Wheel Throwing Consistent Forms Course | 4 Weeks

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.

Throwing Consistent Forms — 4 Week Goals

Week 1 — Centring & Cylinder Control
Focus on consistent centring, posture, wheel speed, and creating stable cylinder forms with even wall thickness.

Week 2 — Height & Shape Consistency
Practise throwing multiple forms with similar heights, widths, and proportions while improving control and repetition on the wheel.

Week 3 — Refining Technique
Learn how to correct common throwing issues, improve pulling technique, and create cleaner, more balanced forms through repetition and feedback.

Week 4 — Matching Forms & Confidence Building
Work towards creating matching vessels with greater consistency and confidence while developing a deeper understanding of clay movement and form.

Workshop Inclusions:

• The workshop does not include firing of your pieces.

• You’ll receive your own loaned throwing tools as part of the workshop 😊 Please give them a wash at home after every class and bring them along to each class. It’s also helpful to bring a small tub or a large yoghurt container to keep your tools in. These tools must be returned on week 4

Workshop Exclusions:

• Clay  fees are additional to lesson fees. 10kg bag is approximately $45+ depending on whats .in stock. Clay can also be shared between two students if you enrol with a friend.

• If you wish to fire your pieces, this is will be additional cost. Discuss it with your tutor

Please bring the following:

• 10L lidded bucket - All slip and clay waste—including dirty, unwanted, or used clay—must be taken home with you.

• 1L yogurt container 

• Apron, old towel, cleaning cloth

• Please bring a carry bag or reusable tote to transport your clay home safely, as one bag of clay weighs approximately 10kg.

Participant Requirements – Cleaning & Studio Care

• Participants are required to thoroughly clean their pottery wheel and surrounding work area after each class, leaving it in the same condition as it was found.

• All tools must be taken home and washed after each session. 

• The final 15-minutes of every class is clean-up period, which all participants are expected to take part in as part of the workshop.

• Arrive on time for each class, as late arrivals disrupt demonstrations and reduce learning time. Missed time cannot be made up.

• Wear appropriate clothing suitable for pottery. Closed-toe shoes are recommended. The studio is not responsible for damaged clothing.

• Tie back long hair and remove loose jewellery while working on the wheel for safety.

• Follow tutor instructions at all times to ensure a safe and productive studio environment.

• Respect shared equipment and facilities, including wheels, tools and shelvings.

• Label all work clearly with your name or assigned mark. Unlabelled work may not be fired.

• Only approved clay bodies and materials may be used. Outside clay or glazes must be approved prior to use.

• Unclaimed or excess work may be recycled at the studio’s discretion.

• Do not pour clay or glaze residue down sinks.

• Notify the tutor of any breakages or damage to equipment immediately.

• Mobile phones should be kept on silent during class time to maintain focus and respect for others, unless the whole class is ok with it!

• No children or extra guests are permitted in the studio unless enrolled or pre-approved.

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 and materials are included in the workshop unless stated otherwise. 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.

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.