Wheel Class Mini | 4 Weeks
NZ$195.00
Out of stock
At our studio, everything starts with the cylinder, the fundamental shape behind mugs, bowls, vases, and planters. This 4-week course focuses on building a rock-solid wheel-throwing foundation through repetition, proper technique, and hands-on practice. Designed for absolute beginners or those looking to reinforce their existing skills, this course covers the entire pottery journey from raw clay to finished, food-safe ceramic art.
Pottery is a physical, rewarding skill that develops over time. Rather than chasing quick, fast-paced "experience" projects, our sessions emphasize a deeper, hands-on understanding of how clay responds to movement, touch, and physical control. By the end of the 4 weeks, you will have developed your confidence on the wheel, established sustainable studio habits, and created a selection of unique, handmade pieces to take home and be proud of.
My Teaching Approach
These sessions are designed for those who want to learn pottery with care, intention, and patience. My teaching style combines independent studio practice with influences from traditional Southeast Asian and Japanese pottery methods. In these traditions, respect for the process, strict technical discipline, and a deep sensitivity to the medium are central to learning. The ultimate goal isn't just to make finished objects, but to develop a natural, grounded connection between your body, the wheel, your hands, and the clay.
The 4-Week Course Journey
1.Week - Prep, Centering & Coning:Foundation.
Master the art of wedging (kneading clay to remove air bubbles and improve consistency) while developing an awareness of rhythm and pressure. Then, dive straight into the core mechanics of centering and coning up and down on the wheel to establish physical stability and hand sensitivity.
2.Week - Wheel Throwing & Pulling Cylinders:Form & Repetition.
Dive into foundational forms like cups and cylinders. Through guided repetition, you will learn how to open the clay, pull up walls, shape your forms, and maintain an even thickness, focusing on how the clay responds to your physical control.
3.Week - Trimming & Turning:Refining Shape.
Learn the art of trimming and turning your leather-hard pieces from the previous weeks. Using specialized tools, you will carve away excess clay, refine your shapes, and turn beautiful, functional foot rings on the bottom of your pots.
4.Week - Glazing & Finishing:The Final Surface.
Bring your completed pieces to life by learning how to apply glaze safely and evenly. Discover how different application techniques transform raw clay into finished, food-safe ceramic art. Conclude the course by reflecting on your progress and personal growth with the medium.
Important Course Information
Before booking, please review the vital studio details on the right-hand side of your screen. Click the + icons to read more about:
Pottery Making is Volatile (Understanding the risks and nature of ceramics)
New Student FAQ (What to bring, wear, and expect)
Terms and Conditions
Alternative Payment Plans & Weekly Options
Note: For studio health and safety guidelines, please ensure you take the time to read and familiarise yourself with the information provided before attending your workshop or class here.
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.
What is included in my workshop fee?
Firing: Bisque and clear-glaze firing for up to 4 finished pieces.
What is not included?
Clay: Must be purchased through the studio to ensure kiln compatibility. Prices start from $55+ (inclusive of shipping to Blenheim) depending on supplier stock.
Upgrades: Colored/specialty glazes or extra clay/firings beyond the 5-piece allowance are available at current studio rates.
Can I bring my own clay or glazes?
No, only approved studio materials may be used. Unsuitable materials can melt or explode, damaging the kilns and other students' work.
What do I need to bring? Please bring the following items to every session:
10L lidded bucket (for transporting your clay waste and slip home—do not pour clay down studio sinks)
Storage bin with a lid (serves as your personal drying box and transport container)
Reusable tote bag (capable of carrying 10kg of clay)
Apron, old towel, and a cleaning cloth
What should I wear?
Comfortable clothes you don't mind getting messy, closed-toe shoes, and tied-back long hair. Remove loose jewelry before using the wheel. Note: Pottery Embassy is not responsible for damaged clothing.
Do I really need short nails?
Yes, strongly recommended. Long nails easily gouge wet clay, creating hairline cracks. While they look minor at first, these marks weaken the clay and cause pieces to warp or split during the drying and firing stages.
What are the cleaning expectations?
Students are expected to clean their wheel, tools, and workspace during the final 15 minutes of class.
Part of our shared pottery culture means cleaning up after ourselves. Please ensure all tools are thoroughly wiped down after your class so the next group walks into a fresh, tidy workspace!
