Beginner wheel term - 6 week small group pottery course

This course will run on Tuesday nights from 6.30-9pm, from Tuesday 30th September until 11th November. Please note that there will be a 1- week break for the public holiday on the 3rd/4th of November. 

WHAT WILL I LEARN?

This 6 week term course will cover all the essentials so that you can confidently throw on the potter's wheel.

• How to wedge clay (preparing it to throw with)

• How to centre clay easily (a difficult but essential skill!)

• How to trim the bottom of work

• How to keep records and create test tiles (non-glamorous but essential)

• How to glaze your work using underglaze, oxides, stains and dipping glazes

• How to attach clay to a wheel thrown piece, such as adding a handle to a mug

By the end of the course, you should be equipped to use a potter’s wheel by yourself, and know how to complete the entire process by yourself.

WHY LEARN WITH SNAKEBIRD?

You may get a cheaper term course elsewhere, but the student experience in the Snakebird Studio is unique in the following ways! 

• Small class = one on one attention! Throwing on the wheel is a real challenge. The intimate class size of only four students at a time ensures that you won’t get left behind and  can ask lots of questions and get plenty of one-on-one time

• Learn at your pace Instead of a cookie-cutter approach, the pace is led by each individual and will cater to your level! The flexibility of a small group allows us to change the course content as needed so that everyone is challenged at an achievable rate and never overwhelmed.

• Sustainability Snakebird Designs is focused on reducing our environmental impact as potters. On offer are studio glazes made with second life or “waste” materials, so your pots can be more connected to where they are from and reduce the inclusion of virgin mined materials! Sarah utilises every opportunity to share her learnings about more ecologically responsible practices with you!

• Flexibility Don’t feel like you’re being pushed out the door- the longer class times of 2.5 hours allows for enough time to get settled, watch a demo and get plenty of hands on time before packing down, and you’ll always be encouraged to finish the pot you’re working on without having to rush out at 9 on the dot! 

• Stay in touch! Once you finish the course, you’re welcome to contact Sarah with questions as you continue your pottery journey- she’d much prefer you feel confident and equipped to continue safely and have fun.

WHAT WILL I MAKE?

• Students will be guided at their individual level, but you can expect to make some small bowls, cups, mugs and plant pots during the term to keep for yourself!

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE PRICE?

• All clay, glazes and materials used during the course

• Firing costs

WHO WILL BE TEACHING ME?

Snakebird Designs is a one-woman show, and Sarah Muir-Smith will be your teacher. Having several years of teaching experience and having exhibited her own work solo, she prides herself on providing a fun, supportive environment to learn through play. Respect for the land and materials used are integral to Sarah’s practice.

Sarah is enthusiastic and patient and will make sure you feel right at home in the class! Student curiosity and independence is encouraged and facilitated in this course.

WHO IS THIS COURSE FOR?

Anyone from absolute beginner to those who have attended a wheel workshop or beginner course before.

Class size is a maximum of 4 students, so this is a rare opportunity to get almost private tuition on the wheel!

Please refer to Sarah’s work on instagram (@snakebirddesigns) to get a feel for the kind of look and feel of her ceramics and see if it’s a good match for your aesthetic preferences. The Snakebird Studio is committed to using waste materials where possible going forward. 

THEN WHAT?

Utilise the Snakebird Studio Access to come in and practice your wheel throwing skills, or enrol in the intermediate course next! 

I HAVE A QUESTION!

No worries! Shoot an email through to hello@snakebirddesigns.com with your query and we can have a chat.