July 11-18, 2027
The Magic of Double Walled Pottery with Jordan Coons
Join Jordan Coons in rural Portugal for an immersive 7-day workshop exploring the magic of double-walled pottery. Together, we’ll handbuild and throw/assemble layered vessels, learning the structural techniques that make these forms possible — and the carving methods Jordan uses to transform solid walls of clay into intricate, light-catching surfaces.
This workshop is about more than technique. It’s about patience, subtraction, and discovering how removing clay can reveal something more honest underneath. Expect demos, guided practice, problem-solving, and plenty of time to experiment.
Artists will complete at least one luminary on the first day, which can be bisque fired (and optionally glazed) to take home. Additional pieces will focus on skill-building and exploration. We will plan to get all pieces bisque fired, and if there's enough time we can try to run a glaze.
* shipping (or local pickup) approximately one week after the workshop is available for an additional packing and shipping fee.
Come ready to carve, question, slow down, and build forms that hold both light and shadow.
- Open to all skill levels. Participants must be able to throw a basic 1 lb. cylinder on the wheel.
- Minimum: 6
- Maximum: 15
Meet
Jordan Coons
Jordan Coons is an accomplished ceramic artist and arts educator based in Syracuse, NY, whose work bridges the gap between craft and artistry. Her unique approach combines functional and conceptual elements, exploring themes of human nature, resilience, strength, and fragility.
Lodging Options and Pricing
This seven day workshop runs July 11-18, 2027. Traveling guests are encouraged to arrive a day early on July 10 for our welcome dinner and to settle in. There will be an option for guests to book an extra week to continue practicing what they have learned.
There are three tiers for participation:
- All inclusive with Lodging: Is available for four guests, and includes 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 Caldas da Rainha and Obidos 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 at least 1-2 pieces to take home.
- All Inclusive without Lodging: Visiting guests will enjoy the same meals and excursions as all inclusive with lodging, but will find their own accomodations. We have partnerships with three local accommodations and can help facilitate booking those spaces. Two locations are walkable, one requires a 7 minute drive.
- Workshop Only: Local artists can choose to participate in the workshop only, which includes materials, class time, instruction and lunches. Optional: we invite local artists to add on the Welcome and Farewell dinners. This package does not include the day tours or other meals, but modifications can be made as available.
- Not Included: Airfare and airport transportation from Lisbon are not included, but we can help make arrangements as needed.
Pricing Options
All prices include 23% VAT
Guests can add an extra week stay and studio access, at Well Traveled Wares guest house, for 500€. First come first served, as space allows.
Stay at Well Traveled Wares Guest House above the Studio
Stay with us in our cozy guest house, above the studio. There are two single rooms and one double room, and two full bathrooms, to accommodate 4 guests.
- 2) Single Rooms 2,975€
- 1) Shared Double Room 2,500€/ per person
Stay at Neighboring Accommodations in the Village
Stay at our neighbors lovely rentals, just a short walk away from the studio. You'll have a full kitchen and laundry space, plus you'll enjoy all the prepared shred meals at Well Traveled Wares guest house, 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.
- 3,500€ for single occupancy
- 3,100€ 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.
- 1,850€ 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, July 10, 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, July 11, 2027
Day One
- 9:00- 12:30
- Studio Lesson with Jordan- warm up throwing. Making 1-2 luminary shapes to practice carving
- 12:30-2:00
- Lunch at Villa do Barro- catered on site
- 2:00-5:00
- We will throw the inner and outer forms to assemble Monday morning
- 5:00- 7:30
- Free time/Open Studio time
- 7:30
- Dinner at house Free time/open studio
Monday, July 12, 2027
Day Two
- 9:00-12:30 Studio Lesson with Jordan- Assembling forms
- Learn how to trim and connect the two forms
- Connected forms to dry during lunch
- 12:30-2:00
- Lunch at Villa do Barro- catered on site
- 2:00-5:00
- Trim attached forms
- Layout design on luminary to practice carving
- 7:30
- Dinner at studio
- Relax and/or open studio time after dinner.
Tuesday, July 13, 2027
Day Three
- 9:00- 12:30
- Studio Lesson with Jordan- all day carving day
- Finish carving luminaries and begin transferring design to double walled forms.
- 12:30-2:00
- Lunch at Villa do Barro- catered on site
- 2:00-5:30
- Class time carving double walled forms
- 5:30-7:00 -
- Free time
- 7:30
- prepared meal in house
- Free time/open studio
Wednesday, July 14, 2027
Day Four
- 9:00- 12:30 complete carving designs
- 1:00 Field Trip + Lunch (out- not included)
- Pieces will be left out to dry
- Fire Kiln at night
Thursday, July 15, 2027
Day Five
- Kiln cools
- 9:00- 12:30
- Studio Lesson with Jordan- talk about glazing, demos of glazing techniques on previously fired pieces and Q&A
- Taping exterior to glaze inside
- Dipping to glaze
- Other glaze techniques
- 12:30-2:00 lunch
- Field Trip to Caldas da Rainha to explore
- 7:30 Dinner out-
Friday, July 16, 2027
Day Six
- 9:00- 12:30 Kiln is unloaded and we can begin glazing
- 12:30-2:00
- Lunch at Villa do Barro- catered on site
- 2:00 -
- Finish glazing and load/fire kiln
- 7:00 PM: Travel to Obidos Castle for the Medieval Festival (optional) admission to Festival is not included in package price.
Saturday, July 17, 2027
Day 7
- Field Trip -all day while kiln fires and cools (Location TBD)
- 7:30 Farewell dinner at Well Traveled Wares guest house
Sunday, July 18, 2027
Day Eight
- 9:00-12:00 unload kiln
- Discuss results and learnings
- Pack pots to take home.
- depart
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.