Bespoke Pottery Lessons
Join me for a unique journey into the world of pottery guided by an exceptionally passionate teacher. At Black Shed Pottery I pride myself on providing unique and tailored lessons in hand built pottery or on the potters wheel.
Limited class numbers ensure that each participant, regardless of experience receives personalised attention and guidance.
All the necessary materials including high-quality New Zealand clay, aprons, all of the tools and equipment needed.
Hand Building
In my hand-built pottery lesson, you'll have the opportunity to explore the beautifully tactile world of clay, that opens endless opportunities for your artistic expression.
I will guide you through various hand-building techniques such as pinch, coil, and slab construction.
My studio can host groups of up to 10-12 people and I can cater for birthdays, hens/stag parties or just for the fun of it.
Potters Wheel
In my Potters Wheel lesson you will be shown how to center the clay, necessary to create balanced and symmetrical forms. I will demonstrate and assist you in shaping the clay into various pottery forms, such as bowls, cups, or vases.
I will explain the different stages of clay drying and firing processes.
For a maximum of 2 people, the lesson promises to be a rewarding and enjoyable experience.
Choose either a hand building or pottery wheel workshop.
Workshops available Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays unless otherwise agreed.
Individual Classes
Small classes that suit beginners through to those addicted to clay
Week day evening classes and weekend classes
These sessions are designed for individuals and small groups to join in without needing a full private booking. If you are coming by yourself, please don’t feel shy! Our workshop environment is always incredibly warm, relaxed, and friendly. It is a wonderful opportunity to learn a new skill alongside fellow craft lovers and meet like-minded people.
Included in all classes
All supplies: Plenty of clay and all the tools you need to build and decorate.
The muddy work: Creating your masterpiece during the session!
The behind-the-scenes magic: Pottery takes time! Once you finish, we take care of the entire multi-week drying, sponge-wiping, and sanding process.
Two kiln firings: We handle the initial bisque fire and the final high-temperature glaze fire.
The finish: We glaze your work, sand the bottoms smooth so they don't scratch your tables, and package everything up safely for you to pick up.
Embracing the Clay Journey
Part of the beauty of pottery is learning to work with a raw, living medium. We guide your piece safely through a slow drying stage, followed by two separate kiln firings reaching up to 1,220°C.
But as any ceramic artist will tell you, the kiln always has the final say. Sometimes, despite our absolute best care, pieces crack or break. It is simply the natural nature of the craft. Because these outcomes are out of our hands, we are unable to provide refunds for workshop failures. We hope you can embrace the process alongside us, knowing that even if a piece cracks, the knowledge you gained in the studio is the true masterpiece you take home.
Workshop Booking & Cancellation Policy
Due to very limited space, our workshops fill up fast. Please review our booking terms below:
Your place is not confirmed until a deposit is paid. This is requested via an emailed invoice. The reminder of the fee is due a minimum of 5 days prior to the class. this date will be indicated on your invoice.
If you need to cancel:
2 days notice: You will receive a full refund if your place can be filled. If we are unable to fill your space you will be offered alternative class to the same value.
Under 48 hours notice: If you cannot make it due to illness or a change of plans, your booking will be transferred to a future workshop date.
No-shows: If you miss your workshop without notice, no refunds or makeup dates can be provided.
If the studio postpones: If a workshop must be rescheduled due to teacher illness or severe weather, you will be offered alternative dates. If none of those suit you, we will issue a full refund or a Workshop Gift Voucher for future use.
The finishing journey of your pottery
Week 1+: The Slow Dry — dried slowly to prevent cracking.
The First Bake (Bisque Fire) — 12 hours of firing + 2 days of cooling.
The Makeover (Sanding & Glazing) — Sponged, sanded, and glazed with your choice of 1 of 4 glazes
The Grand Finale (Glaze Fire) — Another 12 hours of firing + 2 days of cooling.
The Polish & Pack — Bottoms are sanded smooth and items are safely boxed.
Pickup Email — You get an email to schedule your collection or arrange postage at your cost.
Note: We only run full kilns to keep costs low, and delay firings during potential storms to protect your work from power cuts. Finished items must be collected within 14 days of notification due to limited studio storage. Items that are uncollected after 1 reminder will be disposed of.
School holiday Activity class - Ages 7 - 15
Monday 5th October 2026 10am - 12pm - Make a Halloween light up ghost or pumpkin
Monday 5th October 2026 2pm - 4pm - Paint/decorate a mug or bowl
Cost - $50 per child inc. GST
Limited to 8 individuals
Friday 9th October 2026 10am - 12pm - Make a Toadstool House or pumpkin
Friday 9th October 2026 2pm - 4pm - Paint/decorate a mug or bowl
Cost - $50 per child inc. GST
Limited to 8 individuals
Week Day Evening Classes Ages 15+ Bird House/Feeders and Flower Posies
Wednesday 7th and Thursday 8th October 2026 - 6pm - 8pm (total 4 hours) Build and decorate a bird house/feeder. Invite the birds to lunch and create you very own bird house feeder to hang in your garden over two (2) evening sessions
Cost $100 plus GST
Limited to 8 individuals
Wednesday 21st and Thursday 22nd October 2026 - 6pm - 8pm (total 4 hours) Build and decorate a posy of flowers. Year round colour with everlasting flowers. 5 large and 5 small flowers plus stems included. Create your own floral beauty over two (2) evening sessions
Cost $100 plus GST
Limited to 8 individuals
Weekend Classes bird house/feeder hanging fish or windchime Christmas Decorations, trees and candle table Centre pieces
Saturday 10th October 2026 10.30am - 2.30pm (break for lunch. BYO)
Build and decorate a bird house/feeder. Invite the birds to lunch and create you very own bird house feeder to hang in your garden
Cost $100 plus GST
Limited to 8 individuals
Saturday 17th October 2026 10am - 4pm (break for lunch. BYO)
Make a hanging fish or windchime and bring put some melody in your garden
Cost $125 plus GST
Limited to 8 individuals
Sunday 8th November 2026 10am - 4pm (break for lunch. BYO)
Christmas Decorations, trees and candle table centre pieces. Get ready for Christmas and create your own festive magic at this all day class.
Cost $125 plus GST
Limited to 8 individuals