Question 1

Do I need any experience to attend a workshop or lesson?

Accepted Answer

Not at all!  Whether you’ve never touched a potter’s wheel or want to try hand-building for the first time, you’ll be guided every step of the way and I'll provide everything you need. If you’re more experienced and want to refine your skills, that’s fine too—I’ll cater the session to your level and your needs.

Question 2

Can children attend your workshops?

Accepted Answer

Currently, wheel throwing classes are for ages 12 and up, and all under 16s must be accompanied by an adult. Younger children can be accommodated in group handbuilding classes if accompanied by an adult.

I hold a clean, up-to-date DBS certificate, which is available for inspection upon request.

Question 3

What is your cancellation policy for workshops?

Accepted Answer

You can cancel your booking up to 7 days before the workshop for a full refund. Unfortunately, cancellations made less than 7 days in advance cannot be refunded, but you’re welcome to transfer your booking to a friend or family member—just let me know their name before the workshop starts. In the rare event that I need to cancel a workshop, you’ll receive a full refund or the option to reschedule.

Question 4

What if there is no availability for the lesson or workshop I want?

Accepted Answer

I appreciate it can be disappointing if the lesson you want is not available. Spots for workshops and lessons are limited as I need to balance teaching with my studio work but I update my availability regularly, so it's worth checking back to see if more slots have become available. Alternatively you can register your interest here and receive an email notification when new spots are made available.

While I’d love to hear from you, I’m not able to arrange individual lessons via email if there is no listed availability. By registering your interest or joining my general mailing list, you’ll always be the first to know about upcoming availability, as well as any new workshops or events I might run in the future.

Question 5

What should I wear?

Accepted Answer

Pottery can be messy, so I recommend wearing comfortable clothes that you don’t mind getting a bit of clay on. An apron is always a good idea, and I have some spares in the studio if needed. Avoid wearing long, loose sleeves or jewellery on your hands and wrists, as they can get in the way.

Question 6

What will I make in my lesson?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the workshop you choose. In wheel-throwing lessons you’ll create pots, bowls, or other simple forms on the potter’s wheel. In hand-building workshops, you’ll learn techniques like coiling, pinching, and slab building, alongside various decorating techniques to create your unique piece.

You’ll select your favourite piece(s) to be glazed and fired (and you can have additional pieces fired for a small fee).

Question 7

How long will it take to receive my finished work?

Accepted Answer

Pottery is a process that takes time, as each piece needs to be dried, bisque-fired, glazed, and fired again. Your finished work will be ready to collect 3–6 weeks after your workshop.

If you’d prefer your finished pieces to be posted rather than collected, there’s a small charge of £5 to cover postage.

Question 8

Can I make extra items and have them fired?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can! If you create additional pieces during your lessons or workshop that you’d like to keep, they can be fired and glazed for a small supplementary cost of £5 per piece.

Question 9

What is included in the cost?

Accepted Answer

All lessons and workshops include:
•           All materials , including clay, tools, and glazes.
•           Firing and glazing of your selected pieces.
•           Use of the studio’s equipment and resources, including books and reference materials.
•           Guidance and tuition throughout the session.

Question 10

Where do the workshops take place?

Accepted Answer

All workshops take place in my purpose-built studio at my home in Menai Bridge. It’s a bright, welcoming space with a beautiful view of the mountains. Once you've made your booking I will contact you with detailed directions on how to find the studio.

Question 11

Can I bring a friend?

Accepted Answer

If you’d like to share the experience, check out my one-to-two taster sessions or group hand-building classes, which are perfect for pairs or small groups. These also reduce the cost per person.

Question 12

What happens if my work breaks during firing?

Accepted Answer

Occasionally, pieces can crack, warp, or break during firing—such is the nature of working with clay! While I take every care to ensure your work makes it through the firing process safely, sometimes it’s out of our control. Fortunately there are some tricks for fixing or adapting broken pots, or they can be repurposed.

Question 13

Why do pottery lessons cost what they do?

Accepted Answer

Pottery workshops may seem expensive, but they reflect the cost of high-quality materials, equipment, and the time-intensive processes involved (including firing and glazing your work). You’ll also be learning in a private, purpose-built studio with plenty of individual attention and guidance.

My studio has been a huge personal investment, and I’m committed to providing a fun, relaxing experience where you can learn and explore creatively.

Lessons & Workshops

The Studio

What do I offer?

Availability

Lessons and Workshops

Lesson and Workshop FAQs