Throwing Workshops

Whether you’re looking to get your hands messy for the first time or you’re ready to master the ideal shape, our throwing workshops offer a creative escape for every skill level. From introductory sessions that cover the foundations of centring and cylinders, to improver classes focused on intentional shaping and technical rescue, we provide the tools, the wheels, and the guidance to help you find your flow. Explore our range of classes below and start your journey from a lump of clay to a handcrafted creation.

Introduction to Throwing

Ever wanted to try your hand at making ceramics on the wheel? Our 3-hour Introduction to Throwing is designed specifically for total beginners. We’ll guide you through the foundational steps of creating a pot before you try it yourself at your own dedicated wheel.

With a focus on simple, beautiful forms like cups and bowls, our tutors will be right there to help you develop a better understanding of the 4 stages to throwing a vessel. You’ll craft up to four pieces, and we will bisque fire your top two favourites (ready to collect or glaze in 4 weeks). 11+ with a participating adult.

What will you make?

  • • You will make up to 4 cups, bowls or cylinders. Using 500g of smooth stoneware clay we will be focusing on classic shapes and lightweight vessels.

    The Next Step: Want to add some color? Once your pieces are fired, join us for a Pottery Painting session on Tuesday evenings or Saturday and Sunday mornings. Glaze your 2 pieces with reactive glazes for £30!

  • Throwing: Beyond The Basics

    So, you’ve tried the wheel, you’ve made a few pots, and you’re officially hooked—but maybe your clay still has a mind of its own? Our beyond the basic class is designed to take the guesswork out of throwing. This 3-hour session moves past the “taster” stage and dives into the why behind the clay. We’ll focus on moving from accidental shapes to intentional forms, helping you understand how to manipulate the clay without it collapsing.

    What we’ll focus on:

  • • Intentional Shaping: How to move beyond the basic cylinder to create purposeful curves, bellied bowls, and tapered necks.
  • • The Rescue: Learn specific techniques to save a wobbly rim or a thinning wall before it’s too late.
  • • Refinement: Using ribs and tools to achieve professional, clean finishes.
  • • Consistency: Learning how to “catch” the clay at the base to avoid heavy bottoms and thin tops.
  • What will we make?

  • • Make 4 pieces: One cup, bowl, vase and free form piece. Taking your new found shaping skills and creating your own elegant or funky shapes.

    “Can I join?”

    To get the most out of this session, students must have completed at least one Introduction to Throwing class. You don’t need to be a pro, but you should be comfortable with the basic mechanics of the wheel so we can dive straight into the “how-to” of shaping!

  • Miniature Throwing

    Join us for our miniature throwing workshops, where we explore creating tiny 2-3cm vases, pots, bowls and cups, on small tabletop pottery wheels. We will teach you all the key stages of throwing a pot including how to use tools to shape and decorate your pieces. You also get the opportunity to glaze your pieces on the day, or return a following week for free. This will make your pieces water tight perfect for tiny flowers. Your pieces will be bisque and glaze fired for you within 2-3 weeks

    Fancy Trying Handbuilding?

    Join us at Design Junction for, hands on, creative hand building workshops. In our range of different hand building workshops you will learn about the traditional techniques and decorating methods used in building ceramics by hand. Whether you’re a beginner, or have some ceramic experience, these laid back hand building classes are a great way to spend your afternoons