Beginner Sourdough Classes & Seasonal Workshops
Ready to start your sourdough journey? My hands-on beginner sourdough classes are designed to give you the confidence and skills to bake beautiful artisan bread right in your own kitchen. Whether you've never touched a sourdough starter or you've had a few loaves that didn't go as planned, this class will guide you through every step of the process in a fun, relaxed, and supportive environment.
You'll learn the fundamentals of sourdough baking, including how to feed and care for your starter, mix and shape dough, understand fermentation, score your loaf, and bake with confidence. Each participant will leave with a sourdough starter, dough to bake at home, detailed instructions, recipes, and the knowledge to continue baking long after class is over.
Come discover the joy of creating fresh, homemade sourdough from scratch—one loaf at a time!
Class Testimonials
“Thank you so much for a great learning experience! We had so much fun! ”
“We had the best night! <3”
“Jess, you made me feel so confident with my sourdough journey! What a fun night! ”
“Class was so great! I can’t wait for the next one!”
“Your book is so beautiful and easy to follow!”
“Great class! Thank you!”
“Jess is such a fun and fabulous instructor! Take her class and have a blast learning about bread!”
“I’m so proud of myself! My bread looks like bread! Thank you for all of your help! :)”
Sourdough Class at Inspire to Create
Beginner’s Guide to Sourdough with The Loavely Lady
Inspire to Create
79 Pike Street,
Port Jervis, NY 12771
Thursday, July 30 SOLD OUT!
Thursday, August 13 with SOLD OUT
Monday, September 14
Monday, September 21
6:00-8:00pm
$85 per person
Have you always wanted to learn how to make beautiful homemade sourdough but didn’t know where to start? This hands-on beginner class is designed to take the mystery out of sourdough and give you the confidence to bake your very first artisan loaf at home!
During this two-hour class, you’ll learn the fundamentals of sourdough, including:
What sourdough is and how it works
How to feed and maintain an active starter
* Mixing, stretching and folding, shaping, scoring, and baking
* Troubleshooting common beginner mistakes
* Tips for creating delicious homemade bread with confidence
Each participant will leave with everything needed to continue their sourdough journey, including:
A fresh Loavely Lady Plain Jane sourdough loaf
The Loavely Lady Beginner’s Guide to Sourdough Workbook
A starter kit with a mixing bowl, Danish dough whisk, scoring lame, and bench scraper
An active sourdough starter to care for at home
Dough ready to bake in your own oven after class
No baking experience is necessary—just bring your enthusiasm and a love for homemade bread!
Whether you’re brand new to sourdough or have tried before and need a little guidance, you’ll leave feeling inspired, equipped, and excited to bake in your own kitchen.
Class Duration: 2 hours
Skill Level: Beginner
Ages: 16+ (or accompanied by an adult)
Space is limited to ensure a personalized, hands-on experience.
We can’t wait to welcome you to The Loavely Lady’s table!
Pumpkin Shaped Sourdough Workshop
📅 Monday, October 5th
🕕 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
📍 Inspire to Create
79 Pike Street, Port Jervis, NY 12771
Welcome the fall season with a creative sourdough workshop where you'll transform a simple loaf into a stunning pumpkin-shaped masterpiece!
In this hands-on class, you'll learn how to work with fully bulk-fermented sourdough dough, laminate your dough to evenly distribute delicious inclusions, shape your loaf for strength and structure, and master decorative scoring techniques that create the look of a beautiful fall pumpkin. Whether you're looking to build on your sourdough skills or simply enjoy a fun, seasonal experience, this workshop is the perfect way to celebrate autumn.
By the end of class, you'll leave with your own handcrafted pumpkin-shaped loaf ready for its final proof and bake at home, along with the knowledge and confidence to recreate these festive designs in your own kitchen.
What You'll Learn
🎃 How to shape sourdough into a beautiful pumpkin loaf
🍞 Laminating fully bulk-fermented dough
🧀 Techniques for incorporating inclusions evenly throughout your loaf
✋ Shaping methods for strength, structure, and excellent oven spring
🔪 Decorative scoring to create a realistic pumpkin design
💡 Tips and techniques for creating stunning seasonal artisan bread
Sourdough & Sip at Farm To Go!
Sourdough & Sip at Farm To Go!
Another fun class coming at ya!
Sourdough & Sip with The Loavely Lady
Wednesday, August 5 SOLD OUT!
& Wednesday, August 19
6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Farm To Go
2580 Route 6, Slate Hill, NY 10973
$100 per person
Join The Loavely Lady for an unforgettable evening of fresh bread, great wine, delicious charcuterie, and hands-on sourdough fun!
Whether you’ve always wanted to learn the art of sourdough or you’re simply looking for a unique night out with friends, Sourdough & Sip is the perfect experience. This beginner-friendly class will teach you the fundamentals of sourdough while you mix your very own artisan loaf from scratch. As you learn, you’ll enjoy a curated selection of wine and a beautiful charcuterie spread in the cozy atmosphere of Farm To Go.
