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£145.00
Our 'weekend intensive' wheel throwing courses are similar to our 6-week throwing courses, but designer for those who find it difficult to commit to a regular class every week. Perfect for complete beginners or those who have done a one-off session or two before, over the 3 sessions you'll cover the entire process of making pottery on the wheel. The course will consist of:
- 1 x 5 hour session, held on a Saturday, 11am - 4pm
- 1 x 3 hour session, held the next day, Sunday, 11am - 2pm
- 1 x glazing session whereby the date/time is flexible but please note this needs to be at least 1 week after the Sunday session as we need to air dry, then bisque fire your work before glazing
Our classes are adaptable, but we'll roughly follow a structure of:
Saturday: Throwing
We'll start on Saturday morning with the fundamental preparation steps of wedging and centering the clay. We'll then focus on making cylinders, which form the basis for most functional pottery. After a break for lunch we'll return to the wheels to develop those skills and ideas a little more - aim for the perfect mug, a nice ramen bowl, a matcha set or whatever takes your fancy.
Sunday: Trimming
Sunday is about finishing everything off, ready to start drying - turn your pieces on the wheels, add handles, decorate with slips or carve in texture.
Flexible Date : Glazing
After your pieces have been bisque fired you'll be able to book a studio session to come in and glaze your work. This is really flexible and options will be given for during the week, evenings and weekends. Don't worry if you haven't done glazing before, we will explain everything you need to know!
All use of clay, tools, equipment and firing is included in your booking price. It's difficult to say exactly how many pieces can be made within the course, but most students have 5-10 pieces to come back and pick up, 2 weeks after the course ends.
Various 6-week & weekend intensive courses run throughout the year
Frequently asked questions
What if I can't attend every session?
When you miss one of your course sessions, whether that's down to a planned event or something unexpected, we can offer Studio Access hours as a replacement. This is more like self-directed practise hours than a replacement class, but that option is always there for you.
We may occasionally offer you a session in a different class eg. Tuesday to Wednesday, but this is completely down to wheel availability and our own discretion.
What shall I bring?
For wheel classes, it's best to wear clothes you don't mind getting messy, tie long hair back and have short nails. We'll provide aprons and all tools and equipment, but if you have your own you are welcome to bring them. A notebook is also handy as there's a lot to take in.
Can I make anything I want?
Yes and no. Imagine you were learning guitar for the first time, you couldn't just play whatever you wanted from the get-go, you'd need to start with the basics and then practise, practise, practise. Pottery is similar - we'll show you the basics, but it takes time before you can make with intention and flair.
That being said, we love it when you have ideas and goals for the course and we'll encourage you all the way! The benefit of our small classes is that the tutor can respond to each learner's level and needs on an individual basis.
Is there parking?
In the first instance we recommend finding free parking on Higher Ardwick after 6pm & at weekends. Onsite parking is also available but it is charged at £6, cash only. You can find cheaper and and free parking around Powerleague, Union Street and Temperance Street. It's not a problem if you arrive a few mins late to a course booking.
What's the cancellation policy?
We require 14 days notice to refund or reschedule your booking to a new date.
Where less than 14 -3 days notice is provided, we will provide you with a refund if we are able to re-sell your spot. Where less than 3 days is given, we do not provide refunds.