General Studio Rules:
Arrive on time (late arrivals miss essential safety and technique demonstrations; missed time cannot be made up).
Clearly label all work. Unlabeled pieces will not be fired and may be recycled.
Keep phones on silent.
No children or extra guests are permitted in the studio unless they are enrolled or pre-approved. (The minimum age for wheel-throwing courses is 16).
What happens if my pottery cracks or breaks?
Please Note: Pottery is Volatile. Ceramics involves variables beyond our control. While we handle your work with the utmost care, pieces can warp, crack, or react unexpectedly to glazes. Pottery Embassy does not offer refunds, credits, or replacements for pieces that do not survive the drying or firing process. Embracing these unexpected results is part of the learning journey!
How long until I can collect my pieces?
Finished work typically takes 6–8 weeks to process. Drying cannot be rushed without cracking the clay, so extended rain or high humidity can delay this timeline.
If it has been over 8 weeks and you haven't received a pickup notification, feel free to reach out. Once notified, please collect your work within one month due to limited studio storage. Uncollected work will be recycled or donated.
Do you offer refunds or transfers? Because spots are highly limited, all changes are handled on a case-by-case basis:
Cancellations: A refund is only possible if your spot can be filled by another student. If it cannot be filled, a 20% administration fee applies.
Transfers: Request must be made at least one month prior to the course start date (subject to availability).
Do you offer private events?
Yes! We host private pottery experiences for birthdays, schools, team-building, and small groups. Contact us directly to book.
Group Booking Responsibility
The person making the booking is responsible for informing all participants of these terms and conditions, including the inherent variability involved in pottery making.
Cancellation Policy
We understand that plans can change and will always do our best to help where possible. A 20% administration fee applies to all cancellations and will be deducted from any refund issued. Cancellations made within 14 days of the workshop start date may not be eligible for a refund unless the space can be filled. Private workshop bookings are non-refundable, as these sessions are reserved specifically for your group.
Attendance
Missed classes or no-shows are non-refundable and non-transferable. Please arrive on time, as late arrivals may miss important instructions and may not be able to complete their work.
Rescheduling
Requests to transfer to another workshop must be made in advance and are subject to availability.
Health & Safety
By participating, you acknowledge that pottery involves the use of tools and equipment and agree to follow all safety instructions provided. Participation is at your own risk.
Kiln & Breakage Disclaimer
While all care is taken during drying and firing, pottery is an unpredictable process and breakages, cracks, or glaze variations can occur. We cannot guarantee final results and are not responsible for damage that occurs during firing.
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 are loaned and must be returned on week 5. Just bring your creativity and enthusiasm.
Cleaning & Equipment Policy
Students are required to clean their tools, workspace, and any equipment used after each class. Please ensure all tools are wiped down and your area is left as you found it. These practices help tutors finish and pack up efficiently, ensuring the studio is ready for the next group.
Collecting Your Work
Finished pieces will be available for pickup after the drying and firing process, which takes approximately 6–8 weeks. You will be notified when your work is ready for collection. Additional costs apply for individual shipping if required. Finished work must be collected within a reasonable timeframe after notification due to limited storage space.
Weekly Payment Plan
If Klarna which is Pottery Embassy's "Afterpay" isn’t suitable for you, you’re welcome to pay for workshops in weekly installments. You can deposit any amount that fits your budget each week, as long as the full balance is paid before the workshop date. Book as usual and select bank transfer as your payment method, then send a message to receive bank details so payments can be easily tracked.
Health, Safety & Participation
Pottery Embassy is committed to providing a safe and supportive studio environment. Participants acknowledge that working with pottery materials, tools, equipment, and glazes involves some inherent risks.
By attending workshops or classes, participants agree to follow studio instructions, safety guidelines, and reasonable directions provided by instructors at all times.
Participants are responsible for ensuring they are physically able to participate in studio activities. Please inform your instructor before class if you have any medical conditions, allergies, injuries, pregnancy considerations, or physical limitations that may affect your participation.
While every reasonable care is taken to maintain a safe studio environment, Pottery Embassy is not liable for personal injury, loss, or damage arising from participation in studio activities except where required by New Zealand law.
