Make What You Want Workshop | September
NZ$89.00
Out of stock
This is a completely open-ended pottery workshop at Pottery Embassy. Rather than following a set project, you'll be given 400g of clay and the creative freedom to make something of your own choosing.
Guided step by step through foundational hand-building techniques, you might create a personalised coffee mug, a textured bud vase, a trinket dish, or a small sculptural piece—the choice is yours.
The only requirement is that your idea is realistic and achievable within the workshop time and the amount of clay provided. We'll help guide you toward a project that suits your skill level and can be successfully completed during the session.
Using the intuitive pinch-pot and hand-forming methods, you will learn to shape raw clay entirely with your fingers. This organic process creates beautiful lines and unique finger-textured surfaces—giving you a tactile, highly personalized everyday piece to take home and use proudly.
Please note: This is a dedicated hand-building workshop focused on manual techniques and does not involve the pottery wheel. Absolutely no prior pottery experience is needed—this session is completely beginner-friendly!
Who This Workshop Is For
Complete beginners looking to try working with clay without the pressure of a strict project ruleset.
Creative makers who want to experiment and bring their own custom hand-built ideas to life.
Adults and youth (10+) looking for a fun, tactile, and relaxing weekend experience.
Friends, couples, or solo makers wanting a fun Saturday afternoon activity.
What’s Included & Pricing
400g of clay per participant.
Use of studio hand tools during the session.
Professional clear-glazing and two kiln firings completed for you by Pottery Embassy.
Your finished, food-safe ceramic creations to take home.
The Process & Timeline
The 2-Hour Workshop
Arrive 5–10 minutes early to settle in. We spend the session shaping our 400g of clay, adding handles, and refining textures. To maintain a safe, dust-free environment, we will spend the final few minutes wiping down tools and surfaces together.
Drying & Firing
6–8 Weeks
Your creations are left to dry naturally. Clay drying cannot be rushed without risking cracks; extended rain or high regional humidity can slow this down. Once bone-dry, it undergoes its first bisque fire, is dipped in commercial clear glaze, and goes through a final high-temperature glaze fire.
Notification & Collection
Final Step
We will notify you directly via email or text as soon as your finished pieces are out of the kiln and ready for pickup. If you live outside the region or are unable to collect them, shipping can easily be arranged at an additional cost.
Important Studio Terms & Booking Conditions
Before booking your spot, please expand the sections below to review our critical studio guidelines:
Important Class Details
Health & Safety: Please ensure you review our standard Health and Safety Guidelines prior to attending.
A Realistic Note on Studio Pick-ups
Pottery Embassy is a proud one-woman band. I handle the teaching, kiln loading, glazing, marketing, website, packing, shipping, and admin all on my own! Because I am just one human, minor mix-ups can occasionally happen during busy collection periods. If you send a friend or partner to pick up your pottery for you, please ensure they double-check they are collecting the correct piece.
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.
Bookings, Cancellations & Payments
Group Booking Responsibility: The person making a booking is responsible for informing all participants of these terms, conditions, and studio guidelines.
General Cancellation Policy: A 20% administration fee applies to all standard cancellations.
Outside 14 days of start date: Eligible for a refund (minus the 20% fee).
Within 14 days of start date: Only eligible for a refund if your space can be filled.
Within 7 days of start date: Non-refundable, and transfers or rescheduling are no longer available.
Private Workshop Bookings: Private group bookings are strictly non-refundable and non-transferable, as these dates are reserved exclusively for your group.
Attendance & Lateness: Missed classes or no-shows are non-refundable and non-transferable. Please arrive on time; late arrivals miss essential safety instructions and may not be able to complete their work.
Health, Safety & Physical Preparation
Pottery Embassy is committed to providing a safe, supportive environment. Working with ceramic materials, tools, and equipment involves inherent risks. By enrolling, you agree to follow all instructor directions and safety guidelines at all times.
Physical Considerations: Participants are responsible for ensuring they are physically able to participate. Please inform your instructor before class begins if you have any medical conditions, allergies, injuries, pregnancy considerations, or physical limitations.
Liability: While every care is taken, Pottery Embassy is not liable for personal injury, loss, or damage arising from studio activities except where required by New Zealand law.
Why Short Nails Matter: Long nails easily dig into wet clay, leaving hairline cracks that weaken your pottery and cause it to break in the kiln. We strongly recommend trimming your nails before attending. If you prefer to keep your nails long, you must bring a pair of thin surgical or disposable gloves to wear as a barrier.
What to Wear & Bring:
Wear comfortable, casual clothes (and layers in winter) that you don't mind getting messy. Avoid delicate fabrics.
Remove rings, watches, and bracelets before class, and tie back long hair.
Studio Etiquette & Cleaning Policy
Materials: All tools and materials are included in your workshop fee unless explicitly stated otherwise.
Cleaning Expectations: All students must clean their tools, equipment, and surrounding workspace thoroughly after each class. Please ensure areas are left exactly as you found them so our tutors can pack up efficiently and keep the shared studio hygienic and dust-free.
Kiln Disclaimer & Collecting Your Work
The Volatile Nature of Clay: While all care is taken during drying and firing, pottery is an unpredictable process. Breakages, structural cracks, or glaze variations can occur naturally. Pottery Embassy cannot guarantee final results and is not responsible for pieces that do not survive the kiln cycles.
Collection Timeline: Finished pieces typically take 6–8 weeks to process through drying, bisque, and glaze firings. We will notify you when your work is ready. Due to strictly limited studio storage, work must be collected within one month of notification. Additional costs apply if individual shipping is required.
Media & Promotional Consent
Photos and videos taken during classes—including images of student work—may be used for promotional purposes on the Pottery Embassy website and social media channels. By enrolling, you consent to this use. If you prefer not to be photographed, simply inform your tutor. You may request the removal of any image at any time.
If you can’t afford to pay for the workshop in full upfront, you’re welcome to pay it off weekly. Full payment must be completed prior to the class starting.
Message me to arrange banking details and a payment plan that works for you at 0226911883
