Which Class is Best to Start for Beginners
It really depends on the individual’s goals and preferences. Here are some things to consider when deciding which type of pottery class is best for a beginner:
A 2-hour workshop may be a good option for someone who is just looking to try out pottery and see if they enjoy it. It allows them to get a taste of the process without committing to a longer class.
A 3-week pottery handbuilding class may be a good option for someone who is interested in learning the basics of handbuilding (creating pots and other forms using clay without a wheel). This type of class may cover a variety of handbuilding techniques, such as coil, slab, and pinch pot.
A 3-month pottery class may be a good option for someone who is looking for a more in-depth pottery experience. This type of class will allow students to work on more advanced projects as they progress through the course.
A private wheel-turning session may be a good option for someone who is specifically interested in learning how to use a pottery wheel. This type of class is usually shorter than the other options (e.g. a few hours), and allows the student to work one-on-one with an instructor to learn the basics of wheel-throwing.
Ultimately, the best option will depend on the individual’s goals and how much time and money you are willing to invest in learning pottery. It may be helpful to talk to the instructor or studio to get a sense of what each class covers and whether it would be a good fit for a beginner.
For Who are Pottery Classes Suitable
- People who have no prior experience with pottery, as well as more experienced potters who want to learn new techniques and improve their skills
- People who are interested in learning about pottery and working with clay
- People who enjoy working with their hands and creating physical, tangible objects
- People who are looking for a relaxing and therapeutic activity
- People of all ages, backgrounds, and skill levels who want to explore their creativity and learn about the art of pottery
Pottery Classes May be Not Suitable for:
- While you are sick and can potentially spread your illness to others.
- People with physical disabilities or limitations that prevent them from working with their hands or using pottery tools
- People with difficulty focusing or certain learning or cognitive disabilities that make it difficult for them to follow instructions or learn new skills
- People who do not enjoy working with their hands or who do not have an interest in art or design
- People who are looking for a more intense or physically demanding activity
- Those who may be at risk of exposure to harmful materials, such as clay and glazes, such as pregnant women and babies.
- It is generally not recommended to bring a pet to a pottery class, as the materials and tools used in pottery can be hazardous for animals.
- People who have an allergy that could be triggered by the materials or activities involved in the class. Pottery classes typically involve working with clay, which can be drying and irritating to the skin.
- People who have a respiratory condition, such as asthma, the dust from the clay could potentially trigger an attack. Additionally, some people may be allergic to the materials used in glazes
Class Enrollment, Schedule, Payment, Refund Policy
Class Enrollment:
It is important to confirm the class before attending, as the class may not be held at any other time outside of the assigned time slot. Additionally, it is important to pay tuition for the class before attending, as failure to do so may result in being unable to participate in the class.
Schedule:
If the course at your preferred time is full, we will assign you to the next available one. If the class does not have enough attendees, the class will be rescheduled as needed.
How Long is Each Lesson?
Each lesson lasts approximately 2 hours.
What if I Miss a Class?
If you need to miss a class, you can reschedule for another class with at least 48 hours notice.
What if I am Late?
If you arrive late, you can join the class at the point you arrive.
Can I Come in Early or Stay Behind After my Class to Get Some Extra Practice in?
It is not possible to come in early or stay behind after a pottery class for extra practice. Pottery classes are scheduled for a specific time slot, and students are expected to arrive and leave at the designated times. Studio needs to prepare for each class and may have other classes or events scheduled afterwards.
If you are interested in getting additional practice with pottery, you may be able to enroll in additional classes or workshops, or you may be able to arrange private lessons with the instructor. Discuss your practice needs with the instructor to see what options may be available.
Refund Policy:
For online orders, a full refund if class is not taken is within two weeks of cancellation.
Lock downs:
If a lockdown occurs, classes will be rescheduled to the earliest available dates.
Cancelled by Teacher:
The pottery studio reserves the right to cancel classes if the teacher becomes sick. In this case, the classes will be rescheduled to the earliest available dates.
Can i Continue After my Class is Finished?
Enrolling in a pottery class involves paying tuition for the class and being assigned a specific time slot for the class, based on availability. It is important to pay tuition for the class before attending, as failure to do so may result in being unable to participate in the class.
Vouchers
For how Long Time are Vouchers Valid?
Vouchers are valid for 4 months from issue date.
Can i Give Voucher to Another Person?
Yes, transfer of vouchers is allowed. Just provide us with the necessary information about the recipient.
Can I get a refund for a voucher?
Pottery class vouchers are nonrefundable, which means that they cannot be returned or exchanged for a refund once they have been purchased.
Vouchers are transferable, they can be given to someone else to use in place of the original purchaser.
What to Bring, Pottery Studio Equipment
- Comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that you don’t mind getting dirty.
- An apron or old shirt to protect your clothes from clay and glaze.
- Closed-toe shoes to protect your feet.
