A bright room with a large window showcasing a scenic view of houses and mountains. Inside, there are four pottery wheels with stools, and potted plants hanging and on the walls.

Wheel Throwing Level 1

A 5 Week Beginner Series at Pearl & Fern

Ready to dive into the world of pottery? Our Wheel Throwing Level 1 class is the perfect starting point for anyone eager to learn the fundamentals of working on the potter’s wheel. Over five engaging weeks, you’ll be guided through everything a budding potter needs to build confidence, skill, and creativity at the wheel.

What you'll learn:

Week 1: Mastering the Basics

  • Techniques: Clay prep (wedging to remove air bubbles), centering on the wheel, and learning how to “pull” walls.

  • Projects: Students practice pulling cylinders (the foundation shape for almost everything).

  • Focus: Hands-on comfort with the wheel, understanding clay consistency, and developing muscle memory.

  • Outcome: Students leave with their first practice cylinders and a strong foundation for future forms.

Week 2: The Art of Throwing Bowls

  • Techniques: Opening wider, shaping, and refining curves.

  • Projects: Multiple bowls — from small snack dishes to medium serving bowls.

  • Decorative Add-Ons: Introduce basic rim finishing (beveling, flaring, or rounding rims).

  • Focus: Learning how to control form and create depth while keeping pieces centered.

Week 3: Trimming & Carving for Detail and Personality

  • Techniques: Using trimming tools to refine bottoms and create foot rings.

  • Projects: Trimming bowls and cylinders from Weeks 1 & 2.

  • Decorative Add-Ons: Explore carving, texturing, and adding surface details (e.g., fluting, slip decoration).

  • Focus: Transforming rough forms into polished, balanced pieces and adding personal flair.

Week 4: Crafting Mugs & Handle Making

  • Techniques: Throwing mugs/cylinders with intention, pulling and attaching handles.

  • Projects: Students create functional mugs, focusing on comfort and design.

  • Decorative Add-Ons: Experiment with altering mug forms (e.g., belly mugs, tall latte shapes).

  • Focus: Learning precision, attachment, and finishing skills for functional ware.

Week 5: Waxing & Glazing Your Finished Pieces

  • Techniques: Wax-resist for bottoms, glazing techniques (dipping, pouring, brushing, layering).

  • Projects: Glazing all completed work from the course.

  • Decorative Add-Ons: Explore how glazes interact with carved textures and layered applications.

  • Focus: Understanding how glaze chemistry and kiln firing bring pottery to life.

  • Outcome: Students finish with a collection of mugs, bowls, and cylinders — each uniquely glazed and fully functional.

What’s included:
Unlimited clay, tools, glazes, one bisque firing and one glaze firing, plus expert instruction. You will leave the 5 week course with at least two finished pieces — possibly more! (Maximum of 4)