Sunshine, Smiles & Clay – A Joyful Taster Session

What a scorcher it’s been lately! I do love the hot weather, though it certainly makes working with clay a little more fast-paced. That said, the sunshine didn’t stop two lovely last-minute guests from having a fantastic time at their taster session this week.

They booked together and enjoyed £5 off each — a little bonus for sharing the experience with a friend! With just one wheel in the studio, they cheerfully took turns throwing, full of enthusiasm and curiosity. Like many first-time throwers, they discovered that centering the clay is a bit of an art in itself — but they gave it their all and had a lot of fun along the way. Throwing definitely takes practice, but the joy is in the trying… and the laughter!

While one was on the wheel, the other practiced wedging — a simple but essential part of pottery that’s often overlooked. They quickly appreciated how much time, care, and perseverance this craft requires, and both embraced the learning wholeheartedly.

After their go at the wheel, they each chose to handbuild something instead — and what a lovely choice that was! One made a sweet heart to gift her parents, perfect for hanging on the wall. The other created a charming little turtle, inspired by a previous student's piece.

The warm weather meant the clay dried very quickly, which can be a challenge — but in this case, it actually worked in our favour. Their pieces firmed up enough to be glazed straight onto the greenware — a little risky, but it meant they could finish their session with a splash of colour and personality. Always such a satisfying note to end on!

I'll be firing their creations in the kiln over the next few days and can’t wait to see how they turn out. It's such a joy to watch complete beginners dive in with open minds and leave with something they’re truly proud of.