Absolute Beginner Pottery Wheel Course Friday Morning | 8 Weeks
Booking opens on July 11 at 6am
NZ$495.00
At Pottery Embassy, students begin by learning how to throw cylinders, the foundational form behind many ceramic pieces such as mugs, bowls, vases, and planters.
This class focuses on building strong wheel-throwing foundations through repetition, technique, and hands-on practice. Together, we develop confidence on the wheel while learning good studio habits and safe ceramic practices that support long-term making.
Wheel throwing is a skill that develops over time, and each session is designed to build confidence through steady practice and experimentation. By the end of the course, students will have created a selection of unique handmade pieces that reflect their learning journey and growing understanding of clay.
My Teaching Approach
These wheel-throwing sessions are designed for those who want to learn pottery with care and intention, whether you are completely new to clay or looking to strengthen your existing foundations.
Rather than focusing on quick “pottery experience” projects, the sessions emphasise patience, repetition, and a deeper understanding of how clay behaves through movement, touch, and control. Students are encouraged to slow down, observe closely, and build confidence through consistent practice.
My teaching approach is shaped through independent studio practice alongside influences from traditional Southeast Asian and Japanese pottery methods, where respect for process, technical foundations, discipline, and sensitivity to the material are central to learning.
The goal is not only to create finished pieces, but to develop a stronger connection between body, wheel, hand, and clay.
Practical Information
Format
Private group sessions held within a calm and quiet studio environment.
Timing
Sessions are currently available on weekends only. Evening courses may become available in the future.
Studio Environment
Sessions take place in a small working studio rather than a large commercial classroom. Spaces are intentionally limited to allow for more focused teaching, individual guidance, and a quieter learning environment.
The emphasis of these sessions is on developing wheel-throwing skills and strong technical foundations through patience, repetition, and practice.
Additional Course Information
For all additional course information, please refer to the information located on the right-hand side of this screen. Click the + icon to read more about the following:
Pottery Making is Volatile
8-Week Goals
Terms and Conditions
Health and Safety Guidelines
Studio Location
Shop 11/1 Market Street, CBD, Blenheim
(The studio is located directly opposite the Irish pub and backpackers. Studio is located inside the building)
New Student FAQ
What is included in my workshop?
Your workshop includes:
Firing of up to 12 finished pieces. Additional pieces can be fired for an extra cost per piece.
Use of loaned throwing tools during the course
You will receive your own set of throwing tools to use throughout the workshop. Please wash them at home after each class, bring them to every session, and return them at the end of Week 8. We recommend bringing a small container, toolbox, or yoghurt tub to safely store your tools between classes.
Are clay, glazing, and firings included?
Clay and glazing fees are additional unless otherwise stated.
Bisque and glaze firing for your included 12 pieces is free. Additional firings may incur extra charges.
A 10kg bag of clay is approximately $45+ depending on current stock availability. Clay may also be shared between two students if enrolling with a friend.
Can I purchase clay through Pottery Embassy?
Yes. Clay should be purchased through the studio to ensure firing compatibility and reliable kiln results.
The recommended clay for all wheel-throwing classes is Cacao Stoneware Clay (RW1302), which is currently the primary clay used in the studio.
If you would prefer to purchase your own clay, please let your tutor know.
Can I bring my own clay or glazes?
Only approved clay bodies and glazes may be used in the studio unless permission has been given beforehand.
Different clay types and glazes fire at different temperatures and unsuitable materials can damage kiln shelves, kiln elements, and other students’ work.
If you are new to pottery, we strongly recommend using studio-approved clay and glazes.
What do I need to bring to class?
Please bring:
10L lidded bucket for clay waste and slip
1L yoghurt container
Apron
Old towel
Cleaning cloth
Reusable tote or carry bag for transporting clay
Please note that one bag of clay weighs approximately 10kg.
All clay waste, dirty clay, and slip must be taken home with you and must not be poured down studio sinks.
What should I wear?
