St Arnaud One Off Pottery Wheel Workshop
NZ$120.00
You're in St. Arnaud and is looking for some activities in the area?
Curious about throwing on the pottery wheel? This one-off wheel class is a relaxed, hands-on introduction designed for beginners and first-timers.
During the 2-hour session + 15 minutes for clean up time, you’ll learn the fundamentals of wheel throwing, from centering clay to shaping simple forms such as bowls or cups. You’ll be guided step-by-step in a small group (maximum 8 participants), allowing for plenty of individual support and time on the wheel.
This class is all about experiencing the joy of working with clay...no prior experience needed. Come with curiosity, patience, and a willingness to get a little muddy.
What’s included:
All clay, tools, and materials
Use of the pottery wheel
Guidance and demonstrations throughout the session
Firing and clear glazing of 1 selected pieces (ready for collection at a later date)
What to bring:
Clothes you don’t mind getting dirty
Short nails recommended 😊
Perfect as a creative taster, a gift experience, or a mindful break from everyday life.
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.
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.
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.