"Messy & Exciting!"
Beginners - come and have a go!
Making a pot on the potter's wheel is something many people aspire to, but learning the basics of "throwing" requires focused, hands-on tuition, so beginners throwing is not something we are able to offer in our group pottery classes.
To make throwing easier for beginners we have studied the aspects most people struggle with when first learning to throw, and have devised simple, logical techniques which take the mystery out of the craft and will get you throwing in hours rather than months!
If you just want to have a one-off go on the wheel and make a a pot, book one of our Fun Wheel Experience sessions. We will give you a full demonstration then help you centre the clay and let you take it from there and - hopefully - create something. You will get 3 balls of clay to have a go with so everyone comes away with at least one piece...usually!
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If you want to actually learn to throw, a more focused approach is required! Everyone learns at a different pace so to start with just book a Beginners Throwing Class. We will guide you, step by step, through the process of preparing and centering the clay, then pulling up the walls to make a cylinder.
Most people need two Beginners Throwing Classes to pick up the basics, some people need more. Once you are able to independently centre the clay and make a good cylinder you can go on to use the wheel in our small group flexi-classes. In those classes we will help develop your skills as you improve, to include "turning" the bottom of your pots, throwing larger pieces, attaching handles etc.
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Included in the class time is cleaning the wheel and tools, all an important part of the life of a potter!
Fun Wheel Experience:
- 2½ hours duration
- Maximum of 3 people
- All materials included
- Class fee: €60 per person
Beginners Throwing Class:
- 3 hours duration
- Maximum of 2 people
- All materials included
- Class fee: €90 per person
The exhilaration and excitement of turning a lump of clay into a beautiful vessel is hard to match, so contact us now to start learning this amazing skill!
Experienced throwers are also welcome!
If you are already a competent thrower you can still benefit from sharing a studio space with like-minded creative people. It's near impossible to find inspiration in a vacuum, so a number of our students continue to attend weekly classes despite setting up their own home studios since discovering their love for ceramics at Totem!
Experienced throwers are very welcome to attend our regular group pottery classes. When booking your class please be sure to check with us that a wheel will be available and book accordingly. Find class details, including times and fees, here.
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Please note that we do not have the appropriate facilities to accommodate production potters.
Not sure if pottery is for you? Nervous because you are a complete beginner?
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Why not check out our gallery of student work and see what you too could achieve at our classes!