Pottery classes cost $35 to $95 per person for a single, 2-hour class, depending on your age and location. Pottery classes for kids and teens typically fall at the low end of the price range, while adult classes fall at the high end. Some studios offer a monthly membership to take ongoing weekly glasses at a reduced rate.

• A 5- to 8-week pottery course with one session per week costs $250 to $425.
• 1- to 2-day workshops cost $150 to $300 and typically focus on one specific technique or style.

Most studios offer one-time classes that allow you create a finished piece and try out the craft before committing to a several week course. Date night pottery classes and pottery parties are also gaining popularity and cost $50 to $85 per person on average. Pottery painting parties range $10 to $85 per person, depending on the piece you choose to paint.

Pottery studios recommend wearing comfortable, casual clothing that you don't mind getting clay on. Clay stains wash out of most fabrics with a regular wash cycle, but wear something that won't leave you heartbroken if it gets damaged. Some pottery studios provide aprons, but some advise you to bring your own. Split leg aprons provide the best protection when you're working at a pottery wheel.

• Wear a short sleeve shirt or a shirt your can roll up easily to prevent getting your sleeves wet.
• Opt for long pants or jeans instead of a skirt or dress. Pants are easier to move in when sitting at a potter's wheel.
• Dress in layers, as some studios are colder than others.

Two types of techniques you learn in pottery class are wheel throwing and handbuilding techniques. Wheel throwing refers to creating pottery by turning a mound of clay on a potter's wheel, and using your hands or tools to create round shapes–like bowls and vases–as the clay spins. Handbuilding, as the name would suggest, involves using your hands or hand tools alone to shape the clay.

Common handbuilding techniques include:

• Pinching ­– Pinching refers to shaping a pot out of a single ball of clay by pressing your thumb into the center of the ball and spinning it as you press the walls out.
• Coil building – Coil building involves rolling out long coils of clay and then joining them together to make a pot or dish.
• Slab building – Slab building Involves rolling out clay into flat slabs or sheets, cutting the sheets into various shapes and sizes, and joining them together. This technique is ideal for geometric shapes or unusual shapes and angles difficult to create on a potter's wheel.

The phrase "to throw" originates from the Old English (500 – 1050 A.D.) term "thrawan", which means to twist or turn. Today, some potters use "throwing", and others use "turning" to refer to the art of creating pottery on the potter's wheel.

Follow these simple guidelines to help you choose a pottery class near you:

• Check out their reviews on Lessons.com and Google.
• Check for classes local recreation centers, art and pottery studios, art supply shops, and local universities.
• Make sure the studio or center schedule matches your availability.
• Confirm exactly what the class price includes and whether you need to bring or buy anything else.
• Find out if you will be firing and glazing or if the studio staff handles that part of the process.

Consider asking these questions when choosing pottery class near you:

• Do you have classes for a complete beginner?
• How long have you been making and teaching pottery?
• What is your favorite style of pottery to create?
• When are classes held, and how long are they?
• Is there an age requirement?
• What is your cancellation policy?
• What should I wear to the pottery class?
• Do you provide aprons?
• What do I need to bring to the class?
• Does the class fee include all materials and tools?
• How long does it take to finish one piece?
• Do you offer single-day classes?
• Do you host group pottery events?
• How many people are typically in a class?
• Do I need to comb back to glaze my piece or do you offer glazing and firing service?
• When can I pick up my piece, and do I need an appointment?
• Are you running any specials or promotions?
• Do you sell gift certificates?