Class Level: LEVEL 2 – Pre-intermediate

Instructor: Jon

Time: 7:00–9:30PM

Class Size: Up to 10 people

Age Requirement: 16+

This class is designed for students who have taken 1–2 6-week beginner pottery wheel classes and are ready to further develop their skills and confidence on the wheel in a supportive studio environment.

You'll continue building your wheel throwing techniques step by step, with a focus on creating consistent breakfast sets through repetition and refinement, then applying those skills to taller forms such as vases and vessels. Throughout the class, you'll strengthen your centering, throwing, trimming, handle pulling, collaring, shaping with ribs, chuck trimming, and surface decoration techniques.

This class is perfect for returning beginners who want to improve consistency, develop greater control on the wheel, and expand their skills beyond basic forms with hands-on guidance and practice.

By the end of the class, you'll have completed a coordinated breakfast set and several taller vessels, while gaining confidence, consistency, and a deeper understanding of the wheel throwing process.

All materials, tools, and aprons are provided — just bring yourself! We recommend wearing clothes and shoes you don't mind getting a little muddy.

One complimentary 25 lb bag of B-Mix 5 clay is included with registration. Additional clay may be purchased separately.

Studio access is included with your course and available from 10am–6pm Monday to Friday, and 12pm–6pm on Sundays. Double-check the website calendar to ensure there aren't one-time or private classes!

Please note: the first week is mandatory, as we'll go over important studio procedures and safety guidelines. Once classes have begun, we're unable to offer refunds.

Classes are subject to change if the minimum student quota isn't met (5 students).

Syllabus

Project 1: Breakfast Sets (Weeks 1–3)

Develop consistency and repeatability through the wheel throwing process while refining core throwing, trimming, and handle-pulling skills. Students will create a coordinated breakfast set consisting of bowls and mugs.

Week 1: Focus on duplication in throwing by creating matching bowl forms. Emphasis will be placed on centering, cylinder throwing, measuring, and producing consistent forms. Students will select and keep their best 2–3 bowls.

Week 2: Continue developing duplication and consistency through mug forms. Focus on creating matching cylinders, refining proportions, and producing a cohesive set. Students will select and keep their best 2–3 mugs.

Week 3: Trim bowls and mugs while learning tap-to-center techniques. Introduction to pulled handles and handle attachment for mugs.

Project 2: Tall Vessels & Vases (Weeks 4–6)

Explore techniques for throwing taller forms by adjusting throwing mechanics, collaring, shaping, and finishing methods.

Week 4: Learn techniques for throwing taller vessels through controlled pulling, collaring, and shaping with metal ribs. Focus on creating height while maintaining structural integrity.

Week 5: Trim vases using chucks and explore surface decoration and texture techniques. Students will also glaze one bowl and one mug from Project 1.

Week 6: Final glazing session for all remaining work. Review key techniques covered throughout the course, complete glazing, and celebrate with a class recap and snacks.

Instructors are subject to change.