No experience is necessary—just come ready to sip, snack, laugh, and learn!
Your ticket includes:
Wine throughout the evening
A delicious charcuterie spread
The Loavely Lady Complete Beginner’s Guide to Sourdough workbook
Active sourdough starter
Danish dough whisk
Scoring lame
Bench scraper
Bread sling
Your handcrafted dough to take home, proof, and bake the next day
One freshly baked Plain Jane Sourdough Loaf handcrafted by The Loavely Lady
By the end of the evening, you’ll leave with all the tools, confidence, and knowledge you need to continue your sourdough journey at home—plus a full belly, a fresh loaf, and wonderful memories from a relaxing evening of baking, wine, and good company.
Seats are limited and expected to fill quickly. Reserve your spot today—we can’t wait to bake, sip, and share this special evening with you!
Sign up at the link above!
Sunday Sourdough at Foundry42+
Join me for a cozy afternoon of sourdough at Foundry42+! In this hands-on beginner workshop, you'll learn the fundamentals of creating beautiful artisan sourdough bread in the warm, welcoming atmosphere of Foundry42+'s upstairs event space. Enjoy a handcrafted coffee or specialty drink from the coffee bar while we mix, fold, and shape dough together. Each participant will leave with their own active sourdough starter, a bowl of dough ready to bake at home, a beginner's guide, and the confidence to continue their sourdough journey. Whether you've always wanted to learn or you're looking to refine the basics, this class is designed to be fun, approachable, and full of helpful tips for success. No experience is necessary—just bring your enthusiasm, and I'll take care of the rest!
What’s Included?
The Loavely Lady Beginner’s Guide to Sourdough
Danish Dough Whisk
Mix Bowl
Scoring Lame
Bread Sling
Bench Scraper
Sourdough Starter
Your own dough to take home and bake
A Loavely Lady Plain Jane Loaf
Foundry42+ Coffee Bar
Foundry42+ SOLD OUT!
42 Front Street Port Jervis, NY 12771
August 9th 2:00-4:00PM
$95 per person
The Art of Sourdough at Ghiggeri’s Fine Olive Oils & Balsamics
Friday, August 21st, Frida, September 4th, & Friday, September 11th & Friday, September, 18th
5:30–7:30 PM
220 Broad Street #2 Milford, PA 18337
Spend an evening learning the art of sourdough in the beautiful setting of Ghiggeri’s Olive Oil & Balsamics in Milford, PA!
This hands-on beginner class is perfect whether you’ve never baked sourdough before or you’re looking to build confidence with the basics. I’ll guide you through each step of the process—from understanding your starter to mixing and caring for your dough—so you can successfully bake artisan sourdough at home.
During class, you’ll learn:
How sourdough works
Feeding and maintaining a healthy starter
Mixing and strengthening dough
Fermentation, shaping, scoring, and baking basics
Tips for troubleshooting common sourdough challenges
Each participant will receive:
🥖 A handcrafted dough to take home and bake
🥖 An active sourdough starter
🥖 A Danish dough whisk
🥖 A bench scraper
🥖 A bread scoring lame
🥖 A bread sling
🥖 The Loavely Lady Beginner’s Guide to Sourdough
🥖 A freshly baked Plain Jane sourdough loaf to enjoy
Guests will receive 20% off store items during the event, perfect for browsing Ghiggeri’s curated selection while you’re there. This is a BYOB event, so feel free to bring your favorite wine or beverage to enjoy while you learn.
Whether you’re coming with friends or attending solo, you’ll leave with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to begin your own sourdough journey.
Pumpkin Shaped Sourdough Workshops
Celebrate the beauty of autumn with one of our most anticipated seasonal workshops! Join me at Ghiggeri's on October 2nd or October 16th for a hands-on sourdough experience where bread baking becomes edible art.
Designed for bakers who are ready to build on their sourdough skills, this workshop focuses on transforming fully bulk-fermented dough into a stunning pumpkin-shaped artisan loaf. You'll learn how to laminate your dough, incorporate flavorful inclusions, build strength through proper shaping, and master decorative scoring techniques that create the look of a festive fall pumpkin once baked.
Throughout the class, I'll guide you step-by-step, sharing the techniques and tips I use to create bakery-quality artisan loaves. Whether you're looking to expand your sourdough knowledge, create a beautiful seasonal centerpiece, or simply try something new and creative, you'll leave inspired and confident to recreate these festive loaves at home.
