Starting Tuesday 16th April - 6 week course for beginners
Tuesday evenings, 6.30-8.30pm, starting Tuesday 16th April 2024
16th, 23rd, 30th April, 7th, 14th, 21st May
Ever fancied giving pottery a try? This course is a fun, hands on, non-scary(!) introduction to working with clay. We will cover handbuilding techniques, such as coil and pinch pots, and slab building, and also the basics of throwing on the potter's wheel. This will cover steps such as wedging clay and weighing out ready for throwing, centering the clay, opening up and then pulling the walls. We will also learn to trim / turn your pots, fettle and finesse them, ready for their bisque fire. After this first firing, you will glaze your own pots, ready for them to be fired again.
This course is aimed at beginners. Maximum of 6 students. The cost of the materials is included in the course cost, for up to 5 items to be fired and glazed. If you want to fire and glaze more than that, there'll be a charge of £4 per additional pot to pay on the last session.
All courses are offered at a reduced rate for residents of the Chocolate Quarter. If you are a resident of TCQ and interested in booking onto a course, please email me at scarabpotsbristol@gmail.com.
Cancellation Policy
Places can be cancelled up to 30 days before the course date with a full refund. Cancellations after this date are non-refundable, but places can be transferred to a future date, provided more than four weeks notice is given and that there is a future space available. All cancellations should be made by email to scarabpotsbristol@gmail.com.
Useful Information Before Your Course
The Pottery Process
We make things out of wet clay. Our pieces then need 5-14 days to dry properly (depending on size, thickness, weather, etc.). After that, they are bisque fired to approx. 1000 degrees Celcius, which takes a few days. The pieces are then glazed and fired again, to approx. 1220 degrees Celcius, taking another couple of days. Pieces will be ready for collection approximately 3-4 weeks after making, and you will receive an email to tell you they are ready to collect.
Parking
There is free parking available at The Chocolate Quarter, in the short stay visitor parking, which is around the back of the building, in the purple bays. If staying longer than two hours, you need to input your car registration number in the tablet on the reception desk, in order to avoid a parking fine. Scarab Pots is not liable for any parking fine issued due to incorrect use of parking system.
Clothing
Aprons will be provided in the studio. You may wish to wear clothing that doesn't mind getting a bit messy!
Nails
Long / fancy nails and pottery are not a great mix! You may find it easier if you trim your nails before attending (or you'll be battling gouges / nail marks in the clay).