free wheeling

ability to make, freedom to ask

We hope that these sessions can be spaces where what you have learnt in classes can be put into practice. A chance to show up, to trust the process, to try and try again - all the while seeing your work get better. You must have done a course with us before booking on Free Wheeling or if you are an experienced potter, email us with your experience including wedging, making and glazing.

  • Often, there is only so much that can be taught in the 8 week class format - it’s the 5 minute tips here and there that make the difference. We have found that after 2 courses, people typically find their niche that they want to perfect and get better at. That is what these sessions are for.

    Our vision as a studio has always been to develop our clay community (hint hint, that’s you reading this!). From feedback taken from fellow potters and our observations, we want Free Wheeling to be a space where you can work on your projects independently, in the knowledge that you can ask for help as and when you need it. This is where things really start to happen. You have the grammar of clay, so let’s get making…

    • The sessions run for 2.5 hours (times vary, please check below.)

    • There are only 6 spaces in each class, so opportunity to both hand build or throw at your own wheel.

    • Good idea to come with an idea, that we can help you develop. Check our our resources page for tips and ideas here.

    • No catch up sessions for missed sessions or late cancellations (no later than 3 days before).

    • Please bring your own apron and tea towel. We aim to reserve the aprons for tasters and private events.

    • Labelling work is really important. We ask that you clearly sign your initials and use our studio logo stamp to ensure it gets back to you in between the firings. There is a studio book where you log all the work that you fire. If it is not logged and labelled correctly, we cannot take responsibility for it getting lost.

    • Please take care when glazing, particualrly making sure that the glaze is not applied too thick nor glazed too close to the bottom. If when it comes to fire and we are wary that the glaze will run, we have the right to not fire your piece.

    • Please store you work appropriately and where possible inform us of when you will next be in, this way we can keep an eye on your pots. Please note, for work left longer than 2 months there is a risk that it will be destroyed and put into the reclaim.

    • Make as much as you want, but pay for the clay that you fire. We ask that every time you put something into the bisque fire (labelled and logged correctly!), you weigh the amount of clay used and pay accordingly. We accept card payments, likely easier than cash as do not always have the correct change.

    • These courses are for people who have completed 8-week courses with us or a summer intensive. If you have not completed either of these with us but wish to join the sessions, please email us with your experience.

    • Please read our T&C’s and Health & safety before booking a Free Wheeling session to familiarise yourself with studio practice at The Ceramic Garden.

    • There are no catch up sessions for missed Free Wheeling sessions. There is limited rescheduling, in that we need at least two weeks notice is required to allow us to try and fill the space. We find ourselves having to enforce this policy more strictly as last minute cancellations are leaving spots empty, which is sad given the demand for them. Therefore, if you cancel with at least 2 weeks notice to the class, we can refund your session or give you the credits back.

    • It is worth making an account with us to save payment methods, making it easier to pay. Follow the ‘Login’ button to create an account. This way yo can track previous/upcoming appointments.

    • When booking multiple sessions, you can click ‘select and book another time’ and do multiple in one go.

    • Please sign up to our exclusive Free Wheeling Mailing list to be notified when more dates are added.

It is £40 per session, or you can save on sessions by buying a bundle for £150. It works out at 5 or 10 sessions at £30 a session, rather than the usual £40.

A bundle gives you a code that you can enter each time at checkout. You can check how much time remaining (aka classes) you have by clicking the ‘check code balance’ button below.

We have always felt an inextricable bind between ceramics and gardening. Working with the earth and between the elements, the infinite nature of the materials and often the uncertainty at play. Here are a few quotes by the beloved Monty Don, which we feel have a true resonance with the nature of ceramics and may tickle your practice in the recognition - celebration even- of the highs and falls of it all.

“I just think that gardening is about the future, a slow thing, that is deep and spiritual as well as spiritually rewarding.”

“I always see gardening as escape, as peace really. If you are angry or troubled, nothing provides the same solace as nurturing the soil.”

“The biggest obstacle to good gardening is the desire to know the answers and not the questions.”