Term Classes
Beginners Wheel Throwing, Intermediate Wheel Throwing, Hand Building, Sculpture, Kids Classes
4 & 8 Week Wheel Throwing Term Classes
Beginner
The 4-Week Reset: Dip Your Feet In
If you’ve been looking for a reason to get your hands dirty and try something new, this is your invitation. Our four-week term is all about dipping your feet in and getting a feel for the wheel without any heavy lifting. It’s a low-pressure "getaway" right in the middle of your week where you can let your hair down and just play with clay.
The best part? If you find yourself catching the "pottery bug" and enjoying the rhythm, you don’t have to stop. You can simply carry that momentum right into our 8-week term, continuing the journey with your teammates and diving deeper into the craft without missing a beat. It’s the perfect way to start your creative habit.
The 8-Week Immersion: Dive In with the Team
This is where the magic really happens. Our eight-week term is for those ready to truly dive into the studio life. Here, your classmates become your teammates, and the studio becomes your weekly sanctuary. It’s a time-honored, beautiful craft, and we treat it that way—but with a cool, calm, and relaxed vibe that feels more like a vacation than a classroom.
Over these eight weeks, you’ll progress through the skills of wheel throwing, turning raw earth into beautiful objects you’ll keep forever. It’s about the connection, the friendship, and the shared experience of unplugging from the noise to focus on something tactile and real. Come prepared to relax, progress, and have a genuinely good time.
The Studio Vibe
Beginners wheel throwing term meets every week consecutively for 8 weeks and is segmented into (2) four week cycles. Each four week cycle culminates into finished glazed and fired work, which is improved upon on the second cycle as the participants understand the continuity of all the steps from cycle one.
Each cycle instructs students on how to:
-Wedge clay in preparation for throwing.
-Throwing, which includes techniques such as centering, opening, collaring, compressing bottoms, pulling cylinder walls, bellying, undercutting, use of tools, and wiring.
-Trimming pots with trim tools via, stops, giffin grip, twist lock, etc.
-Handling, sgrafitto, carving, slip and scoring.
-Glazing, ceramic brush decorating, waxing.
-Firing
There is unlimited use of clay and materials. Tools are provided and 4 finished works (8 week term) or 2 finished works (4 week term) are included in the term with any additional works desired put through our kiln firing services (check in our studio services tab for prices). Participants are guided on how to make a multitude of functional and decorative objects.
Any missed classes can be made up on other calendered term dates or replaced with two hours studio access at your convenience.
Cost is $600+gst (8 week term) and $300+gst (4 week term)
Term classes include a studio induction ($50 value) in the event participants would like to access the studio outside of their term.
Start date: Wednesdays from the 22/04/2026 6.30pm-8.30pm
(Class dates are subject to change depending on meeting minimum numbers.)
Please email info.mccanlesspottery@gmail.com and let us know whether you’d like to book into the 4 or 8 week term!
Things to consider
Please wear clothes that you are comfortable in and are willing to get dirty!
Having short nails will make the process easier and less frustrating as they get caught in the clay when long.
Watches, rings and jewellery on the arms must not be worn as they get caught in the clay.
Students aged 10 -12 are welcome to enrol in our classes if they are accompanied by an enrolled adult.
4 & 8 Week Wheel Throwing Term Classes
Intermediate
Moving Forward: The Intermediate Journey
The Intermediate Immersion: Refining the Potter’s Life
Once you’ve found your footing on the wheel, the Intermediate Term is where you really start to inhabit the "Potter’s Life." This isn’t about more pressure—it’s about more freedom. This term is designed for those who have the basics down and are ready to move from making "objects" to refining their own personal aesthetic.
In this space, we lean even further into the community and the calm. You’ll work alongside fellow makers who are also exploring the nuances of form, weight, and style. It’s a beautiful, ongoing progression in a time-honored craft, where the goal is to develop your unique voice in clay while enjoying the steady, relaxing rhythm of the studio.
Finding Your Flow: Practice & Studio Access
As your skills grow, so does your need for a creative sanctuary. The Intermediate Term is the perfect bridge toward our Studio Access options. As you begin to refine your art, you might find that having your own time at the wheel—outside of class hours—is where your true style begins to emerge.
