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.

What is included in my course fee ($289)? Your course fee includes five weekly pottery classes, use of pottery wheels and studio tools during class, and bisque firing plus clear glaze firing for up to six finished pieces created during the course. Small class sizes also ensure plenty of individual guidance and support throughout your learning journey.

What is not included? Clay is not included in the course fee and must be purchased through Pottery Embassy to ensure compatibility with our kilns and firing temperatures. Clay is available in 10kg bags for $55 or 5kg bags for $35 (prices include shipping to Blenheim and may vary depending on supplier pricing). Additional firings for pieces beyond the included six-piece allowance are charged at current studio rates. Coloured and specialty glazes are also available at an additional cost should you wish to explore decorative finishes beyond the standard clear glaze.

Can I bring my own clay or glazes? No. Only approved studio clay and glazes may be used. Different clay bodies and glaze formulations mature at different temperatures. Using unsuitable materials can damage kiln shelves, elements and other students' work. To ensure the safety of the studio and consistent firing results, all clay used during classes must be purchased through Pottery Embassy unless prior written approval has been given.

What do I need to bring? Please bring a 10-litre bucket with a lid for transporting your clay recycling and slip home, as clay must never be washed down the studio sinks. You will also need a plastic storage container with a lid to safely transport and store your pottery between classes, a sturdy reusable tote bag capable of carrying approximately 10kg, an apron, an old towel, a small cleaning cloth and, if you wish, a water bottle.

What should I wear? Wear comfortable clothing that you don't mind getting messy. Clay generally washes out of most fabrics, but we recommend avoiding delicate or favourite clothing. Please wear closed-toe shoes, tie back long hair and remove loose jewellery before using the pottery wheel. Pottery Embassy cannot accept responsibility for damage to clothing, footwear or personal belongings.

Do I really need short nails? Yes. Short fingernails are strongly recommended for wheel throwing. Long nails can easily gouge wet clay, creating weak spots that often develop into cracks during drying or firing. Keeping your nails short will make learning easier, improve your control on the wheel and produce stronger finished pieces.

Do I need previous pottery experience? This Continuing Pottery course is designed for students who have already completed a beginner wheel-throwing course, either at Pottery Embassy or another pottery studio. Students should already feel comfortable centering clay and throwing basic cylinders before enrolling.

What are the cleaning expectations? Cleaning is an important part of learning pottery and respecting a shared studio environment. The final 15 minutes of every class are dedicated to cleaning. Students are expected to clean their wheel, wash and return all studio tools, wipe benches and work areas, empty water buckets where instructed and leave the studio ready for the next class.

General studio rules. Please arrive on time, as late arrivals may miss important demonstrations and safety information. Missed instruction cannot always be repeated. Clearly label all pottery with your maker's mark or name, as unlabeled work cannot be identified and may not be fired. Please keep mobile phones on silent and be respectful of fellow students, the instructor and studio equipment at all times. Children and visitors are not permitted in the studio unless they have been pre-approved. The minimum age for wheel-throwing courses is 16 years.

What happens if my pottery cracks or breaks? Pottery is made from natural clay and fired at extremely high temperatures. Despite every care being taken throughout drying, bisque firing, glazing and glaze firing, pottery can occasionally crack, warp, blister, explode or break. These outcomes are an unavoidable part of the ceramic process and are experienced by potters of every skill level. Pottery Embassy cannot offer refunds, replacements or credits for work that does not survive the ceramic process. Learning to accept these occasional losses is part of becoming a potter.

When will my pottery be ready? Finished work is generally ready for collection approximately six to eight weeks after your final class. Clay must dry slowly before firing to reduce the risk of cracking, and this process cannot be rushed. Weather conditions such as cold temperatures or high humidity may extend drying times. Once dry, your work will be bisque fired, glazed and glaze fired before collection. If it has been more than eight weeks since your final class and you have not received a collection notification, please feel free to contact us.

How long will my pottery be held? Once you have been notified that your pottery is ready, please collect it within one month. Due to limited storage space, pottery that remains uncollected after this period may be recycled, donated or responsibly disposed of unless prior arrangements have been made.

Can someone else collect my pottery? Yes. If someone is collecting on your behalf, please ensure they know your full name and double-check they have collected the correct work before leaving the studio.

Do you offer refunds or transfers? As class numbers are limited, cancellations and transfers are considered on a case-by-case basis. Refunds are only available if your place can be filled by another student. If your place cannot be filled, a 20% administration fee will apply. Requests to transfer to another course must be made at least one month before the course commencement date and are subject to availability.

Do you offer payment plans? Yes. Weekly payment options may be available for selected courses. Please contact Pottery Embassy before booking if you would like to discuss a payment plan.

Do you offer private events? Yes. Pottery Embassy offers private pottery experiences for birthdays, schools, community groups, team-building events, hens' parties and other special occasions. Please contact us to discuss your ideas and receive a customised quote.

Can I continue after this course? Absolutely. Pottery is a skill that develops through regular practice, and many students choose to continue by enrolling in another course or attending studio practice sessions where available. Returning students consistently develop greater confidence, improve their throwing technique and expand their creative abilities with each course. We encourage you to continue your pottery journey and enjoy the satisfaction that comes from building your skills over time.

5 Week Beginner Wheel Throwing Course

12.5 hours total — 2 hour and 30 minutes sessions each week

Weekly Session Flow

Week 1 — Refining the Fundamentals

Refresh your centering, coning and cylinder throwing while identifying areas for improvement. Establish personal goals for the course.

Week 2 — Developing Form & Consistency

Focus on producing consistent cylinders, bowls while improving wall thickness, shape control and efficiency.

Week 3 — Expanding Your Skills

Challenge yourself with larger pieces, altered forms or handle attachment, depending on your interests and ability.

Week 4 — Personal Projects

Work on self-directed projects with individual coaching. Continue refining throwing, trimming and finishing techniques while solving technical challenges.

Week 5 — Glazing & Finishing

Complete your work by glazing your finished pieces. Learn more advanced glazing techniques and discuss firing results, troubleshooting and ideas for future projects.

Please Note

This course is flexible and adapts to the pace of the group. Wheel throwing takes time and repetition to develop, and students may progress at different speeds. Extra practice and guidance will be offered where needed to ensure everyone feels supported throughout the learning process. Studio Time is encouraged.

A Few Quick Notes Before Booking:

• If we have to cancel: If a teacher is unwell or absent, we will reschedule the missed session by adding a week to the end of the course making it a 6 week timeline

• If you miss a class: Don't worry! If you have to miss a session, we’ve built in an opportunity for you to catch up during weekdays, daytime. Just let your tutor know.

• Class Sizes: To keep things cozy and ensure plenty of one-on-one time. We require at least 4 students for the workshop to go ahead. If we don't hit this number, class will be cancelled and you will receive a full refund. We will let you know via email.