Please wear comfortable clothing that you don’t mind getting messy. Clay washes out easily, but wheel throwing can be very hands-on.
Closed-toe shoes are recommended, short nails are helpful for wheel throwing, and long hair should be tied back. Loose jewellery should also be removed while working on the wheel.
Pottery Embassy is not responsible for damaged clothing.
Do I need short nails for pottery classes?
Short nails are strongly recommended for wheel throwing and hand-building classes. Long nails can accidentally dig into the clay while shaping, leaving marks or small hairline cracks in your pottery. Although these cracks may seem minor at first, they can weaken your piece and may cause it to crack or break during drying or firing.
For the best pottery experience and strongest results, we recommend trimming your nails before attending class. Shorter nails also make it much easier to shape, smooth, and control the clay while working on the wheel.
If you prefer to keep your nails long, we recommend bringing a pair of thin disposable or surgical gloves. Gloves help create a protective barrier between your nails and the clay, reducing the risk of marks and cracking while still allowing you to participate comfortably.
Pottery is all about enjoying the creative process and making pieces you’ll feel proud to take home. Taking a few small preparation steps, such as keeping nails short or wearing gloves, can make a big difference to the success of your finished work.
What are the studio cleaning expectations?
All students are required to clean their pottery wheel, tools, and surrounding workspace after each class.
The final 15 minutes of every session is allocated for clean-up, and all participants are expected to assist as part of the workshop.
Tools must be washed at home after each class and brought back clean for the next session.
Please help maintain a clean and respectful shared studio environment by:
Wiping down all surfaces
Cleaning equipment thoroughly
Leaving your workspace tidy for the next group
Never pour clay or glaze residue down sinks
What are the general studio rules and etiquette?
To ensure a safe and enjoyable workshop environment:
Arrive on time for each class
Follow tutor instructions at all times
Respect shared tools, wheels, shelving, and facilities
Clearly label all work with your name or assigned mark
Notify your tutor immediately if any tools or equipment are damaged during class
Keep mobile phones on silent during class unless agreed otherwise by the group
No children or extra guests are permitted unless enrolled or pre-approved
Unlabelled work may not be fired and may be recycled at the studio’s discretion.
Late arrivals may miss demonstrations, and missed class time cannot be made up.
Can I take studio tools home?
Yes. Loaned studio tools are intended to be taken home for cleaning after each session.
All tools must be returned clean at the end of Week 8.
When can I access the studio?
Studio access is available during scheduled class times and approved workshop hours only.
Pottery Embassy does not currently offer open-access studio memberships outside scheduled sessions.
Due to limited shelving and storage space, only current workshop pieces may be stored at the studio.
What happens if my pottery cracks or breaks?
Pottery is a handmade process, and cracking or breakage can occasionally occur during drying or firing.
While every care is taken, Pottery Embassy cannot guarantee all pieces will survive the kiln process.
Variations in colour, glaze finish, texture, and firing results are part of the handmade ceramic process and are considered a normal part of pottery making.
How long will my pottery take to finish?
Finished work generally takes approximately 6–8 weeks depending on drying conditions, firing schedules, and workshop volume. Please note that pottery drying and firing times can vary depending on weather conditions and studio workload.
If it has been 6–8 weeks and you have not yet heard from me regarding pickup, please feel free to reach out for an update. If your pieces are taking longer than originally estimated, I sincerely apologise.
Weather plays a significant role in the pottery process. Extended periods of rain and humidity can slow drying times and delay firing schedules by a week or more.
Drying pottery is a natural process and cannot be rushed without risking cracks or damage to the work. Thank you for your patience and understanding throughout the process.
How long will my work be stored?
Please collect finished work within one month after notification.
Due to limited storage space, uncollected work may eventually be recycled, donated, or discarded at the studio’s discretion.
Can children attend workshops?
Some workshops are suitable for children and families. Please check the workshop description for age suitability before booking.
For wheel throwing workshops, the recommended minimum age is 16 years and over.
