The Pottery Shed
Just starting out? This is the right place. We are Sydney's original and best pottery school dedicated to teaching affordable wheel-throwing skills. At The Pottery Shed you can master wheel-thrown pottery with our classes, sessions and workshops. To get started, look at The Basic Course to turn real clay into usable ceramic art. For just a taste try any one of the basic skills classes.
BOOK NOW. Classes, Sessions & Workshops sold individually and specifically by date and time. Available daily on our self-managed booking calendars below.
The Pottery Shed was conceived in 2010 and established by American pottery teacher Joe Darling. The studio and the classes are beautifully organised to achieve the best success. It is always open so please drop in to look at it yourself.
We have training levels to suit raw beginners and intermediate levels. We use white midfire earthenware, terra cotta midfire and full-fire raku clay. We fire to cone 03 for the lowest energy footprint possible and the brightest colors available. Other firing services include midfire temperatures. For the beginner we offer an excellent course in 3 classes and a special discounted 6-Pack of 3 classes and 3 practice sessions.
Over the two hours, each class is divided similarly with an introduction, a demonstration, then a hands-on sessions with the clay and taking it step-by-step. The instructors will explain the purpose and principals behind the lesson. Use as much clay as you need to understand the task. You may try and fail a few times, but with some concentration and luck, you'll have learned the basic. The clay from failed attempts or from the those made just for practice is completely recycled at the studio and used again.
Regardless of the outcome from any class, everyone may progress to the next with pre-made forms provided. Project storage is provided.
The trimming class is your second to be followed up as soon as possible, or within 4 weeks. This second class teaches a new set of tools and techniques to trim excess leather-hard clay to form a foot, join, shape and decorate the project. Your project will then be cured, fired and made ready for glazing. This process will take up to 14 days, you'll be emailed as soon as your project is ready.
The Glazing class is where you get to paint-on glaze to decorate your project and prepare it for its final firing. Within 14 days it becomes a functional piece that you can use and enjoy. You'll be email alerted when it's ready for pick up. We have food-safe and brilliantly coloured glazes and underglazes from Blackwattle, Cesco, Walker and Northcote.
It's smart to book all three classes at the same time or 10 days early. Spread the classes out 14 days apart and use practice sessions between to improve. Last-minute booking attempts are often disappointing.
Classes are instructor guided and include an intro, demo and step-by-step walk-through for each basic skills class: Throwing, Trimming and Glazing.
Sessions are independent practice time at any level to improve all skills. Instructors may not be available so classes can be reviewed.
Workshops are instructor guided practice time designed for new potters learning intermediate skills after at least 5-10 practice sessions.
After your beginner 3-class course, or as practice between classes, students are welcome to continue developing their skills and confidence through sessions as a Returning Student at a discounted rate. These sessions are 2-hour bookings that offer students the opportunity to come in and use The Shed’s space and materials to practice their creative skills independently.
The Pottery Shed's booking system is fully automated and self-managed online. From the moment you book your session it’ll be confirmed, updated and connected via email and SMS. This way, you can manage your bookings and monitor your projects from home to gain the full experience.
The first 3 classes are $69 each. Returning Student sessions are $49, or even less with our weekly membership. Everything is included in the cost of a class. We provide materials, training, clay and equipment.
The Pottery Shed is located in a new warehouse at 656 Crown St, Surry Hills, NSW 2010. Near the corner of Crown Street and Cleveland Street.
The Shed is open daily with AM and PM classes available daily. Closed Tuesdays. To book your first pottery class, see above in the BOOK A CLASS section of this site.
Please remember that comfortable pants are needed to sit close up to the wheel. Long hair should be tied back, fingernails trimmed and don’t wear hand jewellery.
Further enquiries please use the contact form below.
Give a beautiful gift of pottery skills with our single class or multi-pack gift certificates. These are valid for 12 months. The Recipient will be able to choose when their specific class event will be.
Redeemable at:
After checkout your personalised gift certificate will be immediately generated and emailed to you as a linked PDF.
Improving a person's crafting skill improves their attention to detail, confidence and performance. Hand-crafting clay is a pure and honest experience that plays a role in personal development.
The Pottery Shed offers team building events, private parties and weekly clay workshops at volume discounts. For any group session, we offer a range of workshops that teach wheel throwing, slab rolling or a Japanese style clay carving. Groups of up to 36 can be accommodated.
The Pottery Shed is located 12 minute walk from Central Station. 656 Crown Street, Surry Hills, NSW 2010. 12 week pre-booking recommended.
Please use the contact form below for queries and bookings.
Drop By. All Welcome.
Come by for a cup of coffee, or leave us a note: