Class Overview

In this 5-week class, you’ll get hands-on experience with the pottery wheel as you build confidence and technique across a structured progression of skills. Whether you’re completely new to clay or looking for a solid refresher, this class is your gateway to the world of wheel-thrown pottery.

Over five weeks, you’ll have time to build your skills with intention — no rushing, no pressure. We’ve expanded this class from our previous 3-week format to give you more room to practice, explore, and gain a deeper understanding of the process from start to finish.

What You’ll Learn

Over five weeks, you’ll build your skills progressively — with plenty of time to practice and explore at each stage. This format is designed to help you develop confidence on the wheel while learning the full process from start to finish.

• Week 1 – Wedging, Centring, Cylinders

  • You’ll start with the foundational techniques of preparing your clay and centring it on the wheel. From there, you’ll learn how to pull up walls and form simple cylinders — the building block of most wheel-thrown forms.

• Week 2 – Trimming: Centering, Securing, Flat Bottoms

  • Once your pieces have firmed up, you’ll revisit them to learn how to trim and refine the base. You’ll practice recentering your work on the wheel, securing it in place, and trimming away excess clay to create clean, even bottoms.

• Week 3 – Refresh, Bowls & Mug Shapes

  • With cylinders under your belt, this week expands your shaping skills. You’ll revisit centring and pulling, then move into outward forms like bowls and mugs — learning how to control curves and volume while maintaining structural integrity.

• Week 4 – Trimming & Handles

  • This week deepens your finishing skills. You’ll learn how to add foot rings for a polished look and how to pull, shape, and attach handles — turning your cylinders into functional mugs.

• Week 5 – Glazing Basics

  • You’ll complete your work by learning the fundamentals of glazing, including proper prep and application techniques using dip glazes. You’ll get to choose finishes that suit your pieces and prepare them for their final kiln firing.

By the end of the class, you’ll have all the foundational skills you need to become a member and keep the clay spinning on your own as part of the Create community.

What’s Included

• M340 Clay to practice and create your own pieces

• Tools for shaping and finishing (for in studio use)

• Glazes for finishing your pieces

• Bisque and glaze firing of your piece

what to bring + Personal Safety

Please bring your own apron or clothes you don’t mind getting dirty. For your own personal safety during this class, please:

• Wear closed-toe shoes

• Ensure long hair is securely tied up and out of the way

• Remove any watches & jewelry (they’ll catch on the clay!)

• Do not wear loose clothing

Prerequisites

None, this class is beginner friendly.