FAQs—Clay Wheel
Workshops—1.5 hour instructor guided classes.
Five week sessions—1.5 hour instructor guided classes, once a week. You always have the option to book more studio time for glazing.
There are a limited number of wheels in the studio, so classes are small and intimate! Usually between 4-7 students.
Absolutely, no experience needed! We’ll send you some information before your first day about how to prepare for class but otherwise you can just show up and start spinning!
High fire.
No. To ensure there are no explosions in the kiln we only fire clay that is made in the studio where we know the origin and quality.
The number of pottery pieces you make is up to you! Our program is process-based and everyone works at their own pace. We will fire your best work after class, that means up to 2 pieces per class in workshops and up to 4 in sessions. Remember, it's about practice over perfection, so don't worry if not all your pieces are "keepers." Enjoy the journey
No big deal! You can purchase any additional pieces you would like to keep at the end of class.
Glazing
You do the glazing! After something is created on the wheel, your clay will be completely dried out and fired in the kiln (a really really hot oven) over the course of the next week. Once it’s fired, the professional quality glazes can be applied by brush or dipping techniques. The glazing time is built into both of our programs.
You can book another workshop if you’d like more time on the wheel, or sign up for the next upcoming session. You always have the option to book extra glazing time at the studio.
Clay Breakage
Air bubbles or pockets inside the clay can cause occasional explosions in the kiln. These are rare, and we always try to “bang out the bubbles” before throwing the clay. You’ll learn more about that in class.
This can occasionally happen, as clay is delicate and fragile before it is fired. We don’t offer refunds or remakes for damaged clay but we promise we treat each piece like it is a Rodin.
Pick Up & Care
Typically, about 1 week after you’ve glazed it.
Caring for your handmade pottery is important to keep it in good shape for a long time. Here are some tips to help you take care of your pottery:
- Washing: Use mild dish soap and warm water to hand wash your pottery. Don't use rough scrubbers or strong cleaners as they can harm the surface. Gently clean the pottery with a soft sponge or cloth. Let it air dry or use a soft cloth to dry it.
- Avoid extreme temperatures: Pottery can break if it goes from very hot to very cold quickly. So, don't put a cold pottery piece straight into a hot oven or the other way around. It's better to change the temperature gradually.
- Food safety: If you want to use your pottery for eating or drinking, it needs to have a special shiny coat called overglaze. This helps seal the clay and glazes, making it safe for food. If your pottery doesn't have overglaze, it's not safe to use for food or drinks.
- Display and handling: Show off your pottery where everyone can see it! When you hold pottery, support it from the bottom instead of delicate parts like handles. This will help prevent accidents and breakage.
- Avoid sunlight: Putting pottery in direct sunlight for a long time can make the colors fade or change. If you display your pottery in a sunny spot, try moving it around sometimes to protect it from too much sun.
- Maintenance and repairs: If a handle or part of your pottery breaks, you can try to fix it at the studio using underglaze as a glue. It will need to be fired again in the kiln. Another option is to use superglue at home, but then it won't be safe for food anymore.