Beginner Wheel Throwing Friday Evening Course | 6 Weeks

What is not included?

Clay: Additional clay must be purchased through the studio to ensure compatibility with our firing process. Prices start from $55 per bag (1 bag is 10kgs), 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 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 repetition, and the more time you spend at the wheel, the more natural the process becomes.

After completing the course, you can continue by enrolling in another class, attending studio practice sessions, or—our recommended next step—becoming a Pottery Embassy Studio Member.

Membership is ideal if you want pottery to become a regular part of your routine. It gives you more opportunities to practise independently, spend time at the wheel, build confidence and develop your own creative style without needing to enrol in a course each time.

If you've finished your beginner course and caught the pottery bug, membership is one of the best ways to keep progressing.

Keep practising, keep experimenting, and most importantly, enjoy the process of making.

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.