Creatively express yourself with one of these fun and therapeutic ceramic classes across Sydney and beyond.
If we’ve learned anything over the past two years, it’s that a little creative expression goes a long way. From Paint and Sip at Pinot & Picasso to the entire apartment we weaved after taking up Macrame during lockdown, few things beat the satisfaction of creating something beautiful with your hands.
Making pottery is the very definition of hands-on crafting, although the result can sometimes be a little messy, shaping pots at the wheel is a hugely soothing and rewarding process. We’re pretty sure once you’ve coaxed your first bowl out of a lump of clay you’re going to be hooked, which is why we’ve lined up all our favourite pottery classes across Sydney and beyond to keep those creative hands busy all summer long!
1. Clay, Sydney
Clay Sydney have two huge studios full to the brim with pottery goodness, both in the inner west: one in Enmore, and one in Marrickville. From beginner hand building and wheel throwing workshops to full-blown ceramics courses, Clay has got you covered.
If you’re keen to get hands-on in-studio, the team has a huge range of studio classes including “Wine and Clay nights”, where you can BYO wine and create your very own vessel of choice. You can even unleash your inner Swayze and reenact that scene as part of Clay’s ‘Date Night’ class.
If you’re thinking of going full kitsch on your Christmas gifting this year, be sure to check out the ‘Make your own’ classes which cover everything from teapots to cheese sets.
Each class includes your final item, which is fired and ready for you to pick up around 3 weeks later. Yes, it’s functional – you can pop it in the microwave/dishwasher or plant a happy plant in it
2. Mont Ceramics, Cronulla
The closest thing to Toulouse this side of Tom Uglys. Mont is a pottery studio in Cronulla offering tailored classes and spinning hand-made ceramic goods.
Mont’s beginner classer offer three core lessons; throwing, trimming and glazing. When you complete all three beginner classes in succession you will be able to make your own ceramic pieces from scratch.
Mont also hosts a series of masterclasses in which attendees are guided on how to craft specific ceramic objects, whether that be mugs, a dining set or cookware. Check out their website to keep up to date on upcoming master classes.
3. Clayground, Bondi & Rosebery
Locally owned, this collective of eco-ceramics studios is located in Bondi (Bondi Clay) & Rosebery (ClayGround) in Sydney. Clayground caters for all ages and skill levels, moulding students from beginner to pro-ceramist.
If getting your hands dirty really isn’t your clay pot, Clayground also offer ‘Just a Glaze’ classes where you can choose from a selection of up-cycled pots, cups and bowls and spend a session glazing them back to beauty.
4. The Pottery Shed, Surry Hills
The Pottery Shed spins out a basic course comprised of three 2-hour classes designed for beginners 12 years old and up, with gentle guidance given as you work independently.
With the basic course, you’ll rack up all the knowledge on spinning, forming clay and trimming and glazing to make a beautiful piece to take home.
5. Silky Shapes, Crows Nest
For those looking to level-up their craft, Silky Shapes offer an extensive series of masterclasses beyond the Beginners Pottery Classes Package.
Once you’ve mastered throwing, trimming and glazing basic cylindrical pieces of pottery, you will begin to work on bigger projects like matching sets of functional pottery, teapots, hand building, surface decorations, mold-making and slip-casting.
Silk Shapes are currently offering Handbuilding, Intermediate Throwing, Surface Decoration and Nerikomi Masterclasses, all of which can be booked through their website.
6. Claypool, Botany
Since it opened in May 2013, Claypool has grown into a centre that speaks to professional and non-professional potters alike. They run a series of classes, exhibitions and educational events for members and collectors as well as enthusiastic supporters of clay.
As well as wheel throwing and hand-building classes throughout the week, Claypool offer seasonally relevant one-off classes, the next of which will see students create a very festive porcelain Christmas decoration. Take home an ornate Christmas decoration to hang on your tree this silly season and treasure for generations to come. Find out more about upcoming classes at their website.
7. Art Est, Leichdardt
Art Est has drawn up quite a reputation when it comes to helping its students discover their artistic potential. A professional studio environment with practicing artists, Art Est offers a nurturing environment to hone your creative skillset.
Amongst the plethora of workshops and masterclasses, Art Est’s Pottery and Prosecco class is top of our try list. No experience is required and all materials are included in the workshop fee + your finished works will be bisque fired and glaze fired in the kiln.
Students will be introduced to basic clay hand building techniques to make two dip bowls and spoons. Learn some basic clay decorating techniques so you can make your bowls unique – be it contemporary or classic. Be prepared to get addicted!