About Pottery Workshops

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• Each workshop lasts for 2.5 hours  (the last 15 minutes of each workshop is allocated to clearing away and tidying up/paying for the session).
• You do not need to have any experience in working with clay or be artistic.
• Your first visit will include an induction into the studio and support from Jo to show you the basics: how to make a pinch pot; how to coil pots; how to make slab work.  You will be shown at least one of these techniques in your first session.  Other group members will be beginners but may have attended sessions before you so may be working a little bit more independently.  
• You will have the opportunity to take the basic skills you have been taught and work independently through the workshop, choosing what you would like to make.  Jo will be on hand to help with questions and guide and support you with your projects.  You will be sent links to Jo's curated Pinterest boards as an attachment with your invoice.  These links will provide you with ideas and inspiration for things to make so you can come with an idea in mind.  No worries if you don't know what to make, Jo will assist you in the workshop.
• A minimum of two workshops is best, to have time to create and glaze your pieces, but you can come for just one session and get it all done in one workshop if you prefer. 
• There are plenty of reading materials in the studio (books/magazines with step-by-step ideas etc) plus an extensive curated set of pinterest boards from which to draw inspiration whether you are looking at making an animal, mug, teapot, bird feeder, christmas decoration etc.  The options are unlimited.
• You will be shown all the necessary skills and techniques to create your own work including: scoring and slipping, cutting out shapes, working at different stages of clay wetness, how to keep work for the following workshop; how to keep things flat.  
• Jo will be present at each workshop to guide and support you.
• The cost of each workshop is £30pp.  This includes:
  • Use of clay
  • Use of studio equipment
  • Glazing materials
  • Firing of your pieces
• You can buy a 5 or 10 workshop discount card which reduces the cost of each session to £27.50 or £25 respectively.  (Please ask Jo at your first session).  You will also receive a free pottery related gift if you book a 5 or10 workshop discount card.
• Workshops are available to book online about a month in advance.  There will be sessions during the day, evening and weekends and you will be able to attend any or all that are listed - some customers occassionally come twice or three times a week.
• Workshops are limited in numbers and will be on a first come first served basis regarding booking.  A reserve list will be held in case of cancellations.
• Workshops will be advertised on the www.breakfortheborder.co.uk website and on the facebook page: Pop Up Pottery at Breakfortheborder Studio. Students who have attended previous workshops will also receive a regular email so they have the first chance at booking a session.
• There is a studio loo next to the studio and facilities for making tea and coffee (feel free to bring your favourite herbal tipple or coffee bean).   Semi skimmed milk will be provided.  Please Note: greasy fingerprints and clay do not mix well. 
• There may, on occasion, be guests staying in The Potting Shed accommodation (in the same building) and we ask that you respect their space if this is the case.  
• Work on the wheel is possible during your sessions but you will first be taught how to hand build.  Teaching wheel throwing is more intensive and Jo will need to spend time showing you the techniques so this may be done as a demonstration to a group of potters when time permits.   If you have a strong desire to learn on the wheel then Jo recommends you book a 1:1 or 2:1 wheel throwing session where you will have intensive tuition to teach you the basics.  Wheel time during group workshop hours will be shared between those wish to practise.
• Those who have attended 10 or more workshops  or have reached a suitable level, will have the opportunity to book individual spaces in the studio outside of workshop hours to continue their practice independently - Jo will be on site if needed, but will not be on hand throughout your session as it will be expected you will be able to work on your own.
• All materials and equipment will be provided.  You do not need to bring anything with you to the workshops.
• Please wear scruffy clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty.  All clay and glazes will wash out of your clothes.  There are a few aprons available in the studio but you may like to bring your own.
• If you have any other questions that haven’t been answered before you start your first workshop, please do get in touch.
• The most important thing to remember is that you are learning a new skill and building up your techniques.  There will be lots of mishaps and failures along the way and mistakes should be expected as they will happen.  This is all part and parcel of learning a new skill and expected in pottery.  Focus on learning the skills rather than making the most beautifully finished product (this may take time and should be seen as a bonus rather than an expectation).

How to contact Jo: 

Email her at breakfortheborder100@gmail.com 

DM her on the facebook page:  Pop Up Pottery at Breakfortheborder Studio 

Phone/Text/Whatsapp her: 07977 215 954

Message her via the whatsapp link on the website www.breakfortheborder.co.uk

Please note Jo is often out and about running the cottage business or elbow deep in clay, she will reply to your message as soon as possible.