Barcelona: Ceramic Tile Workshop in Poble-sec Studio

Summary

Get creative with hands-on tile making in a local Barcelona studio

You’ll step into a working ceramics studio in Barcelona’s Poble-sec neighborhood, roll up your sleeves, and make two unique tiles under the guidance of local artisans. Learn simple decoration techniques using vibrant underglazes, enjoy easygoing conversation with Wendy and Eric, and take home your own handmade piece or swap for a finished tile if you’re short on time.

What’s the experience like?

I signed up for this ceramic tiles workshop in Barcelona mostly out of curiosity — I’d never touched clay before, unless you count Play-Doh as a kid. Walking into Wendy and Eric’s studio in Poble-sec, it felt like I was stepping into someone’s creative living room, not a classroom. There was music playing low, the faint smell of wet earth, and shelves lined with odd little sculptures and colorful tiles. Wendy greeted us with that calm energy artists seem to have — she handed me an apron and said not to worry about making anything “perfect.” That helped more than I expected.

We started by rolling out the clay for our tiles (which is harder than it looks — mine kept sticking to the table). Wendy showed us how to use the tools to carve patterns or press textures into the surface. She had this way of explaining things that made even my clumsy attempts feel intentional, like when I accidentally smudged one corner and she called it “organic.” We got to try these AMACO Velvet Underglazes — honestly, I had no idea what that meant but the colors were so rich I just wanted to paint everything blue. Eric popped in now and then, cracking jokes about his first tile disasters (apparently there were many).

By the end, my hands were covered in red dust and my tiles looked nothing like the samples on the wall — but somehow they felt like mine. There was this quiet moment when everyone was just focused on their pieces; you could hear brushes tapping against ceramic and someone humming softly near the window. The workshop includes firing your tiles after you leave (takes a week or two), or if you’re just passing through Barcelona, you can swap them for a finished one from their collection instead — which is actually kind of tempting because some of those are gorgeous.

I still think about how relaxed I felt there, even though I’m usually terrible at crafts. Maybe it was something about being let off the hook from perfection — or maybe just getting your hands dirty with strangers who become less strange by the end. Either way, if you want a break from sightseeing and a story to bring home (literally), this ceramic tile workshop is worth it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Ceramic tile workshop experience

• Arrive at ceramics workshop
• Learn about ceramics and clays
• Try AMACO Velvet Underglazes
• Put on apron and prepare tools
• Make and decorate two terracotta tiles
• Choose tile pickup or finished tile option

Top questions

How long does the ceramic tile workshop last?

The session typically lasts around 2-3 hours.

Do I need any experience with ceramics?

No prior ceramics experience is necessary; beginners are welcome.

Where is the workshop located in Barcelona?

It takes place at Taller Gingell studio in Poble-sec, close to the city center.

Can I take my ceramic tiles home right away?

No; tiles need 1-2 weeks to dry and fire. You can pick them up later or have them shipped (shipping not included).

What if I'm only visiting Barcelona briefly?

You can leave your tiles behind and select a finished tile made by Taller Gingell to take home instead.

Is everything provided at the workshop?

Yes; aprons, clay, tools, decoration materials, and kiln firings are included.

Is the studio wheelchair accessible?

Yes; both transportation options nearby and the venue itself are accessible.

Are children allowed at this workshop?

The activity is suitable for all ages; infants can attend with an adult.

What’s included

Your visit includes all clay and modeling tools, use of AMACO Velvet Underglazes for decoration, aprons so you don’t have to worry about messes, access to WIFI if you want to share photos as you go along, plus kiln firing for your two handmade ceramic tiles before pickup or shipping later on.