There’s nothing more satisfying than creating your very own stuff and with the world of pottery having a strong moment right now, no guesses as to where you should be flocking to for your homewares.
If you’re keen to make your own teapots, platters, bowls and ceramic keep cups then you’ll want to pay attention, though we take no responsibility for any slightly misshapen mugs. That’s all on you.
Here are all the best pottery classes in Brisbane.
Mas & Miek Ceramic House
Newstead
Brought to you by a mother-daughter pottery loving pair, Mas & Miek Ceramic House offers a little something for everyone. From beginner workshops to long time wheel artists, there’s no shortage of clay to get your hands dirty in this dreamy Newstead studio. An airy converted warehouse has been transformed into a ceramic oasis, fitted with wheels, kilns and a large workshop table to tinker with hand-building and glazing. With daytime and evening classes available seven days a week, there’s little you can’t learn at the hands of these pottery masters. Or, if committing to an entire workshop isn’t within your wheelhouse at the moment, you can pull up a pew, grab yourself a coffee from their café and paint a pot to take home.
Mitra Ceramic House
South Brisbane
With eight different classes to choose from, Mitra Ceramic House is catering to the masses, skilled and unskilled alike. The classes range from wheel throwing workshops, to building a whole dinnerware set, to making a boobie mug, all the way to a course on ancient Cypriot pottery—hectic, right? The studio’s mission is to create a safe space for any kind of artist to express themselves, and that includes us complete newbies. Sounds like a great place to start.
Artisan Avenue Studios
Albion
This new studio in Albion offers a little something for everyone. Run by the lovely Jude Jeha, who’s been practicing pottery (not to mention glasswork, electroforming and a few other creative hobbies) for years, Artisan Avenue Studios offers six-week slab built pottery courses as well as clay experiences for for those who just want to spend a few hours making their own stoneware plate or trinket dish on a Saturday morning. Jude also does private and one-on-one sessions, and if you’re already an expert, you can hire a wheel or glaze your finished pieces in the kiln.
Clayschool
West End
Like playschool, but for adults, and the time on the rocket clock is half past a pottery wheel. West End is home to plenty of quirky crafts, so there’s no surprises this little gem is hidden down on Montague Road as well. Clayschool is headed up by pottery veteran, Ray Cavill, who facilitates classes for every skill level from novice to expert. Join Ray and his team for all kinds of clay adventures like pottery, wheel techniques, mould making, specialist techniques and even clay theory (hand us the textbook baby, we’re ready!). Check out their term classes and short workshops to see what tickles your fancy the most.
The Ceramic Studio
Indooroopilly
Nestled into the ‘burbs, The Ceramic Studio is a great place to discover your new-found-love for all things pottery and slap together a couple of unique pieces for your (ever-growing) ceramic collection. Classes at the clay studio are intimate groups of four to six people, so head there on your own, or grab a couple of pals to make your pieces with. Beginner classes include two sessions to create your masterpiece, as well as clay, glaze paint and absolutely no judgement when you re-enact the scene from Ghost. BYO version of Unchained Melody.
Brisbane Institute of Art
Windsor
Just the name Brisbane Institute of Art makes you assume it is fancy and unattainable for newbies. Thankfully, you’d be incorrect. They have classes for even the most inexperienced of us, the likes of whom have never even touched play-doh. Their courses are on the longer side, so instead of doing just one class and never trying again, you’re locked into a few consecutive days of workshops, where you can really fine-tune your new-found skills. They have a range of introductory courses, as well as some complicated classes for the more coordinated of us.
Clay And Sip Pottery Class
Brisbane CBD
If you really just want to have some fun with clay, maybe take home a mishapen mug and drink wine while you do it, this clay and sip class is for you. Although there won’t be a clay wheel and Patrick Swayze can’t make it, you will be able to cover your hands in clay and sculpt up something incredible. For $50 (or $45pp if you bring a friend—yay!) get some expert guidance on techniques, but otherwise feel free to make whatever you feel like. This ones for beginners so don’t shy away. Bring a bottle of wine, some snacks and you’re all set.
Our Space Pottery Studio
Wilston
This Wilston pottery studio is all about learning. Beginner friendly classes start with 1.5 hour long tasters, which then upgrade to a four-week course where you learn the art of clay throwing, turning and glazing. If you're someone who likes to work at your own pace, they have open studio sessions everyday and for just $2.60 a day, you can become a member with full access to the studio (24-hour access is on the way) and discounts on all classes, glazes and firings. This studio is perfect for beginners and masters alike, so stop doubting yourself, and contact the good people at Our Space here and begin moulding your pottery adventure.
Want to expand your creative skills? Find more of Brisbane’s best art classes here.
Image credit: Mas & Miek