Wheel Throwing Workshops
Centred, focused, and hands-on — with just the right amount of wobble.
Our wheel throwing workshops are designed to introduce you to the rhythm of making with clay on the wheel — alongside learning three core handbuilding techniques.
We’re keeping things small to start with: wheel sessions are currently available only for special events or pre-booked group sessions.
We believe in doing things properly and growing with care — so we’re starting slow, making sure the experience feels right before opening things up further.
From January 2026, we plan to offer independent wheel hire for confident throwers — so if you already know your way around the basics, stay tuned.
🔥 Firing & Finishing
Once you’ve built your piece, we’ll carefully dry, glaze, and fire it in the studio.
Each piece will be glazed by us in a colour of your choice and fired in our kiln to create a finished, functional object.
Firing usually takes 2–3 weeks, and we’ll contact you when it’s ready to collect.
Postage is available if needed.
More details →
All workshops are by pre-booking only
Max group size: 8 people
Suitable for adults and young people aged 12+ (under 16s must be accompanied by an adult)
Private bookings available — click here to enquire
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❓FAQ – What to Expect from a Wheel Throwing Workshop
Q- What should I wear?
Wear something comfortable you don’t mind getting clay on. Aprons are available, but clay can be messy — especially when you're learning. Avoid long sleeves and tie back long hair.
Short nails are essential for wheel throwing. Long or acrylic nails can get in the way, damage your pot, or make throwing difficult. If you’re planning to throw on the wheel, we strongly recommend trimming your nails beforehand so you can really enjoy the process (and keep your pot intact!).
Q- When will my pot be ready?
Firing usually takes 2–3 weeks, depending on how full the kiln is and how quickly your pot dries.
We’ll email you when it’s ready to collect — or you can opt for delivery.
Q- Is the wheel hard to learn?
It can be — but that’s part of what makes it so rewarding.
Wheel throwing is a more advanced pottery skill, which is why we often recommend starting with handbuilding first. It’s the best way to understand how clay behaves — how it responds to pressure, moisture, and time. In our larger group workshops, we pair a handbuilding session with a single turn on the wheel so that everyone can experience both.
That way, you’ll get to try throwing — but you’ll also have the time and control to shape, smooth, and refine your handbuilt pieces, which often feel more satisfying for first-timers.
Lydia will be the first to admit she wasn’t a natural when she started — it took time, practice, and a few collapses to get the hang of it.
In our sessions, we celebrate the wobbles — they’re how you learn.In our sessions, we celebrate the wobbles — they’re part of the process.
We’ve created a zero-pressure, supportive environment where you’re encouraged to experiment.
If your pot collapses, don’t worry — we’ll help you start again, and the leftover clay will go straight into our reclaim bucket to be recycled and reused. ♻️
Q- Will I make something I can keep?
Yes! During the session, you’ll typically make 2 to 4 pieces, and you’ll keep all of your creations that are fit for the kiln. At the end of the session, you’ll choose your glaze preferences, and we’ll glaze and fire your pots for you.
Very occasionally, a piece might not survive the drying or firing process — but don’t worry, we’ll let you know if that happens. It’s all part of learning to work with clay.
Q-I’ve never touched clay before — is that okay?
Absolutely. These sessions are for beginners or anyone curious to try the wheel. We demo everything first, and we’re on hand to help throughout.
Q- What is reclaimed clay?
Reclaimed clay (or recycled clay) is clay that’s been used, trimmed, collapsed, or left to dry out — then rehydrated, kneaded, and brought back to life by hand.
At Rock Garden, we collect every bit of leftover clay from our workshops and studio production and give it a second chance. Many of the pots you paint or handbuild with are made from 100% reclaimed clay — part of our commitment to making sustainably and wasting nothing. ♻️