Beginner Pottery Workshop FAQ
What is included in the workshop?
Your workshop includes instruction, clay, tools, and firing for up to 2 finished pieces.
Do I need any experience?
No experience is needed. Workshops are beginner-friendly and designed for all skill levels.
What should I wear?
Wear comfortable clothing that you don’t mind getting a bit messy. Clay washes out, but may leave marks on delicate fabrics.
Do I need to bring anything?
No, everything is provided for you, including clay, tools, and materials.
Do I need an apron?
No apron is required. You’re welcome to bring one if you wish.
Where are you located?
The studio is located at 201 W 6th Ave (corner of 6th & Columbia). Street parking is available, but limited—please allow extra time. Do not park in the lot behind the studio.
Is there parking available?
Street parking is available in the area. Please allow extra time to find parking.
Is the studio accessible?
Yes. The studio is wheelchair accessible. Please reach out in advance if you require specific support.
What is the schedule of the workshop?
Please arrive 10–15 minutes before your scheduled time. I begin with a demonstration, followed by guided hands-on time. Clean up and colour selection take place in the final 30 minutes.
What if I arrive late?
Late arrivals may miss important instruction and may not be able to complete their pieces. If you arrive after the demo, you will not be permitted to attend as it is disruptive to the other participants.
How many pieces will I make?
Most participants make 1–2 pieces. Depending on time, you may create up to 4. Additional items beyond the included 2 are $10 each.
Will my pieces turn out perfectly?
Ceramics can be unpredictable. Cracking, warping, or glaze variation may occur, this is part of working with clay. The studio does not guarantee completed or successful pieces.
Can I have long nails?
Short to medium nails are recommended. Long nails may make wheel throwing more difficult, though is not impossible. I have long nails but I've been throwing for 22 years.
When will my pieces be ready?
Items are typically ready within 4–8 weeks. You will receive an email when they are ready, please search your email in junk and spam folder to ensure you have not already received a pcik up email.
How will I receive updates?
All updates are sent by email. Please read emails thoroughly to stay informed about your workshop and pickup. Please avoid sending emails unless it is 8 weeks past your workshop date, and you've searched your inbox and can not find any pick up notifications.
How do I pick up my items?
Pickup is by appointment only. You will receive a booking link once your items are ready.
Do I have to book a pickup appointment?
Yes. Appointments are mandatory and scheduled for times when I am available at the studio.
What if I can’t make any pickup times?
Shipping is available for an additional fee, or items may be left at the back gate (at your own risk). Please email to arrange.
Can someone else pick up my items?
Yes. You may book the appointment and forward the confirmation email to them.
Should I have received a confirmation email?
Yes. A confirmation email is sent after booking. If you have not received it, please check your spam folder or email me to resend. I manually accept payments, so your bank will note that the payment is "pending" or "unclaimed" untill I confirm the order is correct, typically within 1-10 business days. Your spots in the workshops are held untill the payment is accepted. Refund policy apply during the holding period.
Can I buy a workshop for someone else?
Yes. You’re welcome to purchase as a gift—have them provide your name upon arrival.
What if I am sick?
Please do not attend if you are feeling unwell. Reach out as soon as possible and I may offer a transfer depending on timing and availability.
What if I miss my workshop?
Workshops are non-refundable. With at least 10 days’ notice, I may offer a one-time transfer depending on availability. You may also gift your spot to someone else.
Can I cancel or reschedule?
Bookings are non-refundable. Transfers may be offered with sufficient notice.
Can I book a private workshop?
Yes. Private bookings are available—please email to arrange.
What happens to my pieces after the workshop?
After your workshop, I'll take care of trimming, finishing, glazing and firing your pottery.
Once your pieces are firm enough to handle, I'll trim the bottoms, smooth out surface marks and refine the overall finish.
If your piece has an uneven rim, I'll gently smooth the item rather than trim it down. This helps preserve the shape you've created while giving your pottery a clean finish.
I'll then glaze your pieces in the colours you selected during the workshop and fire them in the kiln.
How long does the finishing and firing process take?
Your pottery goes through several stages before it's ready to take home:
- Initial drying (4–7 days): Your pieces need to firm up enough to be safely handled and trimmed.
- Trimming and finishing: I'll trim the bottoms, smooth the surfaces and prepare your pieces for firing.
- Final drying (approximately 1 week): Your pottery must dry completely before entering the kiln. Thicker pieces may take longer.
- First firing (approximately 3 days): Your pieces go through their first kiln firing, including heating, cooling and unloading.
- Glazing: I'll apply the glaze colours you selected during the workshop.
- Second firing (approximately 3 days): Your pieces return to the kiln for their final firing, cooling and unloading.
The process typically takes 4–8 weeks, although some pieces may be completed sooner, depending on the thickness of your pieces, drying conditions, kiln scheduling and the volume of work moving through the studio.
Once your pottery is ready, you'll receive an email with instructions to book your pickup appointment.
Please wait until you've received your pickup notification before booking. If it's been more than 8 weeks since your workshop, please check your inbox and spam folder for the notification before reaching out. Please note that during the drying and firing process the items may shrink 12-15%.