Join me, Shazieh, at Agave Pantry's backyard studio for a Spirit Pot Workshop. This is a special way to slow down and learn new pottery techniques while playing with the elements of earth, air, & fire. Each participant will fire and keep one medium sized spirit pot, premade by Shazieh, while enjoying Agave Pantry’s signature gluten free Persian Love Cake. *contains almond*

This workshop is broken down into two parts—day one participants will wrap their spirit pot in various materials to be fired overnight, and the following day we will unload the can together to complete each unique piece of pottery while experiencing the unpredictable and exciting results.

Spirit Pots are ceramic altar pots meant to be filled with sand and used for a smoking smudge stick or to be filled with new moon and full moon affirmations on small pieces of paper. Look back at your affirmations or intentions on the last full moon of the year, and burn them to release what no longer serves you. Start again on the first new or full moon of the new year. These pots aim to inspire and remind one to dream a little. These pots are not food safe but rather food for the soul. Fill your pot and feed your soul.

Part One/ Day One: Friday October 18th          6 pm-745/8 pm
(Includes our signature Persian Love Cake)

Choose one medium sized pot from a variety pre-thrown and bisque fired by Shazieh. Each pot has been stamped with a dry cholla rib marking the Sonoran desert. After brief introductions, you will participate in a hands on demonstration of ‘dressing’ your premade pot and the various materials you can use for the evening’s alternate pit ‘metal can’ firing. Dress your pots and Shazieh will lend a hand should you need it. Each pot will then be placed on a bed of sawdust and we’ll sprinkle it with seaweed, salts, and other combustible materials.

Expect the results to be black, whites and grey's with patterns from the materials used. No two effects or pots are ever the same, which is what makes it all the more exciting and serendipitous. We can also walk about the backyard to gather creosote and other combustible materials to add to the surface of our pot, however, please note, we will not be using any chemicals for colorful surface effects.

After we fill the 'can' kiln, we will create a mandala followed by gathering in a circle to light the fire together. It is always magical! Please feel free to bring any slips of paper, letters, and combustible non toxic items you wish to burn away and let go of to add to the firing or bring any stale pantry ingredients to add to the mandala and offer to the fire. Once the fire is lit and the sawdust and wood glowing, we shall let it work its magic overnight.

Shazieh will serve a Persian Love Cake to share. This is a gluten free cardamom, rose, saffron, almond cake. Luscious and delicious, this is Tucson’s only Persian Love Cake offered by Agave Pantry for lovers of aromatic spices. If you wish to order a cake for the weekend, please do so for pick up on Friday evening.

If you would like to stay for a shared potluck dinner after simply bring a dish to share.

Please wear closed shoes on day 1 especially.

Part Two/ Day Two: Saturday October 19th 9am -10:30 am
(Finishing touches on Spirit Pot)

We will reconvene the following day to open the can and clean, beeswax and finish the pot together. This part is such an exciting and fun surprise as you watch and see how each pot turns out so differently from the next. A collection of gemstones to choose from and copper wire will be provided to embellish it.

You may be done a bit earlier and perhaps a touch later. Do account for a little extra time on both days.

I look so forward to sharing a this process and experience, together, with you!! Thank you. Always.

With gratitude & blessings all around.

Shazieh

Can’t make it in October? Join the November workshop or stay tuned for more workshop dates.

Reviews

“The Spirit Pot experience was magical. Our time with Shazieh was filled with much more than decorating a clay pot. Along with demonstrating her craft so we could complete Spirit Pots of our own, her warmth, openness, and sharing her life’s journey with us was a very special treasure! Our pots will always embody this unique experience with Shazieh!” – Paul

“I booked this experience for my girlfriend’s birthday. We had such a good time! Shazieh was wonderful and very welcoming. She shared about her experience doing ceramics and how she came to making spirit pots. It was so much fun. Highly recommend!” – Heather

“What a great experience. We came away with a nice memento of our stay in Tucson and even better, the chance to meet Shazieh… such a wonderful person. Very skilled and knowledgeable of making pottery as well as tremendous life experiences. Highly recommend!” – Dan