027
Day Five
Fire the kiln in the morning
9:30 am Field trip and exploration - location options to be shared in advance of arrival
Lunch and dinner will be at restaurants
Friday, May 7, 2027
Day Six- Departure Day
10:00-1:00
- Unload kiln and test rollers.
- Discussion: how to navigate social media for exposure and sales
- Helen will share some of her insights from how she uses social media platforms to connect with her audience, and sell her creations. (optional)
1:00 Farewell lunch and and depart.
- Guests staying at Villa do Barro will have time after class to clean up and pack, unless arrangements have been made to stay longer.
From Portland to Portugal: the evolution of Well Traveled Wares
In late 2024, my husband Nick and I relocated to a small agricultural village in the Silver Coast area of Portugal. We found a plot of land with two houses, and a giant garage big enough to house a ceramic studio. The bigger house was transformed into a residency house for up to 4 guest artists, and in 2025 they began hosting artists for residencies and teaching classes to local artists. Thus creating a new play on "Well Traveled Wares" and expanding it to visiting and local artists, and the wares they create here and travel home with.