Absolute Beginner Pottery Wheel Course Blenheim | 6 Weeks

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.

Absolute Beginner Pottery Wheel Course (6Weeks)

Goal of the course:

Students learn how to center, throw basic cylinders, trim, add simple handles, and glaze

Assumes weekly 2 hour sessions.

Week 1 — Meet the Wheel

Focus: Comfort + centering (nothing else)

• Studio safety + tools

• Clay wedging demo

• Wheel posture + speed control

• Centering demo

• Students spend most of class just trying to center

Expectation: Most students won’t fully center yet — this is normal.

Outcome: Clay familiarity + first attempts at centering.

Week 2 — Centering + Opening

Focus: Repetition

• Centering warm-ups (over and over)

• Learning to open clay

• Very basic pulling (no pressure for height)

 Pieces usually collapse — don't be discouraged!

Outcome: Rough, thick practice forms (mostly recycled).

Week 3 — First Real Cylinders

Focus: Making something that stands

• Centering review

• Opening and pulling walls slowly

• Learning wall thickness

• Creating short cylinders

Students pick 1 piece to keep, recycle the rest.

Outcome: First chunky cup shapes.

Week 4 — Improving Cylinders

Focus: Consistency + control

• More centering drills

• Making slightly taller cylinders

• Rim finishing

• Cleaning bases

Students aim to make 2 pieces to keep.

Week 5 — Trimming Basics

Focus: Slowing down and finishing work

• What “leather hard” means

• How to flip and center pots for trimming

• Trimming bases (simple, no fancy foot rings)

Students trim their pieces

Week 6 — Glazing + Trimming Last Remaining Pieces

Focus: Decorating finished work

• Glaze safety

• Dipping glazes 

• Wax resist demo

Students glaze their pieces

Trimming Last Pices

• Trimming last few pieces

• Care instructions

• Tips for continuing pottery

Week 7 -Pick Up + Celebration 

• We will finish with a students showcase of their pieces and celebrate this workshop that everyones a part of!

• Bring your own nibbles and drinks to celebrate. You are welcome to bring your own Whanau (the more, the merrier) to see your pieces, critique your creations :p and see the space that you’re stuck for the past weeks

Please note:
Weeks 2–4 may not always run in a strict order. The progression of the class will depend on the collective ability and pace at which students develop their wheel throwing skills. The course is designed to remain flexible, allowing extra time for practice and confidence-building when needed to ensure everyone feels supported in their learning.

Workshop Inclusions:

• The workshop is included for up to 6 pieces. Extra pieces is additional cost

• The workshop includes the use of shared pottery tools, which are loaned for the duration of the class and must be returned after each session. Please wash your tools at home.

Price excludes:

• Clay is additional cost and can be purchased at the studio (About $50/10kgs)

Please bring the following:

• 10L lidded bucket - All slip and clay waste—including dirty, unwanted, or used clay—must be taken home with you.

• Apron and old towel

• Storage bin with lid - For safe transporation of your pieces home

Participant Requirements – Cleaning & Studio Care

• Participants are required to thoroughly clean their pottery wheel and surrounding work area after each class, leaving it in the same condition as it was found.

• All loaned tools must be taken home and washed after each session. This allows the class to finish on time and ensures the studio can be reset efficiently for the next group.

• Each class includes a 15-minute clean-up period, which all participants are expected to take part in as part of the workshop.

• Arrive on time for each class, as late arrivals disrupt demonstrations and reduce learning time. Missed time cannot be made up.

• Wear appropriate clothing suitable for pottery. Closed-toe shoes are recommended. The studio is not responsible for damaged clothing.

• Tie back long hair and remove loose jewellery while working on the wheel for safety.

• Follow tutor instructions at all times to ensure a safe and productive studio environment.

• Respect shared equipment and facilities, including wheels, tools, shelving, and kilns.

• Label all work clearly with your name or assigned mark. Unlabelled work may not be fired.

• Only approved clay bodies and materials may be used. Outside clay or glazes must be approved prior to use.

• Limit work to allocated storage space. Unclaimed or excess work may be recycled at the studio’s discretion.

• Do not pour clay or glaze residue down sinks.

• Notify the tutor of any breakages or damage to equipment immediately.

• Mobile phones should be kept on silent during class time to maintain focus and respect for others.

• No children or extra guests are permitted in the studio unless enrolled or pre-approved.

Group Booking Responsibility
Please note that the person making the booking is responsible for informing all participants about the terms and conditions, as well as the inherent variability that comes with pottery making.

Cancellation Policy:

A 10% administration fee is applies to all cancellations. This fee will be deducted from any refund issued and applies regardless of the reason for cancellation. If we are unable to fill your spot, a refund cannot be guaranteed unless the spot is filled. Refunds are given in exceptional circumstances.

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.

Collecting Your Work:
Finished pieces will be available for pickup after the drying and firing process, which takes approximately 4-6 weeks, sometimes weather dependent. I’ll notify you when your work is ready for collection. Additional cost for individual shipping can be arranged. Pieces that are not picked up within a month will be discarded due to storage capacity. 

When working with clay, keeping your nails short makes a big difference. Long nails can unintentionally dig into the clay, leaving marks or tiny hairline cracks on the surface. While these cracks may look minor, they can weaken your piece and even cause it to break before or during the firing process in the kiln.

For the best results, I recommend trimming your nails before the workshop. This helps you shape and smooth your piece more easily and ensures it has the strength to make it safely through the drying and firing stages.

If you prefer to keep your nails long, please bring a pair of thin surgical or disposable gloves. Wearing gloves creates a barrier between your nails and the clay, reducing the risk of small cracks and keeping your pottery in better condition.

Pottery is all about enjoying the process and creating something you’ll be proud to take home. Having short nails or using gloves if your nails are long will give you the best chance of success with your piece.