10 Week Wheel Course Friday Evening | Term 4
Beginner-Friendly with Room to Grow
NZ$300.00
Out of stock
Beginner-Friendly with Room to Grow
Whether you're stepping up to the potter's wheel for the first time or returning to continue your pottery journey, this 10-week course provides a supportive, structured environment where you can develop your skills at your own pace.
Designed to be welcoming for complete beginners while offering ongoing challenges for returning students, each class builds on the previous week's learning. Beginners are guided through the foundations of wheel throwing step-by-step, while more experienced students receive individual instruction to refine technique, improve consistency, explore new forms, and continue progressing.
At Pottery Embassy, we believe pottery is learned through patience, repetition, and practice. Rather than rushing to produce perfect pieces, you'll develop an understanding of how clay responds to your hands, body movement, and the wheel. As your confidence grows, so will your creativity.
Please note: There will be a one-week break with no class on 25 September. Classes will resume on 2 October, and the course will conclude on 20 November to accommodate this scheduled break.
Is This Course For You?
This course is ideal for:
Complete beginners with no previous pottery experience.
Returning students wanting to continue developing their wheel throwing skills.
Anyone looking for a creative, hands-on hobby.
Students who enjoy learning in a relaxed, supportive small-group environment.
No previous pottery experience is required.
What You'll Learn
Throughout the 10-week course you will develop the core skills of wheel throwing, including:
Preparing and wedging clay.
Understanding clay consistency.
Setting up and using the pottery wheel safely.
Centring clay with confidence.
Throwing cylinders, bowls, cups and other functional forms.
Developing shape, wall thickness and control.
Trimming and refining your pottery.
Applying glazes and understanding the firing process.
Studio practices that support long-term pottery making.
As your skills develop, you'll also have the opportunity to explore more complex forms, improve consistency, and develop your own creative style.
Course Structure
This is a progressive, term-based course where each session builds on the last. You'll spend plenty of time practising, receiving demonstrations, and working one-on-one with your instructor.
Instruction is tailored to each student's experience level, ensuring beginners learn comfortably while returning students continue to be challenged and inspired.
What's Included
Your course fee includes:
Ten weekly pottery classes.
Personalised instruction.
Use of pottery wheels, tools and studio equipment.
Individual guidance throughout the course.
2 kg of clay is included. Additional clay can be purchased at the studio if required. For most students, 2 kg of clay is enough for approximately the first two class sessions.
Bisque and glaze firing of 5 finished pieces
Use of studio glazes.
Additional clay is available to purchase if required.
My Teaching Style
My teaching has been shaped by Japanese and Southeast Asian pottery traditions, where I learned the importance of rhythm, body movement, and developing a natural connection with the clay.
My focus is on helping you build strong foundations rather than simply producing finished pieces. Through demonstrations, guided practice, and personalised feedback, you'll learn techniques that improve with repetition and experience.
Whether you're learning to centre your first piece of clay or refining more advanced forms, you'll receive individual guidance to help you progress with confidence.
I believe pottery should be enjoyable, creative, and rewarding. My goal is for every student to leave each class feeling more capable, more confident, and inspired to continue their pottery journey.
Your Pottery Journey Starts Here
Pottery is a craft that develops over time. Every potter begins by learning the relationship between clay, movement, and patience.
Our goal is to provide a welcoming studio where you can slow down, learn new skills, and experience the satisfaction of creating something by hand. By the end of the 10-week course, you'll have developed a solid foundation in wheel throwing, completed a collection of handmade pottery, and gained the confidence to continue exploring ceramics.
We look forward to welcoming you to Pottery Embassy.
Before Booking
Please take a moment to read our Student FAQ, Studio Policies, and Terms & Conditions before enrolling.
These include important information about what to bring, class expectations, pottery collection, firing, cancellations, payment options, and studio policies.
What's Included?
10 weeks of hands-on pottery wheel tuition in a friendly, supportive studio.
Use of studio wheels and tools during class.
Studio hours is not included. Please book with your tutor in advance
Bisque and glaze firing for up to five finished pieces is included.
What is not included?
Clay: Clay must be purchased through the studio to ensure compatibility with our firing process after your first 2 kgs. Prices start from $60 per bag (including shipping to Blenheim), prices vary depending on supplier availability.
Can I bring my own clay or glazes?
No, only approved studio materials may be used. Unsuitable materials can melt or explode, damaging the kilns and other students' work.
What do I need to bring? Please bring the following items to every session:
10L lidded bucket (for transporting your clay waste and slip home—do not pour clay down studio sinks)
Storage bin with a lid (serves as your personal drying box and transport container)
Reusable tote bag (capable of carrying 10kg of clay)
Apron, old towel, and a cleaning cloth
What should I wear?
Comfortable clothes you don't mind getting messy, closed-toe shoes, and tied-back long hair. Remove loose jewelry before using the wheel. Note: Pottery Embassy is not responsible for damaged clothing
Do I really need short nails?
Yes, strongly recommended. Long nails easily gouge wet clay, creating hairline cracks. While they look minor at first, these marks weaken the clay and cause pieces to warp or split during the drying and firing stages.
What are the cleaning expectations?
