Frequently Asked Questions

Find the answers to some frequently asked questions about my pots and pottery classes.

How do you make your pots?

My pots are made on the potter’s wheel using a white stoneware clay. I pull my handles as it gives a fluid and organic look to the pots and it’s very satisfying to do. Each piece is decorated with coloured slip. Slip is clay in a liquid consistency (like cream). When dry, the pots are bisque fired to 1000°C, and then glazed in a transparent glaze before their second firing to 1240°C.

Where can I buy your pots?

You can buy my pots from my online shop, at national and local craft and pottery markets throughout the year and from a selection of shops. The list of these can be found on my About Me page. If you would like to hear about my upcoming markets, you can sign up to my newsletter here or follow me on Instagram and Facebook.

How do I care for my handmade pottery?

To look after your handmade pottery, it is best to handwash them. They can be washed in the dishwasher on a gentle spin which is lightly packed. Chipping and cracking can happen because the pots are hitting against each other while being washed.

Can I use them in the oven?

Yes, you can use the pots in the oven. They are fired to 1240°C and can withstand the heat of an oven. To avoid thermal shock and cracking, place the dish on room temperature surface after taking it out of the oven.

They are also microwave and freezer proof.

Why are there differences in colour?

There are slight differences in colour because I use natural colouring metals to colour my slips. The chemical compositions of the metals can vary slightly from source to source.

All of my pots have small differences between them. Sometimes this is intentional as with the decoration and sometimes is a natural part of the making process as with a slightly crooked handle or one mug has a slightly wider rim than the others. For me, these are not flaws. They are the natural characteristics and beauty of handmade pottery.

Can I visit your pottery?

Yes, you can visit my pottery by appointment. You can send me a message through the form of the Contact Me page and we can arrange a time for you to come.

What is a second?

A second is a pot which, to the maker, is not perfect or a has a flaw. These flaws can be big or small but does not affect the functionality of the pot. It could be a distorted rim, a small crack, the glaze is a bit thin. I sell these at a reduced price with the discount rate depending on the scale of flaw.

Pottery Class FAQs

How do I book onto your pottery classes?

I like to get to know my students before they start class which is why I don’t have an online booking system. To book onto a pottery class, please send me a message through the form on my Contact Me. It is always helpful to know if you have any previous experience. Classes can be paid for by BACS or cash. A 20% deposit is required to confirm your place.

I have never done pottery before; can I still join your classes?

Yes, absolutely. I teach all levels and have taught beginners to more experienced makers. It’s lovely to have a mix of experiences in a class too.

How many people are in your classes?

The class size is up to six people. This is so everyone can easily and safely move around the pottery. I have two potter’s wheels. The weekly classes are mixed in that there will be some people throwing and others hand-building. It’s nice to have a mix.

What can I make?

You can make what you like, within reason, on the wheel or by handbuilding (coiling, slabs and modelling). I will show you the different techniques and guide you throughout the whole making process. Deciding what to make can be the hardest part so it’s good to come with a bit of a plan. If you are stuck for ideas, I have lots of books to give you inspiration and the other students are great for coming up with ideas or bouncing ideas off.

The limitations for a project are that your pieces must be able to fit in the kiln and stand up by themselves without damaging anyone else’s work but that is all.

Do I need to bring anything and what do I wear?

You don’t have to bring anything to pottery class. I provide all of the tools and materials you will need. If you have your own tools, you are more than welcome to bring them. Please make sure your name is written on them just in case they get mixed in amongst my own.

Pottery can be a bit messy, mostly when throwing so it is best to wear old clothes or shoes. Clay and glaze will wash out in the machine. Closed-toe shoes are recommended as a precaution. I have spare aprons too.

Do you have a materials fee?

Yes, I do. The materials fee is paid separately to the classes. The cost is determined by the weight of your pots as this is the fairest way of pricing. Your pots are weighed after the first firing and can be paid for by BACS or cash.

Do you do run weekend workshops and how often?

Once a month I run a full day or two half day sessions on a Saturday or a Sunday. These are usually focused on throwing but you can also learn hand-building during them. A 20% deposit is required to confirm your place.

What happens if I miss a weekly class?

If you miss a class, for whatever reason, you can make it up in another if there is an available space. I would really appreciate it if you could give a days or few hours’ notice for this so your space can be offered to another student.

What if I need to cancel a term of evening classes or weekend workshop?

Life can sometimes have other ideas. If you have to cancel your place up a week before the pottery term starts or the weekend workshop, you will be refunded 50%. If I am able to fill your place, a 90% refund will be given to you. Any bookings cancelled within 24 hours of a class or after they have begun will not be refunded.

Do you do private workshops?

Yes, I do and they are great fun. If you and a group of friends or family members would like to have a private workshop, please get in touch. These can be half days or full days. Together we will decide what you will make in the workshop. I like to do a group project as it is more sociable.

A throwing workshop is limited to two/three as that is how many wheels I have. A hand-building workshop can have up to 6 people. A 50% deposit is required to confirm the workshop.

Do you have a waiting list?

Yes, I do. You can join my waiting list by sending me a message through the form on my Contact Me page.

Is there anything else I need to know?

I ask all of my students not to touch any of the other students’ or my own work. This is in the off chance that pots might be broken or damaged. I also ask students not to touch the kiln as they can be expensive to repair.