Spinning Beginnings - First Steps on the Potter‘s Wheel

Short description of the course:

Welcome to our "Basics on the Pottery Wheel" course – an exciting journey into the world of clay! This basic course provides an introduction to wheel throwing, allowing participants to experience all stages of the process.

Prepare to get your hands dirty as you dive into the joy of the wheel throwing! Over four weeks, you'll gain a foundation and learn the basic techniques for shaping the clay.

Join us and embark on an unforgettable adventure into the world of pottery!
 

What to expect:

• Learn the foundations of wheel throwing: including wedging, centring, opening and pulling the clay, shaping, trimming, and cleaning the equipment.

• Discover various decorating techniques: such as carving, stamping, adding attachments, texture, and relief.

• Gain an understanding of the basics of glazing.

• Develop confidence to continue practicing independently.

• Receive guidance and support from our experienced potter: each class will begin with a demonstration, and throughout the session, you'll receive valuable insights and tips to elevate your wheel throwing skills to the next level!

• Bring home a collection of your unique creations – from cups, to small bowls and vases!

What is included:

The course price includes the use of studio equipment and tools, clay, and tuition, as well as further processing of the pieces. All students need to bring is a positive attitude and a willingness to learn! 

What you will learn:

During the course, you will learn the basics of wheel throwing, including wedging (preparing the clay for further work), centering, opening and pulling the walls, shaping, trimming, and cleaning the potter's wheel. You will learn how to use trimming and decoration tools to add refinement and authentic touch to your creations. You will also be introduced to the basic principles of glazing.

Is this course right for me?

This course is designed for beginners with no previous pottery experience or knowledge, but those with some experience can also benefit from the course to level up their existing knowledge and develop effective working processes. For more experienced students, we recommend attending intermediate level thematic pottery courses, or joining the studio classes

Some important things to keep in mind:

• We encourage all students to arrive 15 minutes before the start of class. This will allow us to start on time and will give you the opportunity to socialize with other students and share your wheel throwing tips and experiences. This will help everyone improve their skills and achieve better results.

• Please wear comfortable clothing that you don’t mind getting dirty for the wheel throwing class. Aprons and towels will be provided and the clay will wash off, however it is recommended to wear clothes that are easy to clean in case of clay splatters. Please secure your hair with a tie during the wheel throwing class for a hassle-free experience!

• We will be happy to store your craftwork throughout the course. Your works will be ready for collection in about 2-3 weeks from the day of the last class. 

• This course will provide you with hands-on experience and the basic knowledge needed for the wheel throwing, but it is important to practice regularly to fully incorporate this knowledge. Our studio classes offer the opportunity to continue practicing in a community of like-minded individuals, or consider taking intermediate level ceramic classes.

Course teacher

Ruta Katiliute