No children, visitors, or additional guests are permitted in the studio unless enrolled or pre-approved.
Do you offer private workshops?
Yes. Pottery Embassy offers private pottery experiences for birthdays, schools, team-building events, and small group bookings.
Do you offer refunds or transfers?
Workshop spaces are limited and often fill quickly, so transfers and refunds are subject to availability.
Refunds and transfers are considered on a case-by-case basis and are subject to studio discretion and availability.
Please contact Pottery Embassy as early as possible if you need to cancel or request a transfer.
Refunds may be possible if your place can be filled by another participant. If the space cannot be filled, a 20% administration fee will apply to cover booking, preparation, and processing costs.
Transfers are only available up to one month prior to the workshop start date and are not eligible for future workshop credit unless otherwise agreed.
As a small studio, cancellations and late changes significantly impact scheduling and preparation. We appreciate your understanding and support.
Pottery is a wonderfully rewarding craft, but it can also be unpredictable. By choosing to work with clay, you’re stepping into a creative process full of variables, many of which are beyond my control.
I want to be upfront: I cannot guarantee that your piece will return to you exactly as you left it. I handle every piece with care and treat your work as if it were my own. However, in ceramics, things do go wrong; pieces can crack, glazes may run, items can warp or even explode in the kiln. Sometimes your creation won’t turn out the way you imagined, and that’s part of the process too.
By choosing to book this workshop, you acknowledge and accept these risks as part of the learning experience. I do not offer refunds, credits, or replacements for any pieces that are damaged, or don’t make it through the drying and firing process.If any issues arise, I’ll keep you informed by email and share photos where possible.
What I can promise is a welcoming and encouraging environment where you can explore, create, and have fun. This is your opportunity to connect with clay, embrace the unexpected, and enjoy the unique experience of making something by hand.
16 hours total — 2 hour sessions each week
Course Overview
This beginner-friendly 8-week course introduces students to the foundations of wheel throwing within a calm and supportive studio environment. Students will build confidence on the wheel while learning clay preparation, centering, cylinders, shaping, trimming, and glazing through repetition, patience, and hands-on practice.
The focus is not only on creating finished pottery pieces, but also on developing stronger wheel control, technical foundations, and a deeper understanding of working with clay over time.
Week 1 — Introduction to Clay & The Wheel
Focus: Studio Foundations + Centering
Studio safety and introduction to tools
Understanding studio setup and wheel stations
Clay preparation and wedging demonstration
Wheel posture and speed control
Introduction to centering clay
Repetition exercises focused on coordination and control
Week 2 — Centering & Opening Forms
Focus: Stability + Wheel Control
Continued centering practice
Learning how to open clay correctly
Understanding pressure and hand positioning
Introduction to wall pulling
Developing awareness of clay movement and balance
Week 3 — Pulling Walls & Cylinder Practice
Focus: Foundational Forms
Repetition of cylinders and cups
Learning how to pull even walls
Understanding height, compression, and wall thickness
Improving wheel speed control
Developing consistency through repetition
Week 4 — Bowls & Form Development
Focus: Expanding Shapes
Introduction to bowl forms
Learning how form changes through hand positioning
Refining centering and pulling techniques
Exploring shape transitions and volume
Continued repetition and wheel practice
Week 5 — Refining Forms & Trimming
Focus: Finishing Techniques
Introduction to trimming leather-hard pottery
Learning how to trim bases and create foot rings
Refining wall thickness and balance
Improving symmetry and finishing techniques
Selecting pieces to continue refining
Week 6 — Surface Refinement & Practice
Focus: Functional Pottery Details
Learning to attach simple handles
Refining rims and surface details
Continuing wheel throwing repetition
Improving consistency across forms
Guided individual feedback and technical support
Week 7 and 8 — Preparing for Glaze
Focus: Final Refinement
Final trimming and finishing
Surface smoothing and clean-up
Preparing selected work for glazing
Introduction to glaze options and firing process
Discussion around ceramic surfaces and finishes
Glaze safety and application techniques
Dipping and glazing demonstrations
Final kiln preparation
Reviewing student progress across the course
Discussion around continuing pottery practice and future learning pathways
For the final session, students are welcome to bring a friend or family member to briefly view the studio, observe the glazing process, and celebrate the work created throughout the course.