Whether you choose to stay in the guided 8-week intermediate flow or dive into independent studio practice, the goal remains the same: to keep your hands dirty, your mind relaxed, and your connection to this craft growing.
Our intermediate wheel-throwing term classes are designed for potters with previous experience and aim to sharpen specific areas desired by each participant. The intermediate term class focuses on refining the rudiments and then broadens the technical, historical, and artistic aspects of ceramics, with a special focus on developing an individual style and providing technical knowledge based on each participant's goals.
Any missed classes can be made up on other calendered term dates or replaced with two hours studio access at your convenience.
Our intermediate term includes unlimited clay and materials and provides 4 finished works (8 week term) or 2 finished works (4 week term), glazed and fired to completion, with options to put additional pieces through our firing services.
Cost is $600+gst (8 week term) and $300+gst (4 week term)
Term classes include a studio induction ($50 value) in the event participants would like to access the studio outside of their term.
Start date: Thursdays from the 23/04/2026 6.30pm-8.30pm.
(Class dates are subject to change depending on meeting minimum numbers.)
Please email info.mccanlesspottery@gmail.com and let us know whether you’d like to book into the 4 or 8 week term!
Things to consider
Please wear clothes that you are comfortable in and are willing to get dirty!
Having short nails will make the process easier and less frustrating as they get caught in the clay when long.
Watches, rings and jewellery on the arms must not be worn as they get caught in the clay.
Students aged 10 - 12 are welcome to enrol in our classes if they are accompanied by an enrolled adult and have done the beginners term class.
4 & 8 Week Hand Building Term Class
Beginner
The Hand-Building Experience: Back to the Roots
The 4-Week Reset: The Original Touch
Long before the wheel ever spun, people were shaping the earth with nothing but their hands. Our four-week hand-building term is an invitation to return to those roots. This is a low-pressure, deeply tactile introduction to the most ancient forms of the craft—pinch pots, coiled vessels, and slab-built treasures.
Because there’s no wheel between you and the clay, the pace is naturally slower and even more relaxed. It’s the ultimate "unplugged" getaway. You’ll get your hands dirty, learn the fundamentals of construction, and enjoy a space where the conversation flows as easily as the creativity. It’s the perfect "toe in the water" for those who want to create beautiful, organic objects in a setting that feels like a gathering of friends.
The 8-Week Immersion: The Maker’s Table
The eight-week term is where we truly lean into the "Potter’s Life" through the art of hand-building. Over two months, your group becomes a creative team, sharing a table and a rhythm. We dive deeper into the sculptural possibilities of clay—refining your aesthetic through advanced coiling, intricate slab work, and surface textures that only the human hand can produce.
The beauty of the hand-building table is the social connection. Without the immediate, singular focus required by the wheel, there’s more room for laughter, shared stories, and genuine friendship. It’s a time-honored, earthy approach to art that rewards patience and presence. By the end of the term, you won’t just have a collection of unique, hand-sculpted pieces; you’ll have experienced the true, communal heart of the studio.
Why Choose Hand-Building?
The Connection: It’s the most direct way to work with clay—just you, your hands, and the earth.
The Social Vibe: Sitting around the table creates a uniquely relaxed atmosphere where conversation and community come first.
The Artistry: From organic, "pinch" textures to modern, architectural slabs, the aesthetic possibilities are endless and entirely your own.
This class is perfect for beginners and offers a comprehensive introduction to the fundamental techniques of hand-building with clay. Here are the details:
Class Schedule:
Duration: 8 or 4 consecutive weeks depending on which term length is chosen.
What You Will Learn:
Techniques:
Pinch Pots
Coiling
Slab Building
Slip and Scoring
Projects:
Mugs
Plant Pots
Imprinted Bowls
Sculptures
Included in the Class:
Clay and glazes
Use of tools and banding wheels
Completion of 4 pieces (up to 3kgs in total) for the 8 week course or up to two pieces (1.5 kgs in total) for the 4 week course.
Additional Information:
Any pieces over the 3kg limit for the 8 week course or any pieces over the 1.5kg limit for the 4 week course will incur an extra charge of $23 per kilo.
Please ensure you can attend all classes, as we are unable to offer make-up classes.
