
Ceramic Mug Carving Workshop
Have you ever wanted to carve your very own mug? I have built a bit of a following for the Folk Animal Mug series I’ve created over the years using a sgraffito technique: carving/scratching/etching into leatherhard clay that has either a colored slip or underglaze to create a design. It feels similar to block print, which I did for many years before working with clay. I want to offer the technique and knowledge I’ve collected over the years so you can create your design set in stone forever.
The class is 2 hours long, and a pre-thrown mug is included. All necessary tools and knowledge are also provided. No experience is required; you can use one of my designs or create your own.
Price: $77 per person
12 people max for the class
Space is limited—CLICK HERE to reserve your spot
This workshop is located at my Workshop Space:
4421 24th St, Sacramento, CA 95822, next to Mother Natives
FAQS:
How long is the workshop? About 2 hours, including demo and guided making.
Do I need experience? Nope—perfect for beginners.
When do I get my mug? After firing and glazing, allow ~2–3 weeks for pickup.
What should I wear/bring? Comfortable clothes you don’t mind getting a little clay on
Is it kid-friendly? Recommended for ages 17+ with a participating adult.
Refunds/transfers? Spots are transferable; email if you can’t make it.

Ritual Candle Workshop: Virgo New Moon
In this intentional gathering, you will learn how to make your own organic soy wax candle while also participating in a guided New Moon ritual and meditation. Each participant will pour their candle into a handmade ceramic vessel created by Akela Hudson, making this a truly one-of-a-kind experience you won’t find in any other Sacramento candle making class.

Carve Your Own Set of Bowls
Carve Your Own Set of Bowls Workshop
Sunday, September 28, 2025
1:30 – 3:30 PM
4421 24th St, Sacramento, CA 95822
Discover the joy of carving your own handmade ceramic bowls in this cozy, beginner-friendly workshop led by artist and teacher Akela Hudson. You’ll be guided through simple carving techniques to create beautiful patterns, textures, and designs on a set of pre-thrown bowls, making each one uniquely yours.
We’ll begin with a short grounding meditation to help you settle into the creative flow, then move into hands-on instruction in sgraffito-style carving. All tools and materials are provided, and your bowls will be glazed with a food-safe finish and kiln-fired after the workshop. Your finished set will be ready for pickup in about 3–4 weeks.
Perfect for beginners, pairs, or anyone wanting to explore ceramics in a mindful and inspiring way. Leave with functional art that you can use every day or gift to someone special.
✨ What’s Included:
2 pre-thrown bowls to carve and personalize
All carving tools and materials
Glaze and Firing by Akela Hudson
Guidance and support in a relaxed studio setting
Seats are limited for personalized instruction—reserve your spot early!

Beginner Hand-Building Clay Workshop - At SWOON STUDIO + CO
Join Akela Hudson’s beginner clay workshop in Folsom, CA. Learn hand-building techniques & create your own ceramic piece. All materials included!

Ceramic Cup Carving Workshop
Have you ever wanted to carve your very own vessel? I have built a bit of a following for the Folk Animal Mug series I’ve created over the years using a sgraffito technique: carving/scratching/etching into leatherhard clay that has either a colored slip or underglaze to create a design. It feels similar to block print, which I did for many years before working with clay. I want to offer the technique and knowledge I’ve collected over the years so you can create your design set in stone forever.
The class is for 2 hours, a pre-thrown cup is included (an extra one just in case you mess up), and all the tools and knowledge are included. No experience is required, you can use one of my designs or create your own.
Price: $65 per person
12 people max for the class
Space is limited—CLICK HERE to reserve your spot
This workshop is located at my Workshop Space:
4421 24th St, Sacramento, CA 95822 the same location as Mother Natives

Ceramic Cup Carving Workshop
Have you ever wanted to carve your very own vessel? I have built a bit of a following for the Folk Animal Mug series I’ve created over the years using a sgraffito technique: carving/scratching/etching into leatherhard clay that has either a colored slip or underglaze to create a design. It feels similar to block print, which I did for many years before working with clay. I want to offer the technique and knowledge I’ve collected over the years so you can create your design set in stone forever.
The class is for 2 hours, a pre-thrown cup is included (an extra one just in case you mess up), and all the tools and knowledge are included. No experience is required, you can use one of my designs or create your own.
Price: $65 per person
12 people max for the class
Space is limited—CLICK HERE to reserve your spot

Hand-built Planter Workshop
🌿 Hand-Built Ceramic Planter Workshop
Join Akela for a hands-on clay experience where you’ll create your hand-built ceramic planter from scratch! Whether you're a total beginner or looking to refresh your skills, this workshop will guide you through foundational handbuilding techniques such as coil building, pinching, and texturing.
You’ll design and shape a unique planter perfect for your favorite plant. We’ll cover tips on creating proper drainage and decorating your piece with optional carving.
What’s included:
All clay, tools, and materials
Firing (to be picked up later) We’ll be using a low-fire clay, which will be left unglazed
Light refreshments and creative vibes
No experience needed — just come ready to get your hands dirty and have fun!
Price: $125 per person
12 people max for the class
Space is limited—CLICK HERE to reserve your spot

