FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS about the 6/7 week session

What should I bring?
Students are required to bring their own basic tool kit which can be purchased at Viva Clayworks, Plainsman Pottery Supply, Micheal’s or online. Your fees include one bag of clay. Additional bags can be purchased in class (starting at $38.00). All other materials will be available to use for the duration of the course.

What should I wear?
Getting your hands dirty is part of the fun of a pottery class! To make sure you're comfortable while getting creative, wear something that you won't mind getting clay on. Just in case, the studio does have aprons and rags available to protect your clothes. We recommend tying your hair back, trimming your nails, and removing jewelry before class begins. And don't forget to wear closed-toe shoes!

How does the glazing and firing of my work, work?
Glazing and firing of your work is included in the course fee. Pick-up is 2 weeks after the final class.

What if I miss a class?
We allow one make up class per 6 or 7 week session with make up options available throughout the session! Please notify us at least 72 hours in advance if you are unable to attend the make up class. If you miss the make up class you have signed up for without notice, you will not be able to book another one. Unfortunately, if you are unable to attend any of the set makeup class dates we may not be able to accommodate an additional time. We are unable to provide additional studio time outside of class hours.

How do I sign up?
Registration for our classes and workshops is done through our website. We are unable to accept registration over the phone or via email.

What to expect From the pottery 101 workshops

Arriving to the studio:
When you arrive to the studio you will select a wheel to work at and gather the provided materials and tools. Our instructor will give a step by step demonstration on how to make a piece on the pottery wheel. Participants will then go to their wheels and create their pot, moving step by step through the process with guidance and aid from the instructor. Once finished with their piece, participants will clean up their wheels and tools before selecting what glaze colour they want their pot finished with.

When do workshops run?
Our Pottery 101 Workshops always run on the weekends, with classes taking place on 3 Saturdays or Sundays each month.

What do I get to make?
In this workshop you will go through the throwing steps together as a class, starting off with a cylinder that you can shape into basic forms ranging from a cup, bowl, dish or small plant pot. Please note, we are unable to add handles or other decoration to your pot.

When will I get my pot?
After your pot has slowly dried for a few days, our staff trim (refine the bottom and sides) your pot then let it completely dry and run it through the bisque firing turning it from clay to stoneware. Your pot will then be dipped in the glaze colour of your choice and fired for a second time. This finishing process takes 5-6 weeks so you can expect a pick up email 5-6 weeks after your class.

When should I arrive for my workshop?
Please arrive 5-10 minutes before your workshop is set to start! Our studio does not have a waiting area so please do not arrive more than 15 minutes early.