Dates: Saturday August 9th, August 16th, & August 23rd

Time: 10:00 am - 12:30 pm

Location: The Potterie at Patina Meadow (address to be sent after purchase)

Instructor: Sloan Bates

Join Sloan Bates of Sloan Ranger Ceramics for a fun 3 part educational experience focused on teaching you all the basics you need to know to throw your own beautiful ceramic pieces!

This three-week course is designed for students who want to build confidence on the pottery wheel and begin their signature collection. With a focus solely on the key components of throwing and trimming, students will learn how to center clay, shape basic forms, and refine their technique through practice and consistency. Glazing will be done afterwards by the instructor to allow more time for hands-on throwing each session!

Although it is not required, it is recommended that participants have attended a one-time workshop at the Potterie or have at least a little familiarity with throwing. Not suitable for children under 12 years old. 

Week 1: Centering & The Basics

Theme: Getting Comfortable with the Wheel

Focus:

• Wedging and preparing clay
• Centering techniques
• Opening and pulling walls
• Making basic cylinders

Demonstration:

• Step-by-step bowl and cylinder form

Student Practice:

• Centering drills
• Throwing basic forms (cups, bowls, cylinders)

Takeaway:

• Select 1–2 pieces to be wrapped for trimming next week

Week 2: Trimming & Consistency

Theme: Refinement and Repetition

Focus:

• Trimming basics: foot rings and clean lines
• Throwing with greater control and uniformity
• Adjusting forms: bowls, small planters, or tumblers

Demonstration:

• Trimming leather-hard pieces
• Throwing with a focus on even wall thickness

Student Practice:

• Trim Week 1 pieces
• Continue throwing, aiming for improved form and size control

Week 3: Independent Throwing & Instructor Feedback

Theme: Practice with Purpose

Focus:

• Repetition and refinement of favorite forms
• One-on-one feedback with the instructor
• Setting personal goals: working on consistency, size matching, or experimenting with shape

Demonstration:

• Tips for troubleshooting common issues (e.g., wobbly walls, collapsing forms)
  

Student Practice:

• Throwing session with open format—students choose forms to focus on
• Final trim

Final pieces will be available for pickup 6-8 weeks after the conclusion of the course at our shop, Patina Home & Garden in Leiper's Fork.