The ‘Wheel Deal’

A 2 hour taster plus kiln fired pieces

This wheel thrown pottery introduction gets you hands-on and dirty learning wheel throwing pottery basics. This is one of our most loved courses. People want to try it with the expectation that it’s relatively easy. Others expect a topless Patrick Swayze to pop in and help out.

Each student will have their own wheel to work from and following a masterful tutor demonstration its then straight down to practice.

Support will be on hand as you try to get to grips with centering and throwing basics.  We keep class sizes small: no more than 8 students to make sure you each get the proper attention. Expect a few pieces to make it below the table into the slop bucket for recycling and about 2 pieces each to make it onto the keeps board. We’ll fire and glaze keeps ready for collection in about 3-4 weeks time.

Please note that we continually add dates to meet demand. This workshop normally runs on a Sunday  afternoon. We can potentially accommodate private bookings for one or two people at different times.

WORKSHOP FORMAT

Step 1: Tutor demonstration

We start the workshop with a 10-15 minute tutor demonstration which provides an overview of the different stages involved.

Step 2: hands-on practice and individual practice

(i) Centering basics

Students start with centring basics (an experienced potter is on-hand to quickly correct and support students). Centering is everything and takes practice to master it.  Sure jelly blobs in contemporary ceramics has its place but lots of luck trying to drink a cup of tea out of it.

(ii) Throwing a pot

Thankfully not across the room but in fact pulling the clay up before opening it out. Playing with purpose.

FIRING AND GLAZING
We fire and glaze your best two pieces with the surviving pieces ready to use in approximately 4-5 weeks.

COURSE PREPARATION

Handbuild experience is highly recommended prior to wheel thrown pottery but not essential

COURSE SUITABILITY

This is mainly an adult course. Children over 10 are welcome but do need to be accompanied by an adult and have good arm strength.

GIFT OPTION:  IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BUY THIS COURSE AS A GIFT BUT DON’T WANT TO SPECIFY A DATE, PLEASE GET IN TOUCH. WE CAN ISSUE AN ELECTRONIC WHEEL POTTERY GIFT VOUCHER WHICH ALLOWS YOUR GUEST TO SELECT AND BOOK INTO A SPECIFIC WORKSHOP DATE OF THEIR CHOICE

FEEDBACK

This is with my mother-in -law who is 85 and really wants to have a go . I loved the last session and can’t wait !  Jacqui.  August 2023