Hands-On Clay Party
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If you can’t wait to get your hands on some wet clay, now’s the time. The behind-the-scenes pottery experience is fun, educational and a creative way to spend a relaxing time with others. Thomas Pottery offers a large studio space, welcoming groups from 6 to 16 (ages 12+). Invite your friends, family or co-workers for a day of creativity. Private parties can be during the week or on the weekend, morning or afternoon. Choose from over 20 projects. Each participant will make the same project which will take 1.5 - 2 hours depending on your project selection. Plan your casual affair by calling Thomas Pottery to schedule a private party or sign-up for a Saturday class. See 2020 Schedule below for upcoming party dates, times, cost per participant and project selection. Choose from over 20 projects and learn techniques of smoothing clay, adding textured patterns and much more. If you are a novice, we recommend starting with a beginners project like the 8” tray with handles. You’ll learn basic hand-building skills of how to handle the clay and use pottery tools. Once you know these skills you will be ready to try one of our larger projects. Each class starts with a short studio tour and project demonstration including tips on how to use different tools and ideas you might like to try. Next, we'll distribute the clay and help you through the steps of making your own piece of pottery. You’ll select from many texture mats, rollers or stamps to design your piece. A template will be used to cut out your project. Once finished, your piece will be left to dry for us to complete. Each participant will fill out a contact information form where you will list your glaze color and pickup or shipping instructions. The Finishing Process: A freshly made piece of pottery will take at least 4 days to dry. Once piece is bone dry, any ruff edges will be sanded smooth and it will be loaded in the kiln. This first firing is called a bisque fire which heats up to 1800 degrees and takes about 8 hours. This slow firing process will burn out any organic material in the clay and create a hard porous surface. The kiln will cool for a day. Afterwards each piece will be unloaded, cleaned of any dust and the bottoms waxed. The wax will resist the glaze and prevent the piece from adhering to the kiln shelf. These pieces will then be fired a second time to 2300 degree for another 8 hours and day of cooling. Once unloaded the bottoms are sanded smooth. The finishing process usually takes 2-3 weeks. What’s included: Clay party setup. Aprons for you to wear. Pottery supplies to use include clay, tools, patterns, and forms needed to make project. Glaze and firing. Clean up. Snacks! Popcorn, drinks, water and a good time! Saturday Classes: Sign-up - Payment - Cancellations: Visit our on-line store to pay or call to pay by phone. Once paid you will automatically be signed-up and will receive an email confirmation. Cancellations must be received by phone or email notice no later than 3 days prior to class date to receive a refund. Tips for the Newcomer: Arrive at least 15 minutes early to have time to get settled, find the restroom and pick out your work area. Take a moment to browse the gallery for inspiration. You might see a textured pattern or glaze color you really like. We recommend removing any jewelry from hands and wrists while working in clay. Also, short fingernails help. For details and/or class reservations, please call 336-879-4145 or email us at scottandbobbie@thomaspottery.com. |
About Us: Thomas Pottery offers a large studio space, welcoming groups from 6 to 16 (ages 12+). You will find a clean and comfortable environment that is heated and cooled. Buildings and restroom are handicap accessible. Parking area can accommodate a large tour bus. Picnic tables available. |
Hands-On Clay Party
2020 Schedule
Sign-up!
Visit our On-Line Store to pay for your selected class or call to pay by phone.
Once paid you will automatically be signed-up and will receive a confirmation email.
Please note!
Cancellations must be received by phone or email no later than
3 days prior to class date to receive a refund.
Feb. 1st 10:00 - 11:30
Angel Wall Plaque 10” Level Intermediate $40 |
Feb 1st 1:00 - 3:00
Angel Wall Plaque w/ Sign Level Intermediate $50 |
March 28th 10:00 - 11:30
Small Tray with Handles 8” Beginner Level - $40 |
March 28th 1:00 - 3:00
Basket with Handle (5"H) Advanced Level - $60 |
April 25th 10:00 - 11:30
Small Chicken Planter 5x8 Advance Level $60 
Jun 6th 10:00 - 11:30
Oval Bowl 10” Beginner Level - $40 
July 11th 10:00 - 11:30
Welcome Sign 10” Beginner Level $40 
July 25th 10:00 - 11:30
Christmas Tree Tray Beginner Level $40 
Acorn Plate
Beginner Level $40 Private Party Option |
April 25th 1:00 - 2:30
Owl Vase or Planter 7”- Advanced - $60 
Jun 6th 1:00 - 3:00
Sunflower Bowl Intermediate Level - $50 
July 11 1:00 - 3:00
Frog Vase 7” Advanced Level - $60 
July 25th 1:00 - 3:00
Pumpkin Tray Intermediate Level - $60 
October 3rd - 1:00 - 3:00
Christmas Pinecone Tree 8" Advanced Level $ 60 |
May 2nd 10:00 - 11:30
Tray with Handles 10” Beginner Level - $50 
July 4th 10:00 - 11:30
Wall Vase 7” Beginner Level - $40 
July 18th 10:00 - 11:30
Leaf Bowl Beginner Level - $40 
October 3rd 10:00 - 11:30
Christmas Tree 10" Advanced Level $60 |
May 2nd 1:00 - 3:00
Woodland Angel 7” Advanced Level - $60 
July 4th 1:00 - 3:00
Turtle Bowl 8” Intermediate Level - $50 
July 18th 1:00 - 3:00
Pumpkin Tray Intermediate Level - $60 |