8 Week Beginners Course

Learn the foundation of wheel throwing and handbuilding with clay

Join us for a fun and relaxing course learning how to create pottery.

This 8-week beginner-friendly course is perfect if you want to learn the basics of pottery and practise with the watchful eye of our experienced tutors. You'll be part of a small, friendly group, which means you'll get lots of help and personal attention. Over eight weeks, you'll learn the foundations of pottery using our step-by-step method on how to use the wheel and handbuild to create your pottery pieces – from preparing and throwing the clay to trimming and glazing them to make pieces you'll be proud of!

By the end, you'll have a solid foundation in pottery and a taste of different diciplines.

No experience is needed – just come ready to get your hands dirty and have a great time!What’s included:

  • 8 Sessions of hands-on pottery (2.5 hours each session)

  • All materials, tools, and equipment

  • Firing of your favourite pieces (up to 4 pieces included).

  • Tea & coffee

Come along for a creative escape – slow down, unwind, and discover the joy of pottery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need any experience? Nope! This course is designed for complete beginners. We’ll guide you through everything step by step.

What should I wear? Wear comfy clothes you don’t mind getting a bit messy. Aprons are provided, but clay can get everywhere! Closed, warm, comfortable shoes are best. The pottery can be cool, even in summer, so we advise bringing layers of warmer clothing.

What will I make? You’ll learn to throw basic forms like bowls, cups, or small vases. You’ll choose your favourite pieces to be fired (up to 4 pieces). Not all pieces will be ready to take home by the end of the course (every part of the process takes time), but you can arrange to collect them at a later date, or book a drop-in session to collect or complete any unfinished works.

Do I get to keep what I make? Yes! We’ll fire up to 4 of your favourite pieces once they're dry. In the final week you can either glaze your pieces or continue wheel practise. Pieces glazed during the course will be ready for collection in about 2 weeks (or we can post them to you for a fee which will be arranged before you leave).

What’s the studio like? The space is a working pottery and has all the tools and space you'll need. And with small classes, it’s quiet, peaceful and welcoming.

Book

£100 secures your spot

Balance payable before start date

Welcome to The Clay Collective

Discover your passion for pottery with our friendly classes and workshops, designed for both beginners and intermediate potters in a welcoming studio environment.

A pottery workshop with shelves displaying various clay pots and vases. A potter's hands are captured in motion while shaping clay on a wheel. A table in the foreground holds several unfinished clay pieces and pottery tools, illuminated by warm lighting.
A pottery workshop with shelves displaying various clay pots and vases. A potter's hands are captured in motion while shaping clay on a wheel. A table in the foreground holds several unfinished clay pieces and pottery tools, illuminated by warm lighting.

150+

15

Experienced Potters

Friendly Vibe

Join

Pottery Classes & Workshops

Join our friendly pottery studio for classes, courses, and workshops for all skill levels.

Beginner Pottery Classes

Explore the art of pottery with our beginner classes designed for hands-on learning and creativity.

A spacious pottery studio filled with various pottery tools, materials, and equipment. The studio has large wooden shelves stocked with jars, pots, and other ceramic items. A kiln is present on the left side of the room, and numerous finished pieces are scattered throughout the area. Two people are engaged in their work amidst the cluttered yet creative environment, with wooden beams and large windows providing a rustic feel.
A spacious pottery studio filled with various pottery tools, materials, and equipment. The studio has large wooden shelves stocked with jars, pots, and other ceramic items. A kiln is present on the left side of the room, and numerous finished pieces are scattered throughout the area. Two people are engaged in their work amidst the cluttered yet creative environment, with wooden beams and large windows providing a rustic feel.
Intermediate Pottery Sessions

Enhance your pottery skills in our intermediate sessions, perfect for those ready to advance their techniques.

A small, rustic pottery workshop featuring wooden shelves filled with various clay pots and decorative items. A sink basin made of stone is set into a wooden counter, with a round mirror above it. The shelves contain ceramic molds, masks, and colorful fabric displays. In the corner are storage boxes and art supplies.
A small, rustic pottery workshop featuring wooden shelves filled with various clay pots and decorative items. A sink basin made of stone is set into a wooden counter, with a round mirror above it. The shelves contain ceramic molds, masks, and colorful fabric displays. In the corner are storage boxes and art supplies.

Gallery

Explore our pottery creations and student masterpieces in clay.

A potter is focused on shaping a clay vessel on a pottery wheel in a workshop filled with clay sculptures and tools. The workspace is cluttered with clay materials, and the wall is adorned with posters and a FedEx advertisement.
A potter is focused on shaping a clay vessel on a pottery wheel in a workshop filled with clay sculptures and tools. The workspace is cluttered with clay materials, and the wall is adorned with posters and a FedEx advertisement.
A person wearing an orange shirt and shorts is sitting on a stool, shaping a clay pot on a spinning pottery wheel. The workshop is filled with shelves stacked with finished clay pots of various sizes. The floor is covered in clay residue, and there are several containers with more clay material nearby.
A person wearing an orange shirt and shorts is sitting on a stool, shaping a clay pot on a spinning pottery wheel. The workshop is filled with shelves stacked with finished clay pots of various sizes. The floor is covered in clay residue, and there are several containers with more clay material nearby.
A craftsman is deeply focused on shaping pottery inside a rustic workshop filled with wooden shelves and various ceramic pieces. Natural light filters through a window, illuminating the rich textures of the wooden interior and the earthen tones of the pottery.
A craftsman is deeply focused on shaping pottery inside a rustic workshop filled with wooden shelves and various ceramic pieces. Natural light filters through a window, illuminating the rich textures of the wooden interior and the earthen tones of the pottery.
A variety of unfinished clay ceramics, including bowls, cups, and vases, are arranged on a worktable in a pottery studio. Behind them, there are several other pottery tools, a green and orange checkered vase, and various art supplies. A person wearing a blue apron is visible in the background, along with items like bottles, a red canister, and a soda can.
A variety of unfinished clay ceramics, including bowls, cups, and vases, are arranged on a worktable in a pottery studio. Behind them, there are several other pottery tools, a green and orange checkered vase, and various art supplies. A person wearing a blue apron is visible in the background, along with items like bottles, a red canister, and a soda can.
A person is engaged in pottery-making in a rustic workshop. Wearing an apron, the individual is focused on shaping a clay pot on a pottery wheel. The surroundings include a wooden table scattered with pottery tools and partially finished pots. The walls are bare and textured, adding to the earthy feel of the environment.
A person is engaged in pottery-making in a rustic workshop. Wearing an apron, the individual is focused on shaping a clay pot on a pottery wheel. The surroundings include a wooden table scattered with pottery tools and partially finished pots. The walls are bare and textured, adding to the earthy feel of the environment.

Get in Touch

A room filled with metal shelving units holding numerous pottery and ceramic items in various stages of completion. The industrial ceiling with pipes and exposed ducts suggests a workshop or studio environment. The lighting is dim, casting shadows on the floor and racks.
A room filled with metal shelving units holding numerous pottery and ceramic items in various stages of completion. The industrial ceiling with pipes and exposed ducts suggests a workshop or studio environment. The lighting is dim, casting shadows on the floor and racks.

We’d love to hear from you! Reach out for class inquiries, studio space, or pottery questions.

The Clay Collective

87 St Mary's Road,

Market Harborough

LE16 7DT

Email play@theclaycollective.co.uk

© 2025. All rights reserved.

Subscribe