• Preparing clay / wedging

• Which tools you need and how to use them

• Throwing pots on the potter’s wheel, including basic shapes such as a cylinder and a bowl

• Making handles

• Using decorating slips

• Sgraffito decorating

• Trimming pots to refine the shape

• Making foot rings

• Applying glaze to your pieces

• Week 1 – Centring: Learn to prepare and centre clay on the wheel, the foundation of every successful throw, while developing control and an understanding of clay behaviour.

• Week 2 – Pulling: Master opening the clay and pulling even walls to create height and consistency in your forms.

• Week 3 – Shaping: Develop and refine shapes such as cylinders, bowls, cups, and vessels, focusing on form, proportion, and control.

• Week 4 – Bringing It All Together: Combine every technique to throw a finished piece, then explore trimming, surface finishing, and basic glazing to complete your pottery.

Studio Access & Clean-Up

We kindly ask everyone to arrive on time so we can make the most of our session together. To help keep the studio running smoothly, please begin tidying up 15 minutes before the end of the session; this includes labeling and storing your work, cleaning tools, and wiping down your workspace with a sponge and water. These steps reflect standard ceramic studio practice and COSHH guidelines, and we really appreciate your cooperation.

The Ceramics Process

· Make your pieces

· Allow work to dry (1 week to refine; 2–4 weeks before firing depending on size)

· Return to trim, fettle, and optionally decorate

· Dry fully before first firing (3+ weeks)

· Return to glaze

· Final firing and collection (approx. 3+ week turnaround)

Clay Allowance

Clay is included for workshop participants. There may be additonal charges per KG for clay if using large amounts. Open Access users and Members must buy their own clay. Acceptance of Terms By booking any class, workshop, event, or voucher, you agree to these terms and conditions.

Class Validity

Open Access passes and vouchers are valid for 6 months from purchase. Date-specific classes are valid only for the booked date unless rescheduled within 2 months. All bookings are non-refundable and non-transferable unless stated otherwise.

Rescheduling

To help us manage bookings fairly, courses and half-day tasters require one month’s notice for a refund. Thank you for your understanding—these guidelines help us offer a great experience for everyone.

Storage of Work

To help us look after everyone’s pieces, unfired work is stored for up to two weeks and must be clearly labelled. Bisque-fired and finished work is stored for 4–6 weeks. Any work that is unlabelled or not collected within these timeframes may be recycled to make space for others. Thank you for your understanding—unfortunately, refunds cannot be offered for recycled work

Finished Work

All pieces go through two firings before they’re complete, which helps ensure the best results. For this reason, finished work won’t be ready to take home after your first session—but we promise it will be worth the wait! Thank you for your understanding—unfortunately, refunds cannot be offered for recycled work.

Firings & Equipment

Estimated turnaround is 3 weeks per firing. Delays may occur. Over-glazed or excessively thick work will not be fired.

Health, Safety & Liability

Your safety is important to us, and we ask everyone to follow COSHH and studio guidelines to help keep the space safe and enjoyable for all. Goodmood cannot accept responsibility for injuries that result from not following these guidelines, and students may be liable for damage caused by misuse of equipment or materials. As part of the ceramic process, breakages, glaze variations, and kiln-related incidents can occasionally occur, and refunds cannot be offered in these cases. Thank you for your understanding and care in the studio.

COSHH Guidelines

Silica and ceramic materials can be hazardous when airborne. Follow all studio safety rules, clean using water only, avoid dry sanding or sweeping, and wear appropriate PPE when required. Ask staff if unsure at any time.

Contact

For questions, email hello@goodmoodpottery.com. We respond within 2 working days (Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm).