Intro to Wheel Throwing
Intro to Wheel Throwing
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Clay, tools, glazes, firing, and open studio time are all included.
Learn to Throw Pottery: 15 to 18 Hours of Instruction Over 6 Weeks
Perfect for absolute beginners or anyone returning to pottery. You'll learn the basics of the wheel: wedging, centering, pulling walls, trimming, and glazing. By the end of 6 weeks, you'll be throwing bowls, cups, and plates. Relaxed studio, friendly teachers, and step-by-step instruction. By the end, you'll have the skills (and the muscle memory) to keep making for the rest of your life.
What You'll Do, Week by Week
- Week 1 — Your first pull. A teacher demonstration to start, then everyone throws together. We'll also walk you around the studio so you know where everything lives.
- Week 2 — Trimming. An introduction to trimming, then time to throw and trim.
- Week 3 — Time on the wheel. Group throwing, with your teacher working one on one with every student.
- Week 4 — Handles. How to pull a handle and attach it, plus more time throwing.
- Week 5 — Glazing and underglazing. An introduction to both, and how to choose between them.
- Week 6 — Glaze day. The last class, when everything you have made comes together.
Your teacher adjusts the pace to the group, so the order can shift a little from session to session.
Choose Your Session
We run multiple weekly sessions, each 6 weeks long. Pick the day and time that fits your schedule above. Session pricing varies by length:
- 2.5-hour sessions (15 hours total) — $350
- 3-hour Thursday 6–9 intro with Sami (18 hours total) — $375
Open Studio Access
Your class includes student open studio during your course: any 3-hour block Saturdays 12–8pm, Mondays 10am–2pm, Mondays 5–9pm, or Thursdays 10am–5pm. Staff is on hand. These are student hours, not public studio hours. More about open studio.
Location
Claya
3440 Walnut Street
Denver, CO 80205 (RiNo Arts District)
Free street parking. Near the 38th & Blake light rail station.
What's Included
- Clay for class and open studio practice
- All pottery tools (provided)
- Apron or towel each visit
- Glaze library access
- All firing included (bisque + glaze)
- Student open studio: any 3-hour block Saturdays 12–8pm, Mondays 10am–2pm, Mondays 5–9pm, or Thursdays 10am–5pm, during your course
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need any pottery experience?
No prior experience required. Beginners are welcome. We start from absolute scratch: wedging, centering, and pulling walls.
What should I bring?
Just yourself. Wear clothes you don't mind getting clay on. We provide everything else. Clay, tools, aprons, access to our glaze library. Show up and make.
Is clay and firing included in the price?
Yes. The price covers clay, all tools, glazes, bisque firing, glaze firing, and open studio access for the duration of your session.
How many students are in each class?
Small classes for personalized instruction and plenty of wheel time.
What if I miss a class?
Use your open studio time to catch up. We can't repeat individual sessions, but your class includes student open studio: any 3-hour block Saturdays 12–8pm, Mondays 10am–2pm, Mondays 5–9pm, or Thursdays 10am–5pm.
Do I get to keep what I make?
Yes. All finished pieces are yours to take home after the final firing.
Where is Claya located?
3440 Walnut Street, Denver, CO 80205 — in the RiNo Arts District. Free street parking and close to the 38th & Blake light rail station.
Which session length should I choose?
If you're brand new, the 2.5-hour weekday evening sessions are the most popular.
Can I switch sessions mid-course?
If life intervenes, contact us. We try to accommodate switches when space permits.
Cancellation Policy
Cancel 5 or more days before class start: a refund to your original payment method, less a $12 cancellation fee.
Cancel less than 5 days before class start: full store credit toward any future class, tool, or membership. Store credit is good for 6 months from the issue date.
Once the class has started: no refund or store credit. That said, please still come! If you missed the first session, you're absolutely welcome to attend the remaining classes. We can easily catch you up to speed and have a lot of fun.
If life happens, email info@clayastudios.com and we'll work something out.
Related Classes & Options
- Intro to Handbuilding — Pinch, coil and slab work, no wheel required.
- Studio Membership — Ready to practice independently? Become a member.
