Question 1

When will you be doing a re-stock of your shop?

Accepted Answer

Shop updates happen a few times a year. To ensure you're among the first to know about a re-stock, sign up for my newsletter to receive occasional updates, exclusive access to special offers and priority announcements.

Question 2

The item I want is out of stock, will you be making any more?

Accepted Answer

Some of my pieces will be re-stocked during the next shop update yes, but not everything will be replenished. Due to the nature of the large platters and bowls, each piece is truly unique in pattern, colour and shape. While I may create similar items, they cannot be replicated exactly, which adds to their individual beauty and charm.

To be informed when the shop is next re-stocked, please sign up to join the newsletter.

Question 3

Is it possible to purchase a pot I saw at a show?

Accepted Answer

If you've fallen in love with a piece you spotted at a recent show and don't find it listed in the shop, please get in touch and I can see if I still have it available.

Question 4

I want to gift a pottery experience - do you do vouchers?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Treating a friend or a loved one to a pottery experience is a great gift! There are 2 types of vouchers I offer:
1. An e-voucher - this can be bought through the "e-gift card" page. This is an email voucher only, you can choose the amount it's for, the recipient of the email and when you want them to receive it. Perfect for a paperless gift option, or last minute shoppers. 
2. A physical gift voucher - this is a card voucher that can be bought in the "shop" in the gift voucher section. When purchasing please fill in the details and the voucher will be sent to the address inputted at the checkout.

Question 5

I have been gifted an experience voucher, how can I redeem this?

Accepted Answer

If you go to the experience your voucher is for and head through to the "Book now" page, you should be able to enter the code on your voucher at the checkout and it will automatically discount the booking.

Question 6

Will you be adding more dates for the pottery experiences?

Accepted Answer

Dates for each of the different Pottery Experiences are added periodically when I have availability to run them. If you can't find a date that you can make for 6 months in advance, please get in touch.

Question 7

I work full time, do you run pottery sessions in the evenings?

Accepted Answer

Yes, for the 1:1 throwing sessions and Hand-building workshops, although they get booked up quickly. 
I can also run evening Throwing sessions for 2 on request, if this is something you require please get in touch. 
The Pottery Experience day for 2 isn't available to be ran in an evening as it's a full-day session.

Question 8

Do you run pottery experiences at the weekends?

Accepted Answer

While I do offer some pottery experiences on weekends, availability is extremely limited and these sessions tend to fill up fast.

Question 9

Do you offer a weekly pottery class?

Accepted Answer

Not at the moment no. However, if this is something you are interested in please get in touch and I can contact you in the future if this is something that becomes available.

Question 10

I have never done pottery before, can I still do a pottery experience?

Accepted Answer

Yes, of course. I tailor the pottery sessions to everyone individually. Whether you've worked with clay before and want to improve your skills, or if this is your first time, we can work together so you get the most out of your experience.

Question 11

Where do you offer pottery experiences?

Accepted Answer

Some of the pottery experiences are run at my studio in Belper, and some are run in other local studio rooms. You will receive an email upon booking with confirmation of your experience and the address. 
You will also receive a reminder email 3 days before your experience with more details on.

Question 12

I have long nails, can I still do a pottery experience?

Accepted Answer

Please keep nails short for any throwing sessions on the potter's wheel. Ideally, they don't want to go past the end of your finger. 
Anything longer than this and it becomes incredibly difficult to throw and get a successful pot off the wheel. You also risk damaging your own nails too.

Sometimes hand-building sessions can be done with medium length nails, but again, this is not easy and nail marks can end up being left on your piece.

Question 13

Can you offer pottery experiences for big groups?

Accepted Answer

I can offer hand-building sessions for larger groups yes. If this is something you are interested in please get in touch.

Unfortunately I am not able to offer throwing sessions on the potter's wheel for more than 2 people at a time at the moment as my studio is very small it's not possible to have groups of people. This is something I would like to change in future years but it's not something I can offer at the moment.

Question 14

Do you do pottery classes for children?

Accepted Answer

For throwing experiences, it depends on the child's age and their ability to follow instructions, as well as their interest in spending an hour and a half on the wheel. Additionally, any children attending would need to be accompanied by an adult.

For hand-building sessions, I must be cautious about the number of children booked per session and their age, as sharp tools are involved. Please use common sense when considering booking for a child.

Prior to booking a place for a child, please contact me for further information.

Question 15

Is there anything I need to do before my experience?

Accepted Answer

Yes and no.

Please keep nails short, especially if you have a throwing session or a full day pottery experience. 
Please wear clothes and shoes that you don't mind getting dirty, as the clay I use can sometimes stain certain fabrics. 
Long hair will also need to be tied back.

You don't have to prepare anything else, all equipment and tools will be provided.

Question 16

I have long nails, can I still do a pottery experience?

Accepted Answer

Please keep nails short for any throwing sessions on the potter's wheel. Ideally, they don't want to go past the end of your finger. 
Anything longer than this and it becomes incredibly difficult to throw and get a successful pot off the wheel. You also risk damaging your own nails too.

Sometimes hand-building sessions can be done with medium length nails, but again, this is not easy and nail marks can end up being left on your piece.

Question 17

Can I make what I want during the pottery experience?

Accepted Answer

I tailor each pottery experience to suit your individual preferences and skill level. By working closely with you on an individual basis, I ensure that you have the opportunity to craft the pots that best align with your desires and personal style.

However, please keep in mind that creating more intricate pieces can be challenging and time-consuming. Instead, you'll find that crafting items such as bowls, dishes, and plant pots are more attainable and equally rewarding.

Question 18

What is the address for the experience?

Accepted Answer

When you book an experience you will receive a confirmation email with the address for the pottery experience on there.

You should also receive an email 3 days before with more details instructions on how to find the studio for your experience. 
Please check your spam/junk boxes if you don't think you've received them. If you still cannot find them please get in touch.

Question 19

Do I have to take my jewellery off?

Accepted Answer

I recommend removing all jewellery for the throwing sessions for a few reasons. Firstly, certain jewellery can increase the risk of you injuring yourself or the jewellery getting damaged. Secondly, trying to clean clay out of intricately designed rings is a faff and not easy to do.

For the hand-building sessions, where it's not as messy or risky this is more up to you. I recommend removing any jewellery anyway. It makes it easier for you and reduces the risk of you imprinting the clay with jewellery marks.

If you have a piece of jewellery you cannot remove like a plain band ring that is too tight, it is possible to still do the experience but I still recommend trying to remove it.

Question 20

Can I get my pieces glazed in any colour?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately it is not possible to glaze your pieces in any colour due to the size of the studio. I have a few different glaze options for you to choose from which we can discuss at your session.

Question 21

Can I take my pots away with me on the day?

Accepted Answer

As exciting as it is to make your pots and want to take them away with you on the day, there are some more steps to the ceramic process. After the session, your pots need to undergo drying, bisque firing, glazing, and a final firing before they are ready for pickup.

This can take up to 10 weeks. I appreciate your patience and understanding while I work to finish your beautiful pieces for you. I will contact you when they are ready.

Frequently Asked Questions