Description
Learn the age-old technique of forming pots on the wheel with an experienced tutor.
In this six week course (one 2.5 hour class per week) you will learn the fundamental skills of wheel throwing. This will include centering clay on the wheel, throwing cylinder and bowl forms, and turning/trimming the bases of your work. Students will also be introduced to a range of decorative techniques, including liquid underglaze colours, tissue transfers and glazes.
At the completion of the course students will have their own glazed pots and bowls to take home and use. This course is ideal for beginners and no previous experience is required. Each class will have a maximum of 10 students.
The cost of this course includes one bag of clay, use of wheel and tools, firing, and all materials for decorating and glazing. Our pottery supply shop stocks a wide variety of products should you wish to explore further, and staff are always happy to help guide you.
Please bring along your own towel and apron. Covered shoes are essential.
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Course Guide
Week 1 – Overview of the course, introduction to clay and the ceramic process, main tools and their uses, clay preparation techniques (wedging), demonstrations on centring clay on the wheel, students practising centring clay on the wheel with guidance from the tutor.
Week 2 – Refresher on wedging clay and centring clay on the wheel, demonstrations on ‘opening out’ and ‘pulling up’, compressing bases – to create cylindrical forms on the wheel. Students create cylindrical forms on the wheel with guidance from the tutor.
Week 3 – Discussion and demonstration on turning/trimming leather hard pots, students turn/trim their forms, students continue to make cylindrical forms on the wheel. Demonstration of throwing bowls on the wheel, students practice throwing bowl forms on the wheel.
Week 4 – Students continuing to practice and create more cylinder and bowls forms on the wheel and turn/trim leather hard work.
Week 5 – Turning/trimming of all cylinder and bowl forms. Learning about and applying decorative techniques, liquid underglaze colours and tissue transfers. All work is finished this session and ready for bisque firing (the first firing).
Week 6 – Discussion of glazes and glaze application, glaze demonstrations (dipping, pouring), students apply glazes to all their work for final firing.
Please note: The content of these sessions may vary slightly according to our different tutors.
After the completion of the course work takes 3-4 weeks to be fired. Students will be emailed when work is ready for collection.
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STUDENT TESTIMONIALS
Absolutely loved the beginner wheel throwing course at NPS, I learned so much and am looking forward to moving into an intermediate course in the future to continue building on my skills. My tutor was incredible, and made the course enjoyable as well as giving a wealth of information specifically targeted for beginner wheel throwers. Lucy immediately put everyone at ease with her kind and patient nature which is very helpful when learning a new skill.
TEAGHAN, October 2022
I loved this experience. Super informative and I learned more than I thought I would. Definitely very humbling and I have a serious new found respect for potters. Excited to do another term in the future.
ELLA, June 2022
It was amazing, I’ve always had an urge to be creative but could never find what I wanted to be creative with until I tried this course! It’s been such a meditative, mindful, fun experience and I can’t wait to get back to try out the wheel again! Cannot recommend this place and this course enough. I will be back!
LAUREN, June 2021
I took the beginner wheel throwing course, and I cannot recommend it enough! My teacher was extremely knowledgeable, patient, and kind. We got to make pots and bowls of all sizes, and had loads of creative freedom and options when it came to the wheel! Everyone’s pots looked different and unique by the end – it was so incredible seeing different techniques and finished products. This was a great experience all around, and perfect if you want to try something new, creative, and fun!
CHANDLER, June 2021
I was a bit nervous coming in on the first day, it’s been ages since I did anything like this, but Ray made the class feel at ease, lowered expectations to a realistic level, was always available and approachable and full of great guiding advice rather than directions. I had a great time and hope to return soon!
ALEX, June 2021
The course is a great introduction or refresher. Excellent teacher, nice small class so able to ask questions and get more detailed instruction if needed.
KRISTY, June 2021
