A Beginner’s Guide to Pottery: What to Expect at Your First Clay Workshop
If you’ve ever hovered over a pottery workshop booking page thinking “That looks lovely… but what if I’m terrible?” ... firstly, welcome, you are completely normal. Secondly, this blog is for you.
As the (very enthusiastic) marketing intern at Art Play London, I get to chat to lots of people who are curious about pottery but feel a bit nervous about actually giving it a go. They worry about not being creative enough, making a mess, or somehow doing pottery wrong (spoiler alert: there is no wrong).
So consider this your friendly, reassuring guide to what really happens at your first clay workshop, what it feels like, what you’ll make, and why you absolutely don’t need any experience to enjoy it.
Pop the kettle on, get comfy, and let’s demystify pottery.
First Things First: You Do Not Need to Be “Good at Art”
Let’s get this out of the way early.
You do not need to:
Be good at drawing
Have taken art at school
Know anything about clay
Be naturally creative
In fact, many people who come to Art Play haven’t done anything creative since they were children, and that’s often what makes the experience so special.
Pottery isn’t about producing a perfect object. It’s about making something with your hands, slowing down, and enjoying the process. If you can pinch, roll, press, or squish clay, you’re already qualified.
What to Wear (And What Not to Stress About)
One of the most common questions we get is: “What should I wear?”
The short answer: something comfy that you don’t mind getting a bit dusty.
Clay washes out easily, but we’d recommend:
Comfortable clothes
Layers (studios can vary in temperature)
Short or rolled-up sleeves
Shoes you’re happy to stand in
You don’t need to dress like an artist. There’s no uniform. No one is judging your outfit, we’re all too busy enjoying the clay.
Walking Into the Studio for the First Time
Let’s paint a picture.
You walk into the studio and are greeted by:
Shelves full of handmade pottery (some beautifully neat, some delightfully wonky)
Tables set up with blocks of clay and tools
A relaxed, friendly atmosphere
A tutor who genuinely wants you to enjoy yourself
At Art Play, we work hard to make the space feel welcoming rather than intimidating. It’s not a silent, serious art studio - it’s a place for play, conversation, and experimentation.
You’ll usually be invited to take a seat, wash your hands, and get settled before the session begins.
Meeting the Clay (Yes, It’s Cold .. And That’s Part of the Fun)
The moment you first touch clay is surprisingly memorable.
It’s cool, soft, and slightly squishy. For many people, it’s instantly grounding. You’re suddenly very aware of your hands, your movements, and the texture beneath your fingers.
This is one of the reasons pottery is so calming. It pulls you out of your head and into the present moment.
You’ll be shown how to:
Prepare your clay
Keep it workable
Use simple tools
And then ... you’ll start making.
“What If I Mess It Up?” (A Very Important Answer)
Here’s some excellent news: clay is incredibly forgiving.
If you:
Squash it too much
Make it lopsided
Don’t like the shape
You can usually just:
Smooth it out
Reshape it
Or start again
Nothing is precious at this stage. Mistakes are part of the process, and often lead to the most interesting results.
At Art Play, tutors are there to guide you, encourage you, and help you problem-solve, not to criticise or correct every move. Your piece is yours.
What Will I Actually Make?
This depends on the workshop, but beginner-friendly sessions often focus on hand building techniques, such as:
Pinch pots
Coil building
Slab building
Common first projects include:
Small pots or bowls
Plant pots
Trinket dishes
Simple sculptural pieces
You’ll usually be given a clear starting point, with plenty of room to personalise your work. Some people follow the brief closely; others immediately go off on a creative tangent ...both approaches are very welcome.
The Social Side of Pottery
One lovely surprise for many beginners is how social pottery can be.
People chat while they work. They laugh about wonky edges. They admire each other’s pieces. There’s a shared sense of “we’re all figuring this out together.”
Pottery workshops at Art Play are popular for:
Friends’ catch-ups
Date nights
Solo creative time
Team bonding
You can talk as much or as little as you like. Some people find it meditative and quiet; others love the gentle buzz of conversation.
Glazing: Where the Magic (and Surprise) Happens
Depending on the workshop, you may glaze your piece yourself or choose a glaze for it to be finished later.
Glazing is where colour, texture, and personality really come through. You’ll learn:
How glaze works
How to apply it
What to expect after firing
One important thing to know: glazes often look different before firing. This can feel a bit nerve-wracking, but it’s also part of the magic. Opening the kiln is always exciting.
Waiting for Your Finished Piece
Pottery is not instant gratification, and that’s part of its charm.
After your workshop, your piece needs time to:
Dry
Be fired
Be glazed (if not already)
Be fired again
When you finally collect it, there’s often a moment of genuine pride. You made this. With your hands. From a lump of clay.
Many people tell us this is when the pottery bug really bites.
Common Beginner Worries (Answered Honestly)
“Everyone else will be better than me.”
Unlikely, and even if they are, it doesn’t matter. Everyone starts somewhere.
“Mine will look silly.”
Silly can be wonderful. Personality beats perfection every time.
“I won’t know what to do.”
That’s what tutors are for. You’re never left to flounder.
“I’ll be embarrassed.”
Honestly? Most people are too busy enjoying themselves to feel embarrassed at all.
Why Pottery Is So Good for the Soul
We see it every day at Art Play London.
People arrive a bit tense, distracted, or unsure. They leave calmer, smiling, and often a little bit proud of themselves.
Pottery encourages you to:
Slow down
Focus on your hands
Let go of perfection
Enjoy the process
In a world that’s constantly rushing, that’s a rare and valuable thing.
Final Thoughts: Just Give It a Go
If you’re reading this and still thinking “I’m not sure pottery is for me”, I’d gently suggest this:
You don’t need to be an artist to enjoy making something.
Your first pottery workshop isn’t about creating a masterpiece. It’s about curiosity, play, and giving yourself permission to try.
At Art Play, we truly believe creativity is for everyone, and we’d love to welcome you into the studio.
Clay-covered hands optional. Smiles guaranteed.
The very enthusiastic marketing team at Art Play🧡
