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Taster Classes

8 Week Courses

This 8 week beginners and improvers course is a great way to learn and practice different hand building techniques, throwing on the wheel and glazing in a supportive and encouraging environment. All course are for beginners & for those returning to improver on their skills.

All materials and firings are included.

Monday Morning Ceramics Course
10.00–12:30pm
Mondays10.00–12:30pm | 7th September – 26th October 2026
£235
Book here

Thursday Evening Ceramics Course
Thursdays 6.00–8.30pm | 10th September – 29th October 2026
£235
Book here


Wednesday Evening Throwing Focussed Course  
Wednesdays, 6:00–8:30pm | 9th September – 28th October 2026
£250
Book here

Throwing Weekend

Weekend Throwing Course for Beginners
Saturday 19th & Sunday 20th September 2026
10am–4pm
Book here

This two-day, hands-on course is a great introduction to throwing on the potter’s wheel, suitable for both complete beginners and those looking to build confidence and refine their skills. Working in a small, supportive group, you’ll have your own wheel for the duration of the course, allowing plenty of time to practise and develop your technique with individual guidance throughout.

Over the weekend, you will:
- Learn the fundamentals of wheel throwing, including centring clay, pulling walls, and shaping simple forms
- Be guided through clay preparation and an introduction to essential tools and equipment
- Spend extended time practising on the wheel to build confidence and muscle memory
- Trim and refine your pieces on the second day
- Explore simple decorative techniques to personalise your work

By the end of the course, you’ll have created a selection of your own pots, which we will glaze and fire for you. Your finished pieces will be ready to collect approximately 6 weeks later (or can be posted by arrangement).

Each day includes a vegetarian lunch, as well as tea and coffee, so you can settle in, focus on making, and enjoy the experience at a relaxed pace
£180

Raku Day Course

Raku Sundays at Common Clay
2nd, 9th & 30th August  2026
Book here

Experience the excitement of Raku — a fast-paced, expressive ceramic firing technique rooted in Japanese tradition. This process involves removing glowing hot pots from the kiln and placing them into combustible materials, creating rich, smoky surfaces and beautifully unpredictable results.

These sessions are led by artist Katalina Caliendo, who will guide you through both making and firing processes, introducing a range of alternative and experimental firing approaches alongside traditional Raku.

This includes demonstrations and opportunities to explore Obvara firing and the use of a variety of combustible materials including horsehair and feathers, alongside a selection of Raku glazes designed to create bold and dynamic surface effects.

This August, the programme is split across making and firing sessions:

Sunday 2nd August – Making Session 
11am - 1.30pm
This session is dedicated to creating work for Raku firing. You’ll be guided through making simple, effective hand-built forms in clay that respond well to the Raku process. Your pieces will be dried and bisque fired by the studio, ready for firing in a later session. Book here

Sundays 9th & 30th August – Raku Firing Sessions
10am - 4pm
These sessions focus on glazing and firing. You’ll be guided through the full Raku process, from surface decoration through to firing in our outdoor kiln. Your tutor will share techniques to help you achieve striking results, while also encouraging experimentation and chance — a key part of Raku and related alternative firing methods.
Book here

You can bring your own bisque-fired pots, use pieces made during the August 1 session, or purchase bisque ware from the studio. With small group sizes (maximum 6 participants), there is plenty of opportunity for individual guidance throughout the day.
We aim to fire as much work as possible, but please allow for up to four pieces per person during firing sessions.

What’s included: All materials, a range of Raku glazes, combustables, firing, tools, apron, gloves, and refreshments (tea & coffee) & a simple vegetarian lunch on firing days.

Key information: Outdoor firing (weather dependent)
Maximum pot size: 20 x 20 x 20 cm. Suitable for all levels




Kids Summer Clay Club at Common Clay
Tuesdays: August 4, 11 & 18

8 - 11 years: 10am - 12pm book here
12 - 16 years: 1pm – 3pm book here

Our Summer Clay Club is a series of fun, hands-on sessions where young people can make, experiment, and get creative in a relaxed, welcoming studio.

Across the three Tuesdays, we’ll explore a range of techniques — from hand-building and sculpting to surface decoration — with dedicated time on the pottery wheel each session. This is a great chance to try wheel throwing, with plenty of guidance to help build confidence and skills.

You’re welcome to book a single session or join us for all three.

Sessions are tailored to each age group, with projects designed to be engaging, achievable, and open-ended. All levels are welcome — no experience needed.

Alongside the making, we prioritise a calm, supportive environment where everyone feels comfortable and included. Sessions are led by experienced artist facilitators, with small group sizes to ensure each participant gets plenty of guidance, including one-to-one support on the pottery wheel.

Participants will create a range of pieces across the sessions. Work will be carefully dried and fired by the studio, ready for collection at a later date.

Book here


Optional full-day add-on: Kids Woodwork at Do Your Ideas

If you would like to make a full day of it, you’re also welcome to book onto Kids Woodwork at Do Your Ideas carpentry workshop, which is connected to our studio. Their sessions run on the same days 10–12 for 12–16 year olds and 1–3 for 8–11 year olds. We will also supervise a lunch break and time to run around in our yard between sessions for anyone staying for the full day.

Please note: these sessions are booked separately via https://doyourideas.org


Classes - Terms and Conditions 2026

• Full payment is required to secure a place in any class or workshop.
• Cancellations made more than 7 days before the class are eligible for a full refund or credit.
• Cancellations made less than 7 days before the class are non-refundable.
• Missed classes are not refundable or transferable.
• In the rare event that we cancel a class, you will be offered a full refund or the option to reschedule.

Group Bookings

Gift Cards