Ceramic Cup Carving Workshop
Have you ever wanted to carve your very own vessel? I have built a bit of a following for the Folk Animal Mug series I’ve created over the years using a sgraffito technique: carving/scratching/etching into leatherhard clay that has either a colored slip or underglaze to create a design. It feels similar to block print, which I did for many years before working with clay. I want to offer the technique and knowledge I’ve collected over the years so you can create your design set in stone forever.
The class is for 2 hours, a pre-thrown cup is included (an extra one just in case you mess up), and all the tools and knowledge are included. No experience is required, you can use one of my designs or create your own.
Price: $65 per person
10 people max for the class
Space is limited—CLICK HERE to reserve your spot

Ceramic Cup Carving Workshop
Have you ever wanted to carve your very own vessel? I have built a bit of a following for the Folk Animal Mug series I’ve created over the years using a sgraffito technique: carving/scratching/etching into leatherhard clay that has either a colored slip or underglaze to create a design. It feels similar to block print, which I did for many years before working with clay. I want to offer the technique and knowledge I’ve collected over the years so you can create your design set in stone forever.
The class is for 2 hours, a pre-thrown cup is included (an extra one just in case you mess up), and all the tools and knowledge are included. No experience is required, you can use one of my designs or create your own.
Price: $65 per person
10 people max for the class
Space is limited—CLICK HERE to reserve your spot!

Drop-In Herbal Incense Workshop
Drop in from 12 to 3 pm on Sunday, and create and take home herbal incense sticks. I will do a quick demo throughout this time; supplies for 10 incense sticks and printed instructions are provided. Also, any remaining stock from the SECONDS SALE will be available for purchase.
All are welcome, and no experience is necessary to create! Simply pay at the table via Venmo or Cash to get started; nothing must be booked in advance. Think of it as a sample bite-sized workshop!
📍 Location: My new studio – 4421 24th Street, Sacramento, CA (next to Mother Natives, Of Land & Sea and Mey Myers the old Panama Pottery Studios location.)

SOFT OPENING SECONDS SALE
It all kicks off this Saturday, February 8th, from 11 am to 2 pm— with a SECONDS SALE along with one-of-a-kind prototypes and other pieces I have created throughout the years. Help me clear out the old to make space for the new. Pottery is priced to sell and heavily marked down.
Dates for upcoming offerings will be announced later this week, so stay tuned! And if you were curious I am still making pottery, it will just be at a much slower rate, I would love to work on larger more elaborate projects. Be on the lookout for upcoming shop updates as well.
📍 Location: My new studio – 4421 24th Street, Sacramento, CA (next to Mother Natives, Of Land & Sea and Mey Myers the old Panama Pottery Studios location.)

WAL Public Market X Akela Hudson Pop-Up
I'm excited to announce that I'll be popping up at @walpublicmarket on Saturday, 9/21, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. with handmade pottery! @walpublicmarketgallery graciously offered the opportunity to connect with you all in person, and I couldn't resist!
I'll have plenty of everyday pieces, as well as a mix of hand-painted and hand-carved one-of-a-kind pieces. I'm looking forward to seeing you face to face!
Located at 1104 R street, Sacramento, California 95811

Guided Meditation Circle Series
Join me for this drop-in series, where I will guide you in a meditation practice intended to soothe and relax the nervous system. No experience is required; just come as you are with a yoga mat, comfortable clothing, an eye pillow if you have one, and an open mind.
We will end with an herbal tea ceremony.
Located at Anvil Hoffman Park near the River, there is a $7 fee to enter the Park.
Specific coordinates of where we will be meeting will be emailed to you before each date.
Suggested Donation of $22 (click here to pay)
Email me if you have any questions or concerns at akela@akeladesigns.net

Herbal Tea & Smoke Workshop
Akela will guide you through the basics of herbal teas and smokes through the lens of her cultural background. Her roots of the African-American South, where we were guardians of the land, remembering through the plants and herbs. Her German heritage is also a foundation for these daily rituals and practices she has utilized for many years. Herbal self-care does not need to be complicated or for a select few; access is for all.
She will focus on common herbs, including how to grow and care for them, their uses, and their symbolism. We will make our own tea blends and herbal smokes. This is a beginner-friendly class; just bring an open mind. All supplies will be provided.
Suggested donation: $15-30
Ages 21+
Mother Native’s Courtyard
2311 S Street 3 Sacramento, CA 95816
Tickets can be purchased through Evitebrite here

Shamanic Journeying Circle
Located at her Elevated
1900 28th St, Sacramento, CA 95816
This is a series of guided Shamanic Journeying circles led by me using the techniques I have practiced for over a decade. This is an invitation open to anyone with a curious mind, everyone is welcome. For those wondering what this is exactly: it is a type of guided meditation that uses the percussion of the drum along with the visualization of various worlds to reach a deep theta state. Through this state, you connect with guides and animal allies that can help you. Choose tickets for the dates below:
Friday June 9th 7:30-8:30 pm
Sunday June 25th 7:30-8:30 pm
Friday July 7th 7:30-8:30 pm
Saturday July 29th 6:00-7:00 pm
Each circle is 1-hour and $33, feel free to wear comfy clothes, bring an eye mask and journal. No experience is necessary. Mats and blankets are provided.

OPEN STUDIO SALE
I’m kicking this summer off with my very first Studio Sale at my home studio located in the Arden Arcade area of Sacramento. Pottery is such a personal experience for many to feel and purchase, I will still be selling online but my primary method of sales especially larger pieces will be in person. This next update will be mainly functional dinnerware: pasta/wide bowls, mugs, and serving dishes.
Come support local and help me grow Akela Designs!