top of page
Rise & Make: Beginners / October 13 - November 17 / Tuesdays 9-12

Rise & Make: Beginners / October 13 - November 17 / Tuesdays 9-12

$450.00Price
Rise & Make: Ceramic Essentials for Beginners
 
Schedule
  • Days: Tuesdays
  • Time: 9AM – 12PM
  • Dates: October 13 – November 17 (6-week session)
 
Master the essential foundations of working with clay in this comprehensive, 6-week hands-on introductory course. This project-led class is designed specifically for beginners who want to build a strong baseline in handbuilding and clay preparation.
Throughout the session, you will learn the mechanics of pinch, coil, and slab forming, alongside the use of various mold types. We emphasize a deep understanding of the steps and stages of clay work—from initial preparation to attaching parts (like handles, spouts, and decorative elements) and applying final glazes. Participants will complete 5 to 6 finished pieces, depending on individual pace and detail.
 
Pricing
  • Fee: $450 + HST (Total: $508.50)
 
What’s Included
  • 18 hours of dedicated studio class time
  • Instruction & technical support from experienced ceramicists
  • 2 types of clay (Only studio-provided, approved, and tested clay/materials are permitted)
  • All finishing materials: Underglazes, slips, glazes, wax, resists, and decorating materials
  • Studio access: Use of molds, supports, boards, tools, and studio equipment
  • Kiln services: Management of works in progress, bisque firing, and glaze firing
 
What to Bring
  • Clothing protection: An apron or work shirt
  • Studio towel: For cleanup and table work
  • Note-taking materials: A notepad, pen, and pencil
 
Studio Expectations
  • An open mind: Arrive ready to learn and prepared to create.
  • Kindness to yourself: Leave your self-critic at the door—this is a space to experiment and grow!
  • Community care: Full participation in studio care, cleanup, and safety protocols is required.
 
Attendance & Rescheduling Policy
This course is offered as a 6-week bundle of weekly classes.
  • Missed Classes: Missed classes are non-refundable and non-transferable. If another session is running during the same term—and space permits—a missed class can be made up, only if arranged with the studio in advance.
  • Studio Cancellations: In the event of extenuating circumstances (such as severe weather, power outages, or illness), a class may be rescheduled. Make-up dates are usually added to the end of the session, so it is a good idea to leave that following week open. We always do our best to accommodate the majority in these circumstances.
  • Important: Please ensure you read our full cancellation policy prior to registration.
 
How to Register (2-Part Process)
We cannot hold your seat without payment. Please follow these two steps to secure your spot:
  • Add selection to your cart & purchase to initiate your registration.
  • Complete your transaction via E-Transfer: Send the total of $508.50 (or your total cart balance if purchasing multiple classes) to april@blackbirdpottery.ca.
  • Confirmation: Once payment is received, your registration will be confirmed via email within 24 hours.
 
Financial limits? We understand. If you require a flexible payment plan, please email us at april@blackbirdpottery.ca to make arrangements before registering.
     
    Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions!
    Quantity

    • Cancellation & Refund Policy

      Student Cancellations

      Classes are scheduled according to demand. Because a minimum number of participants is required to run a session, last-minute cancellations disrupt scheduling. While many pottery studios enforce a strict "No Refund" policy for this reason, we always do our best to find a positive outcome and understand that extenuating circumstances happen.

      • 16+ Days Notice: If you cancel your registration in writing at least 16 days before the class start date, you will receive a full refund minus a $50 administrative fee.
      • 15 Days or Less Notice: Cancellations made within 15 days of the start date are only eligible for a refund if your spot can be filled by another student from our waiting list. A $50 administrative fee will apply.
      • Registration Transfers: You may transfer your registration to another person interested in joining the class, where appropriate. This transfer incurs a $50 administrative fee.

      Studio Cancellations

      We require a minimum number of participants to run a class, managed at the discretion of the studio.

      • If we must cancel a class due to low enrollment or extenuating circumstances, you will receive a full refund or a studio credit upon request.
      • This will be issued within 2 weeks of the cancellation.

      Missed Classes & Make-Ups

      • No Refunds for Absences: Participants will not receive refunds or credits for missed classes. Missed classes are non-transferable and do not carry over to future sessions.
      • Class Make-Ups: If you must miss a class, and there is a parallel class running during the same session, we will do our best to accommodate you in that slot if space allows. If no other class is running during that session, make-ups are not possible, and you will lose that class time.
      • Studio Rescheduling: If the studio must cancel a specific class due to extenuating circumstances, we will do our best to reschedule it—usually by adding an extra week to the end of the session. If you cannot attend this rescheduled date, it is non-refundable.

    • Public Health

      In the event of pandemic-like circumstances, masking may be required inside the studio. Participants should be prepared to wear a mask while indoors to reduce transmission and lessen the burden on our healthcare system.

      Please self-screen if you are sick and stay home if you experience symptoms. The studio maintains a supply of masks and hand sanitizer for your convenience.

    bottom of page