
Wheel Throwing for Beginners 5 Week Course
About This Course
Discover the joy of clay in this 5-week beginner pottery wheel course designed to take you from your very first spin to creating functional, beautiful pieces with confidence.
Whether you’re looking to try something new or start a creative hobby, this hands-on course will guide you step-by-step in a relaxed, supportive environment.
Week 1 – Getting Started
Learn the basics of the pottery wheel, including how to prepare clay, centre it on the wheel, and understand the tools of the trade. Expect a bit of wobble—this week is all about getting comfortable with the process.
Week 2 – Forming Foundations
Build on your centring skills and begin learning how to pull up the walls of your clay to create simple cylinder shapes—the foundation of most wheel-thrown pieces.
Week 3 – Shaping Your Pieces
Transform your cylinders into functional forms such as cups and small bowls. You’ll explore shaping techniques and start refining your control on the wheel.
Week 4 – Trimming & Finishing
Once your pieces have dried to leather-hard, you’ll learn how to trim the base, add foot rings, and refine your forms for a professional finish.
Week 5 – Glazing & Final Touches
Bring your creations to life with colour and texture. Learn glazing techniques and choose finishes that reflect your personal style before your pieces are fired and ready to take home.
By the end of the course, you’ll have a collection of handmade pottery and the foundational skills to continue your ceramics journey.
What to Bring
We provide everything you need to enjoy a smooth and inspiring wheel-throwing experience - just bring an old towel and a willingness to get your hands dirty.
Our studio is fully equipped with high-quality pottery wheels, a selection of beautiful, easy-to-work clays, and all the essential tools you’ll need for shaping, trimming, and refining your pieces. We also supply a range of glazes, allowing you to explore colour and finish in your own unique style.
Firing is included, with your work carefully dried, glazed, and kiln-fired to a durable, food-safe finish. Aprons are available in the studio, but we recommend wearing comfortable clothing that you don’t mind getting a little messy.
From your first lesson to your finished pieces, we take care of the materials and process so you can focus on learning, creating, and enjoying the experience.
Upcoming
All times shown in Auckland time (NZDT)
5 classes
5 weekly classes starting Monday Nov 9, 18:00 - 20:00
for the whole course