Click on any question to see the answer. Still have questions? No problem. That’s totally normal. Email us and let’s chat.
Welcome! Thanks for thinking of us. We've got you, don't worry. Our entire studio is built around offering support to all levels, and we have a pretty extensive absolute beginner program. We have a whole page dedicated to all the wonderfulness that is being brand-spankin' new to pottery. If it doesn't answer your questions, be sure to email us and we'll get you sorted.
What is the Beginner and Intermediate curriculum? How do I know which I should take?"
Our Beginner curriculum is for someone brand-spanking new to pottery, someone coming back after a break, or someone with a little bit of experience. We cover centering, pulling, glazing, trimming, and how to make cups, mugs & bowls. There are 2 classes that make up the beginner curriculum- Beginning Wheel Cups & Mugs and Beginning Wheel Bowls. It doesn't matter what order you take the classes in. You'll need to take both before you're ready to continue on to Intermediate Wheel.
Our Intermediate Curriculum is for those who have completed the 2 Beginner classes, or have more extensive previous experience. We'll dig deeper into techniques and focus more on forms. You'll learn how to throw bigger, apply glaze in more interesting ways and you'll learn how to make plates, bottles, vases and lidded jars. Intermediate Wheel is also split into 2 classes: Intermediate Wheel Plates & Jars and Intermediate Wheel Vases & Bottles. It doesn't matter what order you complete the classes in. After taking both Intermediate Wheel classes, you can pick and choose from any of our Intermediate/Advanced classes that take deep dives into pottery techniques and forms knowing you'll be able to tackle anything we throw your way!
Wait. I have to take private lessons with you before becoming a member/taking a class?
If you have zero pottery experience, you can hop right in to one of our classes or take private lessons with us. No problem. We just want to make sure that you know how to make pieces that will be successful (not explode in the kiln, not drip glaze over other people's work, etc) while protecting the work of other students. If you don't have experience, or only have a high school class, you'll just need to take a class with us or take private lessons before registering for work-on-your-own studio membership.
I need to cancel my class. What should I do?
Try-Clay Classes: Our Try Clay classes are non-refundable, as we have a fixed amount of seats to offer each week. However, we'd love to help you to reschedule your class as long as you contact us at least a week ahead of your scheduled class. For example, if you have booked a class for Friday night and contact us an hour before class, we will not be able to reschedule you.
4-Week Classes: If you need to cancel your entire 4-week class, we are happy to refund you, switch you to another class, or give you credit for your class, just email us and we'll help you out, as long as you let us know a week (or more) out from your start date. If you can't make a single date of your 4-week class, we recommend considering a private lesson to make up the material.
What class should I take?
If you're not sure what you like yet, or if you want to commit to a class, I'd recommend taking a one-time "Try Clay" class. This lets you sample what handbuilding or the wheel is all about and see which one might be for you.
What should I wear to class?
Wear comfortable clothes that can get dirty. Even though clay washes out, it's best to wear what you'd wear for hiking/gardening/working out. If you have longer hair, bring something to tie it back with. Feel free to bring a towel or apron with you if you'd like to have something to wipe your hands on and protect your clothes a bit.
What should I expect in my first class?
To have fun, make a mess, and have things not quite work out. We refer to the process of pots collapsing as a "pile of learning", and it's true. The path to figuring all this stuff out is paved with a lot of wobbly and falling pots. The most important thing is to be kind to yourself, be patient with yourself and give yourself permission to be a beginner. Everyone has to start at the beginning. Everyone has been where you will be. And it is our goal to help you, support you, encourage you and teach you what we know in a loving and safe environment. You've got this!
What is the difference between handbuilding & the wheel?
Handbuilding involves working on a table with your hands and no motorized equipment. It is a slower, more deliberate and less messy process. You also end up having "success" at an earlier part in your education. You then learn there's a giant rabbit hole to fall through, haha. It's a great fit for folks who like a more laid back tempo. I'd also recommend handbuilding over the wheel if you have sensory issues with noise or touch, if you get anxious or stressed with fast-paced things or are a perfectionist.
The pottery wheel is motorized and spins as you work with the clay. There is a steeper learning curve and it tends to be messier and more immediate. Once you get the hang of it, you can make larger pieces as well as more pieces than you'd make handbuilding. It has a steeper "failure" rate up front, but, once it clicks, you're set. So, make sure you can tolerate that learning looks like a lot of collasped pots in the beginning and you'll be just fine. It's fast-paced and engaging and a lot of fun.
But, it really just comes down to personality and what works best for you- slow, precise and deliberate or fast, messy and immediate?
What classes do you have for kids?
The Sunday afternoon handbuilding class is appropriate for all ages to participate. This class is not a drop-off experience for children, but an opportunity for families to create together.
Do you do "paint your own" pottery?
We teach people the pottery process from scratch, so you'll be creating with wet clay, focusing on both making the forms as well as decorating. We don't have any premade items to come in and decorate. If you need to find a paint-your-own, I'd recommend MudPatch Creations in Winder.
When can I expect my pottery to be fired?
On average, the turnaround time for work is 2 weeks. If you've made a large piece or sculpture, or anything that is more oddly-sized, it will take longer to go through the kilns. We do not fire on a "first-come, first-served" basis. Rather, we try to get as many pieces through the kiln for as many people as possible as quickly as possible.
Will you fire my work? I didn't make it at your studio...
We no longer fire any work that wasn't made in our studio and using our clay. Diasters have happened...However, you can rent kiln space at Southern Star Studios and Davens. Check them out!
If I buy clay from you, does that mean you'll fire my work?
We fire the work of any student who is currently enrolled as a member with us. The cost of clay on its own does not cover our costs of firing and glazing. If you are not one of our members, we can't fire your work. We've had so many kiln disasters and we don't want to endanger our students' pieces.
Do you sell clay & pottery supplies?
Yes! We sell Laguna and Standard Clays in 25lb bag increments at $20/bag plus tax. Contact us to discuss our clay bodies and set up a time to purchase. We don't sell things like tools, glaze or underglaze. Your best bet is going to be Davens in Atlanta.
Can I drop-in?
Not really. All of our classes have a limited number of seats and need to be registered for ahead of time online. Our Try Clay classes generally book out months in advance, so there aren't really drop in spots available (you can always call to be added to a wait list for a particular date). We have classes at set times, and the rest of the time the studio is open for our enrolled students to practice. So, if you were to pop in, there wouldn't necessarily be a class going on, or a teacher there to help you.
Do you offer scholarships?
Yes! We offer full and partial scholarships as well as work-trades for those in financial need. We've all been in a place in our lives where we needed extra help and extra support, and we don't want finances to stand in the way of you coming to class and experiencing the power of creating. We will not ask you to provide anything to prove need. We believe you.
We have a limited number of scholarships to offer, so we ask you to interrogate your ability to pay and whether or not it's truly possible right now. We want to be there to help in those moments, we just want to make sure those spots truly go where they need to go.
Are you hiring?
We are super lucky to have had the same teaching team for many years - a few of our teachers have been with us for literal decades. So, we're pretty much set in that department and know how dang fortunate we are.
How can I buy your work?
We sell handmade pottery in our gallery space by appointment that is mainly Rob's solo woodfired work, and our collaborative work is represented by In Tandem Gallery in North Carolina. We also host large pottery sales that include student and instructor work in December.