Outcome:
Completed glazed ceramic pieces prepared for final kiln firing and a relaxed final session reflecting on each student’s learning journey.
Please Note
This course is designed to adapt to the pace and experience level of the group. Wheel throwing takes time, repetition, and patience to develop, and students may progress at different speeds throughout the course.
Collapsing pieces, uneven forms, and mistakes are all considered a normal and important part of learning pottery.
Additional guidance and support will be offered throughout the course to help students build confidence and continue developing their technical foundations.
Independent practice and continued observation outside class time are strongly encouraged where possible.
Group Booking Responsibility
The person making the booking is responsible for informing all participants of these terms and conditions, including the inherent variability involved in pottery making.
Cancellation Policy
We understand that plans can change and will always do our best to help where possible. A 20% administration fee applies to all cancellations and will be deducted from any refund issued. Cancellations made within 14 days of the workshop start date may not be eligible for a refund unless the space can be filled. Private workshop bookings are non-refundable, as these sessions are reserved specifically for your group.
Attendance
Missed classes or no-shows are non-refundable and non-transferable. Please arrive on time, as late arrivals may miss important instructions and may not be able to complete their work.
Rescheduling
Requests to transfer to another workshop must be made in advance and are subject to availability.
Health & Safety
By participating, you acknowledge that pottery involves the use of tools and equipment and agree to follow all safety instructions provided. Participation is at your own risk.
Kiln & Breakage Disclaimer
While all care is taken during drying and firing, pottery is an unpredictable process and breakages, cracks, or glaze variations can occur. We cannot guarantee final results and are not responsible for damage that occurs during firing.
Photos & Media
Photos and videos taken during classes, including images of student work, may be used for promotional purposes on my website and social media channels. By enrolling, you consent to this use. If you prefer not to be photographed, please inform me. You may request removal of any image at any time.
Materials Provided
All tools are loaned and must be returned on week 5. Just bring your creativity and enthusiasm.
Cleaning & Equipment Policy
Students are required to clean their tools, workspace, and any equipment used after each class. Please ensure all tools are wiped down and your area is left as you found it. These practices help tutors finish and pack up efficiently, ensuring the studio is ready for the next group.
Collecting Your Work
Finished pieces will be available for pickup after the drying and firing process, which takes approximately 6–8 weeks. You will be notified when your work is ready for collection. Additional costs apply for individual shipping if required. Finished work must be collected within a reasonable timeframe after notification due to limited storage space.
Weekly Payment Plan
If Klarna which is Pottery Embassy's "Afterpay" isn’t suitable for you, you’re welcome to pay for workshops in weekly installments. You can deposit any amount that fits your budget each week, as long as the full balance is paid before the workshop date. Book as usual and select bank transfer as your payment method, then send a message to receive bank details so payments can be easily tracked.
Health, Safety & Participation
Pottery Embassy is committed to providing a safe and supportive studio environment. Participants acknowledge that working with pottery materials, tools, equipment, and glazes involves some inherent risks.
By attending workshops or classes, participants agree to follow studio instructions, safety guidelines, and reasonable directions provided by instructors at all times.
Participants are responsible for ensuring they are physically able to participate in studio activities. Please inform your instructor before class if you have any medical conditions, allergies, injuries, pregnancy considerations, or physical limitations that may affect your participation.
While every reasonable care is taken to maintain a safe studio environment, Pottery Embassy is not liable for personal injury, loss, or damage arising from participation in studio activities except where required by New Zealand law.
For studio health and safety guidelines, please ensure you take the time to read and familiarise yourself with the information provided before attending your workshop or class here.
