
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.
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.
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:
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:
Consider asking these questions when choosing pottery class near you:
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