For ease of working with clay, we recommend keeping your nails short.
Cost is $600 +gst for the 8 week term and $300+gst for the 4 week term.
Term classes include a studio induction ($50 value) in the event participants would like to access the studio outside of their term.
We look forward to guiding you through the creative and rewarding process of hand-building ceramics. See you in class!
Start date: Mondays from the 20/04/26 6pm-8pm
(Class dates are subject to change depending on meeting minimum numbers.)
Please email info.mccanlesspottery@gmail.com and let us know whether you’d like to book into the 4 or 8 week term!
8 Week Kids Term - Wheel Throwing and Hand Building
Young Makers’ Studio: Creative Play on Your Schedule
The Experience: Tactile, Screen-Free, and Pure Joy
Our Kids’ Pottery sessions are designed as a sanctuary of "real-world" play. In an age of screens, the pottery studio offers a 100% tactile escape where kids can get their hands dirty and let their imaginations run wild. Whether they are pinching, coiling, or trying their hand at the wheel, they are developing fine motor skills, spatial awareness, and the kind of "physics-in-motion" problem-solving that only clay can teach.
More than just an art class, this is a social hub. Our young makers vibe off each other’s ideas, troubleshoot together, and form a cohesive, supportive unit. It’s a space where "mistakes" are just part of the process and every project is a win for their confidence.
Choose Your Own Adventure: Total Flexibility
We know family life can be a juggle, so we’ve made joining the studio as easy as possible. You can tailor your child's experience to fit your schedule:
The Single-Session Spark: Perfect for a one-off creative "getaway" or to see if they enjoy the feel of the clay.
The Multi-Session Pass: Purchase two, three, or four sessions to give them a bit more time to see a project through from start to finish.
The 8-Week Term Immersion (Best Value): For the kids who want the full "Potter’s Life" experience. The 8-week term allows them to truly dive into the craft, build lasting friendships with their teammates, and progress through more complex projects. Plus, booking the full term comes with a special community discount.
Why it’s Good for Growing Minds
Socialization through Art: Kids learn to share space, tools, and ideas, building a unique "studio bond" with their peers.
Confidence & Resilience: Seeing a project through from a lump of earth to a finished object builds a lasting sense of accomplishment.
The Digital Detox: A dedicated time to unplug, focus, and find "flow" in a beautiful, time-honored craft.
Class Description:
Unleash your creativity in this exciting 8-week pottery class designed for kids aged 6-12! Join us as we explore the magical world of clay through hand building and wheel throwing techniques. Each week, students will dive into new projects, from pinch pots and coil sculptures to beautifully thrown bowls and mugs.
What to Expect:
Hands-On Learning: Students will engage in fun, interactive lessons that encourage imagination and creativity. Each session includes step-by-step guidance to help them master essential pottery skills.
Techniques Explored: We’ll start with hand building methods, allowing kids to shape and design their own unique creations. As they gain confidence, they’ll transition to the potter’s wheel, learning to throw and shape their pieces with finesse.
Artistic Expression: Each child will have the opportunity to personalize their projects using
glazes and decorations, resulting in one-of-a-kind pieces they can be proud of.
Friendship & Fun: This class is not just about clay; it’s about making friends,
sharing ideas, and enjoying the process of creating together!
Materials Included: All clay, tools, and glazes are provided, so just bring your enthusiasm!
Additional Information:
Children can make one small piece per class, or a bigger project could take
2-3 weeks and up to 3kgs is included per term.
Any pieces over the 3kg limit will incur an extra charge of $23 per kilo.
Any missed classes can be made up on any future calendered Kids Clay Class dates.
For ease of working with clay, we recommend keeping nails short.
Join us for a term of creativity, exploration, and fun in the wonderful world of pottery! Whether your child is a beginner or has some experience, they’ll leave with new skills, confidence, and a collection of their own unique artworks. Sign up today and let’s get crafting!
Start date: Thursdays from the 23/04/26 4.30pm-5.30pm
(Class dates are subject to change depending on meeting minimum numbers.)
Cost is $520+gst for the 8 week term or alternatively you can book a one off 1 hour class at $75+gst all year round.
Please email info.mccanlesspottery@gmail.com to secure your spot!