By the end of the workshop, you'll leave with:
🎃 One hand-shaped pumpkin sourdough loaf ready to complete its final proof and bake at home
🍞 Hands-on experience laminating fully bulk-fermented sourdough dough
🧀 The skills to confidently incorporate inclusions throughout your dough
✋ Proper shaping techniques for strength, structure, and beautiful oven spring
🔪 Step-by-step instruction on decorative scoring to create a realistic pumpkin design
📖 A printed take-home guide with shaping, scoring, and baking instructions
💡 Professional tips and techniques for creating stunning seasonal artisan loaves
❓ Personalized instruction and plenty of time for questions and troubleshooting
🍂 The confidence to recreate beautiful pumpkin-shaped sourdough loaves and other seasonal designs at home
Come enjoy an afternoon of creativity, learning, and delicious sourdough in the welcoming atmosphere of Ghiggeri's. Leave with new techniques, a gorgeous handcrafted loaf, and the confidence to continue creating edible works of art long after class ends.
Space is limited, so reserve your seat early!
Rohman’s Sourdough Sessions
Join me for a fun and hands-on Beginner Sourdough Workshop at Rohman's Pub on Tuesday, August 25th, from 6:00–8:00 PM! Whether you're brand new to sourdough or looking to build confidence in your baking, this interactive class will teach you the fundamentals of creating beautiful artisan bread from scratch in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.
During the workshop, you'll learn how to feed and maintain a healthy sourdough starter, mix and shape dough, understand the fermentation process, and gain the confidence to bake delicious homemade sourdough in your own kitchen. Every participant will leave with their own active sourdough starter, a dough to bake at home, a beginner's guide with step-by-step instructions, and the knowledge and support to continue their sourdough journey long after class.
Make it a full evening out! Rohman's Pub's kitchen and full bar will be open throughout the class, so you're welcome to enjoy dinner, appetizers, and drinks while you learn.
📍 Location: Rohman's Pub, 103 Rohman Road, Shohola, PA 18458
📅 Date: Tuesday, August 25
🕕 Time: 6:00–8:00 PM
$85 per person
Come enjoy an evening of learning, great food, drinks, and fresh bread—no baking experience required!
Tri-State Mercantile Grand Opening
Halloween Weekend Sourdough Beginner Workshop
🍂 SOURDOUGH BEGINNER’S CLASS 🍂
Join The Loavely Lady for a hands-on introduction to the wonderful world of sourdough! Whether you’ve always wanted to try sourdough or you’re just not quite sure where to start, this class will walk you through the basics and give you the confidence to bake your own beautiful loaf from scratch.
We’ll go through the sourdough process together, learn how to work with an active starter, mix your own dough, and talk through fermentation, shaping, scoring, and baking. You’ll leave with your own mixed dough to take home and bake, plus everything you need to continue your sourdough journey!
✨ Each student receives: • Loavely Lady Beginner’s Guide to Sourdough • Active sourdough starter • Mixing bowl • Danish dough whisk • Bench scraper • Scoring lame • Bread sling • Your own mixed dough to take home
🎃 Wednesday, October 28th at 6:00 PM
📍 Tri-State Mercantile 85–89 Jersey Ave, Port Jervis, NY 12771
💰 $85 per person
Come celebrate the Halloween weekend fall market season, get your hands in some dough, and leave ready to start baking sourdough at home! No previous sourdough experience necessary.
What to Expect
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Our events prioritize comfort, safety, and respect—so you can show up as you are and fully engage in the process.
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Itinerary
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We'll kick things off by getting to know each other, reviewing the class agenda, and talking about the basics of sourdough baking.
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Learn what makes sourdough unique, how to feed and maintain a healthy starter, and the essential ingredients and tools you'll need for success at home.
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Together we'll mix a fresh batch of dough while discussing hydration, gluten development, and the importance of fermentation.
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Practice the stretch-and-fold technique and learn how it strengthens your dough and builds structure.
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I'll demonstrate proper shaping techniques before you shape your own loaf and learn how to score it for both beautiful designs and a successful bake.
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We'll wrap up with baking techniques, troubleshooting tips, storage recommendations, and plenty of time for questions.
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You'll Go Home With:
An active sourdough starter
A freshly mixed and shaped loaf ready for its final rise and bake at home
The Loavely Lady Beginner;s Guide to Sourdough
Mixing Bowl, Danish dough whisk, scoring lame, bench scraper
Fresh Loavely Lady Plain Jane loaf
The knowledge and confidence to continue baking delicious sourdough in your own kitchen
meet your instructor
Jess Walicki
Hi, I'm Jess! I'm a passionate sourdough baker who loves sharing the joy of baking with others. What started as a personal passion quickly grew into a small business centered around handcrafted artisan bread and helping others discover the confidence to bake their own.
My classes are designed to be relaxed, hands-on, and beginner-friendly. Whether you're just starting your sourdough journey or looking to improve your skills, I'll guide you through each step with practical tips, encouragement, and plenty of time for questions. I can't wait to bake with you and help you create delicious sourdough from your own kitchen!