Students are expected to clean their wheel, tools, and workspace during the final 15 minutes of class.
Part of our shared pottery culture means cleaning up after ourselves. Please ensure all tools are thoroughly wiped down after your class so the next group walks into a fresh, tidy workspace!
General Studio Rules:
Arrive on time (late arrivals miss essential safety and technique demonstrations; missed time cannot be made up).
Clearly label all work. Unlabeled pieces will not be fired and may be recycled.
Keep phones on silent.
No children or extra guests are permitted in the studio unless they are enrolled or pre-approved. (The minimum age for wheel-throwing courses is 16).
What happens if my pottery cracks or breaks?
Please Note: Pottery is Volatile. Ceramics involves variables beyond our control. While we handle your work with the utmost care, pieces can warp, crack, or react unexpectedly to glazes. Pottery Embassy does not offer refunds, credits, or replacements for pieces that do not survive the drying or firing process. Embracing these unexpected results is part of the learning journey!
How long until I can collect my pieces?
Finished work typically takes 6–8 weeks to process. Drying cannot be rushed without cracking the clay, so extended rain or high humidity can delay this timeline.
If it has been over 8 weeks and you haven't received a pickup notification, feel free to reach out. Once notified, please collect your work within one month due to limited studio storage. Uncollected work will be recycled or donated.
Do you offer refunds or transfers? Because spots are highly limited, all changes are handled on a case-by-case basis:
Cancellations: A refund is only possible if your spot can be filled by another student. If it cannot be filled, a 20% administration fee applies.
Transfers: Request must be made at least one month prior to the course start date (subject to availability).
Can I continue after this course?
Absolutely. Pottery is a skill that develops through regular practice, and many students choose to continue their learning by enrolling in another course or attending studio practice sessions. As you continue, you'll build greater confidence, refine your throwing technique, and expand your creative abilities with each class. Regular practice is one of the most rewarding ways to develop your skills and discover your own style. For those who want to make pottery a regular part of their lives, becoming a studio member is a great next step. Membership gives you the opportunity to practise independently, spend more time at the wheel, and continue developing your skills in a supportive studio community. Whether you choose another course or become a member, we encourage you to keep exploring your pottery journey and enjoy the satisfaction that comes from learning, creating, and growing over time.
Pottery Making Is Volatile
Pottery is a wonderfully rewarding craft, but it is also an unpredictable process. Working with clay involves many variables that are outside our control.
Every piece is handled with care throughout the drying, glazing and firing process; however, ceramics can sometimes produce unexpected results. Pieces may crack, warp, glaze differently than expected, or occasionally break during firing.
By booking a workshop or course at Pottery Embassy, you acknowledge and accept these risks as part of the ceramic process. Refunds, credits or replacements cannot be provided for pieces that do not survive drying or firing.
If an issue occurs with your work, we will keep you informed where possible and provide photos or updates if appropriate.
What we can promise is a supportive environment where you can learn, experiment and enjoy the process of creating handmade pottery.
Materials & Equipment
All studio tools and equipment are provided during classes unless otherwise stated.
Tools are shared studio resources and must be treated with care. Students are responsible for returning tools clean and in good condition.
Clay and glazes must meet Pottery Embassy firing requirements to ensure kiln safety and consistent results.
Cleaning & Studio Care
Cleaning is an important part of pottery making and maintaining a shared creative space.
Students are expected to:
• Clean their wheel after use.
• Wash and return all tools.
• Wipe down work areas.
• Leave the studio ready for the next class.
A clean studio creates a better experience for everyone.
Health & Safety
Pottery involves working with clay, tools, equipment and high-temperature kilns.
Participants agree to follow all studio instructions and safety guidelines provided during classes.
Please wear suitable clothing, closed-toe footwear and tie back long hair when using the pottery wheel.
If you have any injuries, medical conditions, allergies or physical limitations that may affect your ability to participate, please inform the instructor before attending.
Group Booking Responsibility
The person making the booking is responsible for ensuring all participants understand these terms and conditions, including the unpredictable nature of pottery making.
Cancellation Policy
Due to limited class sizes, cancellations are handled carefully.
A 20% administration fee applies to approved refunds.
Cancellations made within 14 days of the course or workshop start date may not be eligible for a refund unless your place can be filled by another participant.
Private workshop bookings are non-refundable as the session is reserved specifically for your group.
Attendance
Missed classes, no-shows or late arrivals are non-refundable and cannot be transferred.
Please arrive on time, as important safety information and demonstrations may occur at the beginning of each session.
Transfers & Rescheduling
Requests to transfer to another course or workshop must be made in advance and are subject to availability.
Photography & Media
Photos and videos taken during classes, including images of student work, may be used for Pottery Embassy marketing purposes.
If you prefer not to be photographed, please let us know.
Collection of Finished Work
Finished pottery generally takes approximately 6–8 weeks to complete due to drying, bisque firing, glazing and final firing.
You will be contacted when your work is ready for collection.
Due to limited studio storage, finished work should be collected within the timeframe provided. Additional costs apply for shipping if required.
Payment Plans
Weekly payment options may be available.
If Afterpay/Klarna is not suitable, please contact Pottery Embassy before your course begins to arrange an alternative payment schedule.