Continue With Clay | Pottery Wheel 2.0

- CONTINUE WITH CLAY -

6 Week course @ 2.5 hours/time.

Mondays 5:30pm - 8pm

NOTE: 5 weeks continuous, *one week break to allow for bisque firings before glaze week. Please see dates below.

Course Overview

A structured and supportive course for students who’ve completed a beginner course or have some experience on the wheel. You have an idea how to wedge and centre clay on the wheel but want more practice and guidance to learn more.
Focus on refining technique, learning new forms, practising height and shape as well as turning and trimming feet. Looking at the shape. Learning to keep only the ”best” potts.

This course is for 3 people at the time, so you will have an excellent chance to get attention and help.  

Course Length:

6 weeks, 2.5 hours per session, once per week

COURSE DATES: 

Mond 1 Sep

Mond 8 Sep

Mond 15 Sep

Mond 22 Sep

Mond 29 Sep

*Please Note! 1 week break to allow for drying and bisque firing for glazing session.

Mond 13 Oct

COURSE STRUCTURE

WEEK 1 – Finding Centre & Cylinder Practice

• Refresh - wedging, finding your center, and basic throwing skills
• Focus on pulling even walls and throwing clean cylinders

WEEK 2 – Mugs & Handles

• Throw mugs and learn to pull and attach handles
• Explore shaping forms for function and aesthetics

WEEK 3 – Taller Throws

• Trimming from previous weeks, learning to look at feet. Handles attachments.
• Practice throwing with more clay for taller forms (vases, bottles)
• Learn to collar in, stretch, and maintain form height

WEEK 4 – Bowls & Throwing on Batts

• Throw open forms like bowls, breakfast bowls, or serving bowls, pasta bowls.

WEEK 5 – Trimming, Handles & Decoration

• Trim all your work with focus on foot rings and clean finish
• Add handles or final touches
• Explore surface decoration using:
  
• Coloured slips
• Sgraffito (carving through slip)
• Japanese tissue transfers

WEEK 6 – Glazing

• Learn to glaze your work using dipping, pouring, or brushing on oxides
• Discuss layering, wax resist, and glaze effects
• Glaze 6–10 of your best pieces

What to Know Before You Join

What to Bring:

– An old towel

– An apron (optional but helpful)

– Closed-toe shoes (no sandals or thongs)

– Hair tied back!

– Short nails! Sorry! Long nails and clay does not mix well.

– A good dose of patience and a positive attitude

What to Wear:

Expect to get a bit muddy! Wear comfy clothes you don’t mind getting dirty — clay does wash out, but best not to take chances.

Health & Safety:

A quick safety chat will be held at the start of your first class. Pottery involves repetitive motion and leaning forward, so it may not suit those with back issues or arthritis.

What to Expect:

– A relaxed, fun, creative experience and a chance to practice your skills.

– Small group size – max 3 students per class

– All materials, clay, tools and tuition included

Finished Work:

You’ll choose your favourite pieces to be glazed and fired. Items will be ready around 4-5 weeks after the course ends. You’ll receive a message when they’re ready to collect. Please pick them up within 6 weeks — after that, uncollected pieces will be donated due to limited shelf space.

Terms & Conditions

– Full payment is required upon booking.

- Please note a minimum of 2 participants will be required for the course to run. 

– Cancellations are refundable up to 7 days prior to commencement, unless the session is cancelled by Healesville Pottery.

– No-shows are not refundable.

– This course is for ages 18+.

– While every care is taken, we can’t guarantee all pieces will survive the firing process — clay can be unpredictable!