Your first pottery class in Toronto: what to expect
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Thinking about trying pottery but not sure what you are signing up for? Good news: you don't need any experience, any tools or any talent for drawing. Here is exactly what happens at a beginner class at OOTB Leslieville, 250 Carlaw Ave, Unit 105, Toronto.
Visit one: making (2 hours)
When you arrive, an instructor shows you around the studio, sets you up at your spot and introduces the tools. That takes about 15 minutes. Then you get roughly an hour and 45 minutes of making time.
- On the wheel (Try Wheel Throwing, $90): you get 1 kg of clay, enough for 2 pieces such as a cup or a small bowl. Your instructor helps you centre the clay, which is the tricky part, and then pull up the walls.
- By hand (Try Hand Building, $80): you use pinching, coils and slabs to make 2 to 3 pieces. It is relaxed, very forgiving and great if you want to make something specific like a planter or a trinket dish.
Want to make more? Extra clay is $10, and that includes firing and glazing.
Between visits: drying and the first firing
Your pieces need to dry slowly and then go through a first kiln firing, called a bisque firing. That is why you come back 2 to 3 weeks later.
Visit two: glazing (2 hours)
This is where your piece gets its colour. We explain how glazes behave in the kiln, you pick your colours, and you apply a colour glaze plus a clear glaze. Your glazing session is included in the class price. If you love this part and want longer, extra glazing time is $15 an hour. After a final firing, your pieces are finished and ready to use.
What to wear and bring
- Clothes you don't mind getting a little clay on. We provide aprons.
- Short nails make the wheel much easier.
- Tie back long hair and take off rings and bracelets.
- Nothing else: clay, tools and glazes are all included.
Wheel or hand building?
If you have watched pottery videos and want that experience, choose the wheel. If you would rather relax, chat and design something particular, choose hand building. Many people do one, love it, and book the other next.
Questions we get asked
Do I need any experience?
No. Both try classes are made for complete beginners, and an instructor guides you the whole time.
How long until I get my pottery?
You come back after 2 to 3 weeks to glaze. Your pieces then go through a final firing, and we let you know when they are ready to pick up.
Can I come with a friend?
Yes, and it is more fun that way. Just book a spot for each person.
What if I want to keep going?
Our 4 class course ($300) teaches wheel and hand building step by step, and you take home 5 to 8 finished pieces.