- A water bottle to keep yourself hydrated while working.
- A towel or rag to wipe your hands and tools.
- A notebook and pencil to take notes and record your progress.
- An open mind and a willingness to learn and experiment.
Studio provides tools, materials, and pottery clay. If you don’t have an apron or towel for hands, it can be provided by studio.
Is Personal Protective Equipment Such as Breathing Mask and Safety Glasses Provided?
It is your responsibility to bring your own. Personal protective equipment is essential for protecting your health and safety while working with materials and tools that may be hazardous or harmful as during glazing your pottery pieces.
Are Tools and Materials Included in the Course Fees?
Yes, all tools and materials are includes in the course fees
Is There a Bathroom and Toilet in Studio?
There is a bathroom, a sink for washing hands as well a toilet.
Is it Allowed to Bring a Companion (Such as a Friend, Child) to the Studio while I am Taking my Pottery Lesson?
Guests or visitors are not allowed during classes. This is for safety and space reasons, as well as to minimize distractions for the students and instructors.
As a pottery studio is inside residential building, it is not allowed for guests to wait inside the building while you finish pottery class.
How to Enter Inside the Studio?
Studio is inside the residential building. To enter inside, you need to be accompanied by the instructor.
Please come on time for a class, reach the instructor by phone or knock gently on studio storefront.
Free movement inside building is not allowed. It is also not allowed for guests to wait inside the building while you are take a pottery class.
Please DO NOT ring on apartment ring-bells, studio does not have a ring.
Health and Safety
It is important to not attend a pottery class if you are feeling unwell or have any symptoms of illness.
If you have a dust allergy or other respiratory issue, it is important to take precautions to protect your health while working with clay. This may include wearing a mask to reduce your exposure to dust, or taking other steps to minimize your exposure to allergens. It is always a good idea to discuss any health concerns with the instructor.
Products Made in Class, What to Expect
What Can I Make During my Course?
The types of products that you can expect to create at the end of a pottery class will depend on the specific techniques and skills that you learn during the class. Some common types of pottery that students may create in a pottery class include:
Mugs: In a pottery class, students may learn how to create mugs by shaping and forming clay and adding handles to the cups.
Bowls: Students may learn how to create bowls of different sizes and shapes, and may also learn how to add decorative elements to the bowls.
Vases: Students may learn how to create vases by shaping and forming clay and adding decorative elements to the vases.
Plates: Students may learn how to create plates of different sizes and shapes, and may also learn how to add decorative elements to the plates.
- Jewelry: Students may learn how to create and decorate small jewelry pieces.
Candle holders: Students may learn how to create and decorate candle holders
The types of products that students can create in a pottery class are limited only by their imagination and the techniques that they learn. With practice and guidance from the instructor, students can create a wide range of pottery items that are both functional and beautiful.
What if are my Pottery Products Broken?
In a pottery class, it is important to understand that there are inherent risks involved in working with clay. Pottery is a medium that involves working with heat, moisture, and other factors that can affect the final product. As a result, it is possible that a pottery piece may break or crack during the drying or firing process, even if it was carefully made.
We, as most of pottery studios, do not offer refunds for pots that break or crack during the drying or firing process. This is because the studio incurs costs in preparing for and hosting the class, and these costs cannot be recovered if a student’s pottery piece is damaged. It is important to understand that working with pottery involves some level of risk, and that it is not always possible to predict or prevent problems that may occur during the process.
When Can I Collect my Finished work?
The process of drying and firing pottery can take weeks to complete, depending on the specific pottery pieces being created and the procedures of the studio. As a result, students can typically expect to collect their pottery pieces 2-4 weeks after the final class or workshop
About Teacher
Our teacher, Gulsah Suster has a wealth of experience with clay, having been a hobbyist in various studios for 6 years and a professional potter for the past 4 years. She is highly skilled and technically proficient, and is also known for her patience, calm demeanor, and understanding of the needs of students.
Wheel Throwing
If you are already familiar with the basics of wedging, centering, and pulling clay, you can join a regular class at any time to practice and learn new shapes, as long as there is availability on the pottery wheel.
If you are a beginner and still learning these skills, it may be best to take an individual course first. This will allow you to receive more one-on-one instruction and become more independent and less reliant on the instructor before joining regular classes.
Kiln Renting
Firing unknown pottery pieces can pose a risk of accidents or damage to the kiln. It is not possible to rent a kiln for firing pottery outside of a pottery class or workshop.
Private Events
Studio Rent
If you are interested in renting a pottery studio for a specific purpose, such as hosting a class or workshop, contact us in advance to discuss your needs and to see if the studio is available for rent.
Private Event Outside of Studio
We offer the option to host private events such as company events or team building activities outside of studio’s location. This includes the use of pottery wheel. The cost for this service is an hourly price plus a road time price. Please contact us for more information and to discuss the specific details of your event. We would be happy to help you plan a creative experience for your group.