Ceramic Course FAQs

I am a complete beginner, is this suitable for me?

Yes! The course is designed for all abilities, you will be supported throughout by an experienced, friendly and qualified art tutor, who will explain and demonstrate all techniques and help to build your confidence in creating.

You will create your own unique ceramic pieces in a relaxed, informal and friendly environment. Perfect for beginners and those who’ve worked with clay before.

What will I learn?

Each session will begin with a demonstration and talk about the different techniques and methods of working with clay. You will learn how to slab build, make coil pots and pinch pots, as well as decorative technique’s such as sgraffito, sprigs and glazing. With access to professional tools, equipment and clay, your experienced tutor will help support you in creating your own unique handmade ceramic pieces. Learn the joys of creating with clay book today.  

Please note this is a hand building only course and does not include throwing on a pottery wheel.

Who will be teaching me?

Beth is a ceramist and fine art tutor based in North Tyneside. Graduating from the University of Cumbria with a BA(Hons) in ceramics before gaining her teaching degree at Newcastle. Beth has spent fifteen years teaching art in various settings, including prisons, schools and community workshops. Continuing her education, Beth graduated from the University of Sunderland with an MA in Glass and Ceramics before going on to become a freelance artist and start her own art business, Huttly & Welch Creations. Working with local artist Amy Welch who also provides technical support for Beth during her ceramic courses.

How long is each session?

Each session is 3 hours long with breaks included.

The course is once a week on a Friday, 11am – 2pm for five consecutive weeks.  

Please ensure you arrive on time for your session.

What’s included?

All materials, tools, equipment, professional tutoring, glazing, firings and of course refreshments. Coffees, Teas, and a variety of tasty biscuits. There is also a lovely café at the venue. 

What is the maximum group size?

To ensure you receive the best support throughout the course the group size is limited to 14 attendees.

Do I need to book?

Booking and advanced payment is essential. There are limited spaces and our ceramic courses are popular to avoid disappointment book today.

How do I pay?

Full payment for the course must be received on or before the start date.

You can secure your place by paying in full today through our website or by paying a £50 deposit and paying the remaining cost on or by the first session. If you would like to pay a deposit please get in touch.

Note: all deposits are being processed via BACs Payment. Follow the link to our contacts page to fill in your information, once received we will send you an email with the BACS payment details.​

Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the course?

No need, if asked any tickets can be shown on a phone.

Please note, one ticket admits one person for the course, and cannot be split between two or more people.

What's the refund policy?

No refunds on any fully paid tickets or deposits and unfortunately, we cannot offer any alternative dates if you’re not able to make a class. In the event that the organiser cancels the course or has to rearrange a session date that you cannot attend then a full refund will be provided for the course or single session. 

What happens if the course or a session is cancelled?

Should the course or an individual session have to be cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances you will be given as much notice as possible. If the full course is cancelled prior to the start date you will receive a full refund. If an individual session is cancelled and rearranged but you cannot attend the new date, a refund for that session will be provided.

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What happens if I need to cancel?

Our courses are non-refundable. However, if you need to cancel and it is 28 days prior to the course start date then we may be able to offer a transfer to the same course on an alternative start date. If there are no suitable dates or upcoming courses then a voucher will be provided for future courses/events.

Alternatively, you can transfer your ticket to a friend or family member to attend in your place instead, please note they must be able to attend all sessions and this is not to be transferred between more than one person. Please send an email prior to the course starting to provide details of who will be attending in your place.  

In the event that you need to cancel please get in touch

What happens if I’m late?

If you arrive late to a session depending on how much time is left you may not be able to complete your piece, unfortunately an alternative session or extended time cannot be given.

Can I take my piece home the same day?

All of the work you create each week will safely be transported to our studio to be fired in the kiln and kept safe ready for you to decorate with underglaze on the final session. After this it takes up to 2 weeks to finish firing all of your handmade work, ready for you to collect.

What happens after the course?

After the workshop your creations will be carefully transported back to the studio where they will be glazed fired in the kiln, making your work waterproof and useable. The finished pieces will be ready for collection 2 weeks later, your tutor will provide more details about where to collect your pieces at the end of the course.

How do I collect my work?

Your final ceramic pieces will be ready to collect 2 weeks after the course has ended. Your tutor Beth will give more details during the course in regards to where and when to collect your finished work. It is your responsibility to collect your pieces within the given time limit. If you cannot collect your finished ceramic pieces, please get in touch to arrange delivery. Please note, we can only provide free delivery if you live locally to North Tyneside.

Will I be able to use what I make?

All of the pieces you will make throughout the course will be either functionable or ornamental, waterproof and finished with a nice shine ready for personal use or as gifts for your friends and family.

What happens if my pottery breaks in the kiln?

All of your work is handled by professional technicians and artists who take pride to ensure all of your creations are transported with great care and come out the kiln whole. However, the nature of ceramics means perfection is not always achievable and unfortunately things can break.

During the firing process your work is heated in excess of 1000 degrees in the kilns. Due to the temperatures and various natural factors of the clay sometimes items can crack or at worst explode in the kiln. If you have lost any of your work in the kiln in this way, we may be able to offer you a spare as a replacement.

We hope you understand that we do everything we can to try and prevent such things, however it is not always possible. The unpredictable element can be both the charm and frustration of ceramics.

What should I wear?

We always advise wearing something you don’t mind getting dirty, so you can fully enjoy your experience and not worry about getting messy. The clay we use is grey in colour and therefore does not stain clothing, it can easily be cleaned in the wash, or left to dry to brush off shoes. However, the glazes we paint with may stain some clothing, so we recommend you wear old clothes or an apron.  

Where is the venue and how do I get there?

The ceramic course will take place at the oldest surviving building on north shields fish quay, the Old Low Lights, a heritage centre providing an inspirational setting. The course will be delivered on the top floor in a large airy space with amazing views and an outdoor viewing balcony. Please note the room is upstairs, accessible by stairs and an elevator.

Please see the Old Low Lights website for more details about access to the building.

Please follow the link to the Old Low Lights location on Google maps.

Is there accessibility for wheelchair users?

Yes, the venue is wheelchair user friendly with ramps into the main building and an elevator up to the second floor, where the course will take place.

Please see the Old Low Lights website for further information.

Is there parking?

There are car parking spaces outside the venue and around the local area.  The nearest metros are North Shields and Tynemouth, about a 15-minute walk away, there is also the ferry which is a 10-minute walk away. There are also plenty of bus services to the fish quay.  

Please see the Old Low Lights website for more details.  

What if I have a complaint?

We strive to ensure your experience is a good one, customer satisfaction is our main focus as we want all customers to have a positive experience with art. If you are unhappy for whatever reason please speak directly to your tutor on the day of your session, contact us via phone 07402913587 or email info@hwcreations.co.uk.

How can I contact the organiser with any questions?

Please contact Beth Huttly on 07402913587 or email info@hwcreations.co.uk.