Pottery Wheel Class for Beginners

MakerSpace Charlotte new address to be posted soon.
For those who have always wanted to try making pottery on a wheel or for those who want to continue making pottery in a supportive group setting, this is your opportunity! Beginner students will learn the skills of making pottery on a wheel. Students with previous experience will learn techniques to make more complicated forms and hone their skills. This class is a great opportunity for students of all levels to explore clay on the potter’s wheel in a fun and creative atmosphere.

The instructor, Hope Thomas, has over 20 years of wheel experience as a professional potter and sells all of her work from her web-site: riverstonepottery.com

Classes will consist of six sessions held on the same day and time each week. Beginners will focus on learning and developing the skills needed to make cups, bowls, plates, and vases. Intermediate students will continue in developing those throwing skills and instructor, Hope, will work with you at your own pace.

Each class consists of a demonstration and hands on instruction and assistance. Hope will work with each student individually while they are learning and will offer assistance where it is needed.

The six week program is as follows:

Class 1: Learn the basic wheel throwing skills of centering and pulling walls to "throw" cylinders/cups.

Class 2: Reinforce basic skills developed during previous class with a focus on making bowls.

Class 3: Learn to throw plates.

Class 4: Shaping of cylinders into various forms such as cups and vases.

Class 5: Last wheel session -- we will focus on your own idea/project.

Class 6: Final session – students will glaze their own work.

You will be working with “real” stoneware clay and glazes. They are the same materials used in the production of high-fired stoneware -- everything you make will be food, microwave, dishwasher, and oven safe.

The class fee includes all the tools and materials (including one 25-lb bag of clay), shelf storage and the ability to fire 10 finished pieces.

IMPORTANT: Class is open to ages 16 and up, though minors must be accompanied by a responsible adult at all times. The adult must purchase an additional ticket to attend the class.

Please wear appropriate clothing for getting clay on, trim your fingernails, tie back long hair and remove any hand accessories. It is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED that participants bring a towel to drape across their lap.

Pottery pieces not picked after 30 days will be discarded.

Class may be canceled due to low enrollment in which case a full refund will be issued.

Want more? View our complete schedule over on MakerSpaceCharlotte.org to see what other classes are available!

Host or Publisher MakerSpace Charlotte