8 Week Throwing course

tue 11.00am - 2pm
sun 11.00am - 2pm

What we will cover

This eight-week wheel-throwing pottery class introduces students to the fundamentals of working on the pottery wheel, from centering clay to creating finished functional forms. Designed for beginners and those with some experience, the class provides a supportive, hands-on environment where students can build skills through repetition, guided practice, and individualised instruction.

Throughout the course, students will learn essential wheel-throwing techniques, including centering, opening, pulling walls, and shaping forms such as cylinders, bowls, and cups. Emphasis will be placed on understanding clay behavior, developing consistent form, and improving control on the wheel. Students will also explore trimming, surface finishing, and basic glazing methods to complete their pieces.

By the end of the eight weeks, students will have produced a collection of functional pottery and gained the confidence and foundational skills needed to continue working independently on the wheel. This class encourages both technical growth and creative exploration while fostering patience, focus, and craftsmanship.

    • 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

  • Session 1: kicks off with an introduction to ceramic materials and the processes of making and firing ceramics, as well as Health & Safety in the studio. You will learn how to prepare your clay and start working on your first project on the potter’s wheel.

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    Sessions 2-4: Students continue to work on their projects while the teacher introduces new techniques to build on your skills, including handles, slip decorating and glazing.

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    Session 5: Last chance to start new pieces. After this session, you can still practise your making skills to improve, however it is not possible to finish and glaze fire those pots.

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    Session 6: Cut-off point for the firing queue. This session is dedicated to getting your pots ready to be bisque fired.

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    Sessions 7-8: are dedicated to glazing your pots. These are usually ready to be collected 2-3 weeks after the end of your course.

  • 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).