Class Overview

Take your throwing skills to the next level in this 5-week intermediate class designed for students who have completed our Wheel Pottery Level 1 or Fast Track program. Building on your foundational skills, this course focuses on refining technique, introducing new forms, and expanding your understanding of glazing and finishing.

Whether you’re a new Create member looking to grow your confidence or simply want more structured learning, this class will help deepen your practice and challenge you to level up your work — all while having fun in a relaxed, supportive studio environment.

What You’ll Learn

Over five weeks, you’ll explore more complex forms and techniques — with plenty of time to hone your process and experiment with new ideas. This class is all about refinement, control, and personal style.

• Week 1 – Throwing Bowls: Shaping Outward

  • Begin with a refresher on centring and pulling, then shift focus to refining bowl forms. You’ll explore techniques for shaping outward with intention — controlling curves, weight, and wall consistency to create balanced, functional bowls.

• Week 2 – Trimming Bowls

  • You’ll revisit your forms to focus on trimming for shape and stability. Learn to define clean foot rings, refine profiles, and prevent common pitfalls like uneven weight or wobbly bottoms.

• Week 3 – Throwing Plates + Bat Techniques

  • This week introduces plate throwing and the use of bats for managing wide, flat forms. You’ll learn how to lay out and compress the clay properly to create plates that are both beautiful and durable.

• Week 4 – Trimming Plates: Flat vs. Foot Rings

  • Focus on plate trimming techniques to reduce warping and maintain balance. You’ll explore different foot styles and learn how to keep large flat forms from warping in the firing process.

• Week 5 – Glazing: Underglazes + Layering

  • Wrap up the class with more advanced glazing methods. You’ll be introduced to underglaze decoration and basic layering techniques that bring depth and personality to your finished pieces.

By the end of the class, you’ll have a stronger foundation, greater confidence, and a few new tricks to bring into your studio practice.

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

This is an intermediate class. Completion of our Wheel Pottery Level 1 class or Fast Track: Wheel Level 1 is required. You should be comfortable with wedging, centring, and pulling basic cylinders before enrolling.