Blenheim Trial Experience Pottery Wheel Workshop
NZ$100.00
Experience the joy of throwing clay on a pottery wheel in this hands-on, beginner-friendly workshop. Under the guidance of an experienced tutor, you will learn the basics of working with a pottery wheel, including centering, shaping, and forming your clay. This session is designed for complete beginners and anyone curious about the wheel-throwing process before committing to a 6 weeks course.
You will have the opportunity to create one or more small pieces on the wheel and explore basic techniques to help you understand and enjoy the craft.
After the workshop, your pieces will be professionally clear glazed and kiln-fired. Your finished work will be food-safe and ready to use once it has been fired and returned to the studio.
What You’ll Experience
Introduction to the pottery wheel and tools
Demonstration of basic wheel-throwing skills
Hands-on practice under tutor guidance
Individual tips and feedback throughout the session
A relaxed and supportive environment suitable for beginners
Once completed and fired, 1 piece will be available for collection approximately 4–8 weeks after the session. You will be notified when your work is ready for pickup. Shipping can be arranged at an additional cost if required. Pieces not picked up within a month after message is sent will be discarded due to limited space.
Who This Is For
Complete beginners with no previous experience required
Adults and teens 14 years old and up - interested in trying pottery
Anyone wanting a creative, skill-building experience
Suitable as a unique gift, creative outing, or team-building activity
What’s Included
Use of pottery wheel and studio tools
Clay and materials for making your pieces
Instruction and support from a qualified tutor
1 finished piece. If you want to fire your other pieces, cost is $10 per piece
Clear Glazing and kiln firing of your finished work
What to Bring / Wear
Please wear comfortable clothes you don’t mind getting clay on, as working with clay can be messy. Bring your own apron. If you have long hair, it’s helpful to tie it back.
Arrival Information
Please arrive 5–10 minutes before the scheduled start time to allow time to settle in. The workshop runs for approximately two hours.
Hosted at : TBA but it will probably be in the CBD
Please note that if minimum class numbers are not met, the class maybe cancelled and you will receive a full refund.
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.
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 a class is cancelled within 7 days before the start date, a refund cannot be guaranteed unless the spot is filled.
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 and materials are included in the workshop, just bring your creativity and enthusiasm!
Collecting Your Work:
Finished pieces will be available for pickup after the drying and firing process, which takes approximately 6–8 weeks. We’ll notify you when your work is ready for collection. Additional cost for individual shipping can be arranged.
Cleaning & Equipment Policy
Students are required to clean their wheel and work area after each class. Please leave your wheel and space as you found it for the next person.
Maintaining these practices allows both teachers and students to finish classes efficiently and on time.
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.
Pottery is a slow, hands-on craft that takes time and patience. Once a piece is shaped, it must go through several important stages before it’s finished:
Forming the piece – Often created on a pottery wheel/handbuilding for balanced, symmetrical shapes.
Drying (Leather Hard to Bone Dry) – After shaping, the clay begins to dry.
Leather hard is when the piece is firm but still slightly damp, this is the ideal stage for trimming the base, refining the shape, or adding details like handles or feet.
Bone dry is when all moisture has completely left the clay. The piece becomes very fragile and lighter in color and must reach this stage before firing to prevent cracking or damage in the kiln. This drying process can take several days depending on thickness and conditions.
Bisque Firing – The first firing hardens the clay, using slow heating and cooling to prepare the piece for glazing.Bisque pieces can also be painted using an underglaze.This takes about 30 hours.
Glazing – Glaze is applied and left to dry completely, normally 24 hours.
Glaze Firing – A second firing at higher temperatures, followed by gradual cooling to prevent cracks and strengthen the finished piece. This normally takes 48 hours
Because of this multi-step process, pottery isn’t ready to take home straight away. Depending on drying and firing schedules, it can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks before your finished piece is ready. Sometimes the weather plays a role too regarding the drying process.