Our classes include instruction for all levels of potter. All our classes include basic instruction for new potters. If you want to try out the wheel before buying a course, we offer a wheel sampler. This is a 90-minute session for $75. More information is available on our classes website.

Yes, we have packages of tools that you can use. We also have tool kits that you can purchase and keep.

We currently use Plainsman M340 clay. It is a mid-range clay, with some fine grog in it. This clay is soft and easy to use for beginners. It is also versatile, and stands up well to throwing larger vessels and items. If you wish to use a different clay, please discuss that with your instructor, and studio staff.

We have bags of clay available for purchase. Some of the class fees include one bag of clay. Extra bags can be purchased for $25. We also sell reclaimed clay, which requires wedging prior to use, for $15.

All class prices include instruction and some firing and glaze costs, some classes also include clay, see the class description for more information.

By John Britt

You have hit on the heart of the matter so will attempt to answer in my opinion of course. Glazes are very complex so simple answers are attractive but if you think about it you will quickly see that it can't be that easy. Think about the millions and millions of potters over the centuries all over the world who have attempted to find the perfect glaze, firing, color, etc. Even in the last 150 years we still have problems so with all those brains trying to solve the problem of durable, non-crazing, non- crawling, colorful, etc. It has to be difficult.
Glaze chemistry is based on chemical reactions and elemental ratios. Assuming that you are thinking of the 0.30/0.7 A/AE ratio, which is the standard. Knowing that there are thousands of clay bodies and thousands of firing cycles. You will find that often this ratio crazes. (probably meaning too much sodium oxide.) So in order to correct that you may have to make it 0.25/.75 or 0.2/0.8. So when that does work you see the original premise was incorrect. (That 0.3/0.7 is best for durable glazes.) Then you find out that you want colors so then you add colorants which messes up the crazing. Then you want to layer...then you want particular effects that require different firing cycles and oxide combinations, etc. You see how quickly it gets messy.
Now we add different cones, (low fire. Midrange and high fire, not to mention everything in between.) And you see this perfect ratio is impossible across the entire range.
Then you are going to want to try oil spots, Oribe, shino, kaki, teadust, crystalline, luster, etc. There is no way to stay in those parameters and get everything.
And finally , because I have to run, we have to address the assumption that we know exactly what is in the materials we use so when we put these materials into Glazy to get the UMF they are correct. One quick look at history shows how wrong this is. Namely, Custer Feldspar. Their material analysis was dated 1993. If I remember correctly and it showed a certain analysis. But it was bound out later, (2010-2013? ) That that was just an estimate. So here has gone by fifteen or 20 years or more of people doing unity molecular analysis on their glazes that was found to be incorrect because of incorrect data. And that was supposed to be the material we know not to mention the variable materials like dolomite, whiting, rutile, etc. So you can see, we think we have certainty, but we do not. I won't even mention the different schools of thought on limits, targets, measures of durability, percent analysis, vs UMF, etc.
Might be more than you needed ....but I wanted to try to give you my opinion for what it is worth.

Yes, bring your enthusiasm! And you might want to bring an apron, or clothes that you don't mind getting dirty. Also, a towel is useful.

Each class includes 6 3-hour classes held once per week.

No. All classes accommodate most levels of potters. Advanced potters are encouraged to sign up for freelance membership of the studio. Beginners and intermediate potters are welcome in all classes.

We are fairly flexible at Stable Hands Pottery. If you need to miss a class, or two, you can make up the time during the week. As long as there are no other classes on-going, and there is a studio staff member around to provide any support that you might need, you are welcome to come in. Please give us a heads-up, plan your make-up session with your instructor, or other studio staff member.

Yes, we do accept clay and works from other studios. However, we do require full and complete information on all the materials being fired in our kilns. We have a Kiln Firing Agreement where you can detail this information.

Yes! Two requirements: You must provide full and complete details of clay and glazes being used. Please see our Kiln Firing Agreement. Please note the prices vary depending on cone range and quantity of items being fired. Please reach out through email if you have questions.

This depends on the size of your finished piece and when your class finishes. Most pieces are ready in about 14-21 days after your class has finished. We will contact you when your pieces are ready for collection. We appreciate your patience as we work to ensure your ceramics are returned to you in one piece.

Stable Hands Pottery is a creative environment designed to inspire and motivate you to develop and grow your pottery skills. We are working to build a new pottery community to replace those lost to recent retirements. Our classes prioritize basic skills and knowledge, and instruction is personalized to each students’ goals and development. Our instructors each have different teaching philosophies that encompass sharing of knowledge and supportive encouragement in a friendly and creative environment. Learn more about our instructors here. Unlike other studios, we fire when the kiln is full. This allows students to explore glazing and decorating during the course of the class, and we cultivate experimentation.

Yes, we offer a wheel sampler, which is a 90-minute session. This includes instruction and at least 60 minutes on the wheel. We offer group sessions, so bring some friends! If you’d like to keep what you made during your sampler, one of our team members will trim, glaze and fire up to two of your pieces. If you wish to keep more pieces, additional charges may apply. Contact us for more information, and to book a session.

Wheel throwing classes are currently at 8 people maximum. We also have a minimum number of students required to run a class (4).

At this time, we do not offer any hand-building classes. However, this may change. Please join our mailing list for up-to-date information on the classes we are offering.

If you’d like to! If, after the piece comes out of the kiln, you decide that you don’t want to keep the piece, we collect unloved items to be smashed at stress-relief sessions.

We currently have three in-house potters who are producing work that is available for sale. Please check our gallery for more information, and contact us for availability of pieces.

Membership at Stable Hands Studio includes use of the studio space, equipment and firings. Check out the membership page for more info!

Members are responsible for providing all of their own tools, but we have some basics that you can borrow. Clay is available for purchase at $25 per bag ($15 for reclaimed clay).

We bisque to cone 06 (995°C-1011°C, 1823°F-1852°F) and glaze fire to cone 6 (1220°C-1241°C, 2228°F-2266°F). Most firings include witness cones, and a record is made of each firing maximum temperature.

We use a combination of studio-made glazes, and commercial glazes. We encourage experimentation, and you are welcome to mix your own glaze recipes, as long as you can prove that you have basic knowledge of glaze chemistry, and WHMIS protocols. Studio staff will supervise all glaze mixing, to prevent hideous catastrophes in the kiln. You will be required to pay a damage deposit, and materials cost as well as firing fees over and above the usual fees.

Yes, you can! We have a Kiln Firing Agreement, which details all the costs of kiln space rental.

We do have a gas fired, reduction, cone 10 kiln, however it is in pieces in the back paddock. We hope to install the cone 10 kiln and will keep you informed.

We do not routinely do raku, or pit firing. We do have a fire pit that we have built. Also, we have a kiln for raku. We are planning on including these naked flame techniques in the future. We are still very much at the experimentation stage.