Pottery Taster Lesson

Duration: 1 hour
Cost: £30

Curious about pottery? Our personalised taster session is the perfect way to get your hands on the wheel and experience the basics. Whether you’re brand new to pottery or simply looking for a creative outlet, this 60-minute session offers a relaxed introduction to centring, pulling, and shaping clay.

The class size is limited to a maximum of 3 people. This allows us to ensure a focused and personalised experience for everyone, giving each participant the attention they need to enjoy and learn.

You’ll gain a feel for the process and see if pottery is the craft for you. This is a fun, hands-on experience that offers just a taste of what pottery can offer, ideal for anyone looking to explore their creative side!

Full Day Workshop (Make a Piece From Start to Finish)

Duration: 6 hours
Cost: £150

Come and spend a relaxed day focused entirely on wheel throwing — with plenty of time on the wheel, clear guidance, and lots of chances to improve, whatever your starting point.

If you’re brand new, we’ll build strong foundations: preparing the clay, centring, opening, pulling up walls, and shaping simple forms like a cup, bowl, or small vase. If you’ve thrown a bit before, we can use the day to refine what you already know — improving consistency, getting cleaner cylinders, throwing a little bigger, working on better shapes, and tackling the bits that tend to go wrong.

The class is kept small (maximum of three people), so you’ll get loads of individual support and proper wheel time, without feeling rushed or overlooked.

By the end of the day you’ll have thrown a couple of pieces — typically a cup, bowl, or small vase. I’ll then dry them, glaze them, and fire them for you afterwards, so they’re ready to collect once finished.

Note: A break will be taken for lunch if starting before noon. Please feel free to bring your own packed lunch or visit a nearby café.

6 Block Lesson - Make a piece from start to finish (Includes One Free Lesson)

Duration: 6 x 1 hours
Cost: £150

Join us for a hands-on pottery journey where you’ll learn the full process of creating your own bowls or mugs, from raw clay to a beautifully finished piece ready to take home. Whether you’re a beginner or have some experience, this course covers all the essential steps, including centring, pulling, shaping, trimming, and glazing.

Each 60-minute lesson builds on the previous one, ensuring you develop a deeper understanding of pottery techniques as you craft your very own functional pieces. By the end of the course, you’ll have completed a project from start to finish, with a fired and glazed creation to show for it. Plus, when you purchase the block of six lessons, you get one session for free. The class size is limited to a maximum of 3 people.

Simply book your first class, and we’ll work together to schedule the rest at a pace that suits you. This course offers a perfect blend of creativity and skill-building, letting you walk away with both new knowledge and a handcrafted piece of pottery!

What You Will Learn

You will learn key pottery techniques, including centring the clay on the wheel, coning to strengthen it, opening the clay to form the base, and pulling to shape the walls of your piece. These essential skills will help you create balanced, structured pottery with confidence.

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FAQ

Is throwing on the wheel difficult?

Throwing on the wheel is a hands-on skill that improves with regular practice. It’s often referred to as “the art of repetition,” as each session builds upon the last, helping you refine your technique and control over the clay.

How long does it take to learn?

Everyone progresses at their own pace. You’ll start with the basics—like centering the clay and creating cylinders—and gradually move on to more complex forms such as mugs with handles, bowls, and decorative pieces. With continued practice, your skills will improve with each class.

Does it hurt?

No, pottery doesn’t hurt, although beginners may experience mild abrasion on the hands. Like learning any physical skill, such as playing a string instrument, your skin will quickly adapt. The repetitive motion becomes more comfortable with practice.

What else will I learn?

In addition to wheel-throwing, you’ll learn techniques like trimming, handle-making, decorating, and glazing. You’ll also gain an understanding of the technical aspects of working with clay, including firing processes. While there are no formal tests or certificates, your progress will be guided throughout.

Is there parking at Marcassie Farm?

Yes, there is plenty of parking available, and the tranquil setting of Marcassie Farm is perfect for a creative retreat.

Is the studio wheelchair accessible?

Unfortunately, the pottery studio at Marcassie Farm is not currently wheelchair accessible. We are continually working to improve access to ensure that everyone can enjoy the space in the future. If you have specific accessibility needs, please feel free to contact us, and we will do our best to accommodate you in other ways.

Are the materials safe?

Clay itself is non-toxic, although a very small percentage of people may have a mild allergic reaction. If this occurs, it will be discussed during your first visit. Some glaze materials can be hazardous, but we take all necessary precautions, and safety guidelines will be in place when handling these materials.