Preparing for your Level 1 Wheel Series experience

We’re so excited to have you in the studio. Level 1 Wheel is designed as an extended introduction to the pottery wheel, giving you the time and space to build skills, repeat processes, and grow more comfortable working with clay.

What to Wear

• Clay washes out of most clothing, but we recommend wearing something you don’t mind getting a little messy.

• Closed-toe shoes are encouraged.

• Shorter nails are helpful, as your hands will be your primary tools on the wheel.

What to Bring
Just yourself. We provide 25 pounds of clay, all tools, and all materials needed for class. Aprons and towels are available, but you’re welcome to bring your own.

What to Expect
Over eight weeks, you’ll work through the full wheel-throwing process—learning how to prepare clay, center, shape, trim, and glaze your work.

This class is still about learning. You’ll get muddy, pieces may not always turn out as expected, and that’s part of it. With more time in the studio, you’ll begin to notice what works, what doesn’t, and how to adjust.

Each week builds on the last, giving you a more complete understanding of the process from start to finish.

Your Work
You’ll create multiple pieces throughout the series and learn how to refine and glaze your work.

Because ceramics is a multi-step process, pieces may develop small imperfections or, in some cases, not make it through firing. This is a normal part of working with clay.

Finished work will be ready for pickup after the final firing and glazing process.

Open Sessions
This series includes two open sessions. These can be used to make up a missed class or to practice outside of class time. Open sessions are self-guided and do not include instruction, but staff are available for general support. Your instructor will share more details about open sessions during your first week of class.

A Few Helpful Tips

• Come a few minutes early to get settled. For the first class, we’ll gather in the shop and head back to the studio together.

• Stay hydrated—throwing can be more physical than it looks.

• We encourage you to watch videos between classes. We put together a list of our favorites here.

• Give yourself permission to be new at this.