Homeschool Clay Pottery Course
NZ$259.00
Out of stock
A 5-Week Hand-Building Pottery Course
Designed for homeschooled child (ages 9+), this weekly pottery programme offers a wonderful opportunity to learn, create, and spend quality time together in a relaxed and inspiring studio environment.
Through a variety of hand-building techniques, you'll learn how to transform clay into both functional and sculptural pieces while developing creativity, problem-solving skills, and confidence. No previous pottery experience is required, just a willingness to get your hands dirty and have fun!
Please note: This is a hand-building course only. No pottery wheel is involved. Wheel is 13+
Why is the pottery wheel recommended for ages 13+?
Learning to throw on the pottery wheel requires a combination of strength, coordination, patience, and concentration. Centreing clay on the wheel can be physically demanding, and students need to follow a sequence of techniques while working with a moving wheel.
By around 13 years of age, most students have developed the hand strength, fine motor skills, and attention span needed to learn wheel throwing safely and successfully. This helps create a more enjoyable experience and gives students the best chance of making pottery they can be proud of.
For younger students, we recommend our Hand-Building Clay Studio, where they can explore creativity, learn ceramic techniques, and create beautiful handmade pottery without the physical demands of the wheel.
What You'll Make
Week 1 – Pinch Pot Creations
Learn the fundamentals of working with clay by creating a mug using the pinch pot technique.
Week 2 – Coil Pottery
Discover the coil-building method to create a unique vase
Week 3 – Slab-Built Mug
Design and build your own mug using slab-building techniques, adding textures and personalised details.
Week 4 – Clay Sculpture
Create your own gnome or ghost
Week 5 – Glazing & Finishing
Learn about glazing techniques and decorate your favourite creations before they are kiln-fired
Course Includes
5 weekly studio sessions (2 hours each)
Use of studio tools and equipment
Bisque firing and clear glaze firing for your completed projects
Perfect for families looking to learn a new skill together, create lasting memories, and take home beautiful handmade pottery to treasure.
What's Included?
5 x 2-hour hand-building pottery classes
Clay for use throughout the course
Use of all studio tools and equipment
Bisque firing
Clear glazing
Up to 4 pieces of creations
Additional glazed and fired pieces are $10 per piece
What do I need to bring?
Please bring the following items to every session:
-An apron or clothes you don't mind getting messy
-A water bottle, snacks
What should we wear?
Please wear comfortable clothing that you don't mind getting clay on
Please note: Pottery Embassy is not responsible for damaged clothing.
What are the cleaning expectations?
Part of learning pottery is caring for the studio. During the final 10–15 minutes of each class, you will help clean their tools, tables, and workspaces so the studio is ready for the next group.
General Studio Guidelines
Please arrive on time so you don't miss important demonstrations.
Clearly label all pottery pieces with your provided maker's mark.
This course is designed for homeschooled child (ages 9+). Unfortunately, additional siblings or guests cannot attend unless enrolled.
What happens if pottery cracks or breaks?
Pottery is handmade and every kiln firing is unique. Occasionally, pieces may crack, warp, or react unexpectedly during drying or firing despite every care being taken.
Unfortunately, Pottery Embassy cannot offer refunds or replacements for pieces that do not survive the firing process. These moments are a natural part of learning ceramics and every potter experiences them.
How long until we can collect our pottery?
Finished work is usually ready 6–8 weeks after the course finishes.
Clay must dry slowly before firing, and weather conditions can affect drying times.
You'll be notified when your pottery is ready for collection. Please collect your work within one month of notification due to limited storage space.
Do you offer refunds or transfers?
As class sizes are small, cancellations and transfers are considered on a case-by-case basis.
Cancellations: Refunds are only available if your place can be filled. If it cannot, a 20% administration feeapplies.
Transfers: Requests must be made at least one month before the course begins 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'd like to discuss a payment plan.
Can we continue after this course?
Absolutely!
As confidence grows, students develop new skills and create increasingly ambitious projects. Pottery is a lifelong craft, and every course builds on the last while providing valuable creative time together.
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.
