What to Expect From your First Pottery Lesson?
So you’ve signed up for your very first pottery lesson — exciting! Whether you’re booked in with Andrew Walker Ceramics pottery classes in Sheffield or another local studio, here’s a friendly guide to help you walk in feeling relaxed, prepared, and ready to get your hands beautifully messy with clay.
1. It’s a Hands-On, Sensory Experience
Pottery is tactile. You’ll touch and shape wet clay using your hands, tools and possibly a pottery wheel. Expect:
Clay that feels cool, wet and maybe a bit slippery — and that gets under your nails and on your clothes. Aprons help, but old clothes are your best friend.
A learning environment that’s relaxed, creative and welcoming — everyone’s focusing on their own clay, not judging yours.
2. You’ll Be Guided Step-by-Step
Your instructor will show you the basics, often with a short demonstration at the start:
Hand-building techniques like pinch pots, coils and slabs — great for beginners.
Wheel throwing basics, if that’s part of your class: wedging (kneading), centering the clay, opening it up, pulling up walls and shaping.
They’ll likely explain safety, tools, and firing/glazing processes too — so you know what happens to your pottery after class.
Tip: You won’t remember everything at once — and that’s totally okay. Most instructors will help you hands-on as you go.
3. You’ll Mess Up… and That’s Normal
Expect the first attempts:
Not to be perfect — wonky bowls, squashed cylinders and slightly lopsided mugs are all part of the journey!
To have moments of frustration — especially when centering the clay on the wheel. It’s harder than it looks.
To laugh, learn, and probably get clay in places you didn’t think possible.
Remember: pottery is as much about the process as the result. Every potter started exactly where you are.
4. What to Wear & Bring
Here’s a quick checklist:
Comfortable clothes you don’t mind getting clay on — studio aprons help, but clay can still travel.
Close-toed shoes — studios often require them.
Hair tied back if it’s long — clay sticks everywhere.
Moisturiser for after class — clay dries your hands out.
5. Most Beginners Leave Inspired
Be ready to walk out:
With clay under your nails and a big grin on your face.
Feeling surprised at how meditative and satisfying working with clay can be.
Already thinking about your next lesson.
Whether you come away loving it, finding it challenging, or somewhere in between — your first pottery lesson is an experience to savour. The wonderful thing about clay? It’s forgiving, endlessly creative, and always ready to teach you something new.
Ready to get stuck in? Grab your apron, bring a curious mind, and let the clay do the rest!
23/02/2026