Ceramics Classes
The Darling Downs Potters Club offers various Beginner Pottery classes each year from our Workshop Studio in Newtown, Toowoomba.
Running roughly in line with the Qld school terms, each term we offer small group classes for Handbuilding and Wheel Throwing, as well as speciality classes.
Our tutors always endeavour to create a welcoming and supportive atmosphere for our students in which to learn and explore this artform
Short Workshops
Beginner Handbuilding Class
Wednesday Morning Handbuilding with Janet Geisel
- 6 lessons (12hrs total)
- $425 all inclusive
Sunday Morning Handbuilding with Kirsti Falconer
- 3 lessons (10hrs total)
- $390 all inclusive
Beginner Handbuilding includes:
- Tuition from experienced ceramic artists
- One 10kg block (aka ‘pug’) of clay
- A basic pottery tool kit
- Glazes & two kiln firings of pieces
- Our classes are run in small groups (maximum of 6 participants)
Course Schedule: PLEASE READ CAREFULLY
- The six week class runs over a seven week period – with NO CLASS in the SIXTH WEEK, to allow for bisque firing your creations in the kiln.
- After bisque firing, you will then glaze your works in your final class.
- Your tutor will then glaze fire your works. Please allow roughly two weeks for this to be completed. You will be notified when your pieces are available for collection at the DDPC Gallery: Open Saturdays 10:00am – 3:00pm.
Getting prepared:
- Bring sturdy bag to carry your clay and tools to and from class.
- Wear an apron to protect your clothes – clay can get a little messy!
- Bring a towel – clay can get a little messy!
- Enclosed shoes are essential for entry in to the workroom.
- If you have long hair, please tie it back to remain safe while working with the equipment.
- Short nails are recommended in order to smooth and manipulate the clay
Access:
- Your classes will be held in the Workshop Studio.
- The Workshop Studio is accessible via the back door, which has an access ramp from our carpark.
- The entrance to our carpark is on the Herries Street side of our corner location.
Week 1
General introduction: different types of clay, drying and firing of pieces, different Kiln temperatures, Darling Downs Potters’ Club Membership
Learning to wedge and knead clay, reclaiming used clay.
Using the pinch pot technique to create a hollow pot such as a pumpkin, an owl, or an orb.
Week 2
Using the slab technique and a former to create a cylinder shape with bark texture or added shapes e.g box with lid or planter box.
Week 3
Using the slab technique to create an oven dish with handles or similar utility vessel.
Week 4
Making a bowl using leaves or other shapes, such as a round jewel box or ball clay pot.
Week 5
Completing pieces from previous sessions.
Simple recipe for a clear glaze.
Using Underglazes or Oxides to decorate some pieces.
Week 6
NO CLASS to allow for bisque firing of pieces.
Week 7
Glazing of all pieces.
Loading and unloading the Kiln.
Beginner Wheel Throwing Class
$475 all inclusive – 6 weeks
- Monday nights 7:00pm – 9:00pm
- Tuesday nights 7:00pm – 9:00pm
Beginner Wheel Throwing includes:
- Tuition from experienced ceramic artist, Aurora Elwell
- One 10kg block (aka ‘pug’) of clay
- A basic pottery tool kit
- Glazes & two kiln firings of pieces
- Our classes are run in small groups (maximum of 6 participants)
Course Schedule: PLEASE READ CAREFULLY
- The six week classes run over a seven week period – with NO CLASS in the SIXTH WEEK, to allow for bisque firing your creations in the kiln.
- After bisque firing, you will then glaze your works in your final class.
- Your tutor will then glaze fire your works. Please allow roughly two weeks for this to be completed. You will be notified when your pieces are available for collection at the DDPC Gallery: Open Saturdays 10:00am – 3:00pm.
Getting prepared:
- Bring sturdy bag to carry your clay and tools to and from class.
- Wear an apron to protect your clothes – clay can get a little messy!
- Bring a towel – clay can get a little messy!
- Enclosed shoes are essential for entry in to the workroom.
- If you have long hair, please tie it back to remain safe while working with the equipment.
- Short nails are recommended in order to smooth and manipulate the clay
Access:
- Your classes will be held in the Workshop Studio.
- The Workshop Studio is accessible via the back door, which has an access ramp from our carpark.
- The entrance to our carpark is on the Herries Street side of our corner location.
