The Trial Run

My First Beginners’ Session at Shed Ceramics

The Shed Ceramics journey has come a long way! What started as a completely empty unit has slowly transformed into a fully functioning pottery studio, with space for six people to get creative on the wheel.

It’s been an amazing experience so far, and I’m loving every minute of building this studio. I’ve wanted to run my own pottery studio ever since I first touched clay, which was around six years ago now. To finally see that dream becoming a reality still feels pretty surreal!

Putting My Beginners’ Pottery Class to the Test

Last night, I ran a trial session of my beginners wheel throwing class, and it was brilliant to see people getting stuck into pottery for the first time.

I think teaching beginners will be one of the most challenging, but also one of the most rewarding, parts of running Shed Ceramics. Everyone learns differently, and one of the biggest challenges is figuring out how each person best understands and responds to instructions.

I started the session with a demonstration, talking through each step and showing everyone how I approached the process. Once everyone had a rough idea of what to do, it was time to jump on the wheels and give it a go!

From there, I worked my way around the studio, spending time with each person and demonstrating techniques right in front of them. Sometimes, seeing something done up close makes all the difference.

There’s No Single Way to Make Pottery

One of the things I love about pottery is that, while there are certain techniques and principles that help you get the best results, there’s also plenty of room to find your own way of doing things.

Everyone’s hands are different, everyone moves differently, and what works brilliantly for one person might not work quite so well for another.

That’s something I want to embrace at Shed Ceramics. My aim is to give clear, helpful instructions and make sure everyone has the support they need, without making pottery feel overly strict or intimidating.

If someone finds a way of doing something that works for them, I’m not going to tell them they’re doing it wrong just because it looks a little different to how I do it!

Pottery is a skill that develops with practice, patience and a bit of experimentation. The important thing is to enjoy the process, learn as you go and give yourself the chance to improve.

Everyone Went Home with Something to Be Proud Of

By the end of the session, everyone who sat down at a wheel had made a piece they could be proud of. And honestly, that’s what it’s all about!

There were some great results, plenty of learning along the way, and I reckon there might even be a few future potters in the group.

Seeing people go from having little or no experience with clay to creating something with their own hands is such a rewarding feeling. It’s a reminder of why I fell in love with pottery in the first place.

Come and Give Pottery a Go at Shed Ceramic

I’m incredibly excited to start welcoming beginners into the studio for our wheel throwing classes.

There’s something special about watching someone discover pottery for the first time. You arrive not really knowing what you’re doing, get your hands covered in clay, have a few wobbles along the way, and suddenly you’ve made something that didn’t exist before.

And who knows? You might leave with more than just a pot. You might discover a new hobby, a creative outlet, or even a passion that stays with you for years to come.

Whether you’ve always wanted to try pottery or you’re simply looking for something different to do, you’re very welcome at Shed Ceramics.

Ready to get your hands muddy?

Visit the classes page to explore what we have to offer and book your first pottery experience.

I can’t wait to see what you make!