Your Pottery Wheel Class
How to prepare for class
- Fingernails - the shorter the better (long nails make it difficult to work the clay)
- Dress casual. Wear an old short sleeve t-shirt or long sleeve rolled up.
- Avoid dangly strings or just tuck them in
- Long hair needs to be pulled back and secured from dangling
- Rings, watches, jewelry should be removed.
- Questions - email robin@turkeyfootpottery.com
What happens when I arrive to class?
- Introductions
- Paperwork - Liability Waiver. If you aren't feeling well, please reschedule.
- Permission for Social Media (optional).
- Quick overview of the pottery studio/safety info.
- Demonstration by TFP - going through all the steps (10-15 minutes)
- Then each potter gets on a wheel and we go step-by-step together
- Each potter should be able to get 3 attempts .
- TFP assists each potter as much or as little as the student wants with the Center, Opening & Pulling Up Wall.
End of session:
- Wash hands and we take group photo
- Choose glaze choice - fill out card
- Finished pottery cost will be between $5 - $10 each depending upon size and quantity of survivors. Due at pickup in 5-6 weeks. You decide what pieces you want finished. The unwanted pots go to recycle bucket.
- The only cleanup you have is your hands. TFP does all the cleanup!
The Studio Atmosphere
The studio is very casual. We are all here to have fun and create.
TFP works with students that are mostly beginners. Our goal is to show the student potter the basics and let them adjust to what they feel comfortable throwing the way that works best for them.
Once in a while we come across a potter that has experience. TFP may still go through the demonstration, but that potter is free to throw pottery as they wish as long as follow safety rules.
The Journey of Your Creations
What happens after the class?
- Your pottery dries to leather hard (about a day)
- TFP trims the foot and sketches your initials on the bottom
- Your pottery has to be completely dry before firing or “kaboom” if there is moisture in it.
- Once we have enough to run the kiln, TFP fires your pottery for 11 hours and then a 24 hour cool down.
- TFP removes the dust from the pottery, waxes the bottom and then glazes.
- TFP then fires for another 9.5 hours with a 24 hour cool down.
- TFP smooths out the bottom of your bottom with grinding disc.
Time Frame
- 5 - 6 weeks (depending upon pottery pieces we have ready for the kiln).
- When your pottery is done, an email or text will be sent to you or the leader of your group.
- Finished pottery will be between $5 -$10 each depending upon size and quantity of survivors. Due at pickup.
- No guarantees that your piece will make it through the entire process.