Explore the world of clay at our handbuilding pottery studio located at 3400 Harbor Ave, Alki Beach in West Seattle, WA. The Pottering series is designed for beginner potters who enjoy learning how to create simple, yet functional ceramics. You will learn various techniques, including rolling, forming, smoothing, pinch pots, and glazing.
The workshops and classes are limited to six students to maintain a hands-on and immersive experience. Try it Nights are limited to four students per session. Experience the world of pottery by yourself or bring some friends. You will be a part of the pottery community of creators as we explore the medium together.
UNIQUE AT POTTERINGS: All workshops, classes and Try It Nights include optional glazing open studio time to glaze your creation at no extra charge. See the Potterings calendar for the schedule. You’ll get the full immersive potters experience not found in other studios.
Your creations will be fired in the kiln. You will pick up your finished piece 5-6 weeks after the class. The Pottering instructor will email you when your piece is ready. Please pick up your piece within 21 days of the email. Have questions? Answers on the FAQ page.
Note: All workshops, classes and Try It Nights start promptly on the hour. Students arriving over 15 minutes late cannot join the session due to the nature of building pottery. There will be no refunds issued.
Upcoming Workshops Autumn & Winter 2026
Give the gift of creativity by ordering a custom gift certificate. Increments in $45 (Try It Nights), $50, or $55 (workshop). The recipient will book their session. The gift certificate will be emailed to you as a PDF. Payment through Venmo or PayPal, with a quick 48 hr turnaround.
Try It Nights
Wednesdays from 6-8 PM $45
Meet us at the table.
If you’ve never touched clay before, you’re exactly who Try It Nights were made for.
On Wednesday evenings, a small group gathers around the table to learn something new together. No experience. Just clay, conversation, and creative time.
Each month features one simple, functional project inspired by the season. Your instructor sits at the table with you, guiding each step as your piece comes to life.
Come back next month and make another. Before long, you’ll have a collection of handmade pieces that tell the story of the seasons, and the evenings you spent creating them.
Wednesday nights aren’t about becoming a potter overnight. They’re about making time for yourself, meeting new people, and discovering how satisfying it is to create something with your own hands.
Everything is included:
- Clay and tools
- Step-by-step instruction
- Kiln firing
- A return glazing session
- Finished pottery that’s ready to use
Have your own idea? Bring a couple from the Potterings Pinterest boards for inspiration.
Reserve your spot by paying in advance through Eventbrite, we also take Venmo or PayPal before the class.
Make a Sauce Jug
Winter (Date TBD) $55
Bring a little handmade charm to the dinner table. In this beginner-friendly workshop, you’ll learn how to handbuild your own ceramic sauce jug using simple slab-building techniques. This fun functional saucy pot can be used for a variety of uses, it’ll be the perfect size because you made it.
We’ll guide you through shaping, assembling, and adding your own personal touches to your piece. No pottery experience is needed. Just come ready to get your hands in the clay and have fun.
Your finished sauce jug will be dried, kiln-fired, and ready for you to glaze during a separate glazing session at Potterings.
Workshop includes:
- All clay and studio materials
- Tools and instructor guidance
- Kiln firing
- A separate glazing session
- Your finished handmade sauce jug to take home
Come make something useful, beautiful, and completely your own.
No pottery experience necessary.
At Pottering’s, every workshop includes glazing, your way. You can come back during a Glaze Open Studio session (included with your class) and finish your piece yourself, or simply choose your glaze and we’ll take care of it for you. Your finished pottery will be ready for pickup about 5–6 weeks after your class.
Reserve by purchasing an Eventbrite ticket or emailing us with your name and workshop/date. Limited to six students. We take Venmo or PayPal before the class.
Make a Cup and Plate Workshop
Create a Beverage Cup and Plate
Monday, September 7 9 AM-12 PM $55
Make something beautiful, and functional, with your own two hands.
In this beginner-friendly pottery class, you’ll create a matching ceramic cup and plate set that’s perfect for morning coffee or anytime of the day. We’ll guide you step-by-step through the handbuilding process in our beginner-friendly studio.
Whether you’re looking to try something new, craft a unique gift, or simply enjoy a peaceful, creative escape, this workshop is for you.
Workshop includes:
- All clay and studio materials
- Tools and instructor guidance
- Kiln firing
- A separate glazing session
- Your finished handmade sauce jug to take home
At Pottering’s, every workshop includes glazing, your way. You can come back during a Glaze Open Studio session (included with your class) and finish your piece yourself, or simply choose your glaze and we’ll take care of it for you. Your finished pottery will be ready for pickup about 5–6 weeks after your class.
Reserve by purchasing an Eventbrite ticket or emailing us with your name and workshop/date. Limited to six students. We take Venmo or PayPal before the class.
Make a Matcha Set Using the Kurinuki Method
Sunday, September 13, from 1-4 PM $55 SOLD OUT!
Slow down, dig in, and discover a form hidden inside the clay.
In this hands-on workshop, we’ll explore kurinuki, a traditional Japanese carving technique where vessels are hollowed from solid blocks of clay. Historically connected to the tea ceremony, kurinuki celebrates natural texture, tool marks, and the beauty of imperfection as each piece is shaped as much by intuition as by plan.
With step-by-step guidance, you’ll carve a complete handmade matcha set:
One matcha bowl (chawan)
One companion cup (yunomi style)
One whisk holder (chasen-tate)
We’ll focus on hollowing, refining form, carving expressive surfaces, and shaping a foot ring that lifts and balances each piece. The whisk holder will be designed to gently support and dry a bamboo whisk while visually tying your set together.
This technique is satisfying and beginner-friendly, while still offering lots of depth for experienced makers.
Workshop includes:
- All clay and studio materials
- Tools and instructor guidance
- Kiln firing
- A separate glazing session
- Your finished handmade sauce jug to take home
At Pottering’s, every workshop includes glazing, your way. You can come back during a Glaze Open Studio session (included with your class) and finish your piece yourself, or simply choose your glaze and we’ll take care of it for you. Your finished pottery will be ready for pickup about 5–6 weeks after your class.
Reserve by purchasing an Eventbrite ticket or emailing us with your name and workshop/date. Limited to 6 students. We take Venmo or PayPal before the class.
Read more about the Kurinuki method.
Make a Butter Dish Workshop
Make a Butter Dish That’s Beautiful and Functional
Sunday, September 27, 1-4 PM $55
You’ve been looking for a creative outlet, something hands-on, relaxing, and satisfying. Maybe you’ve even wanted to try pottery but weren’t sure where to start.
Join us for a beginner-friendly handbuilding class where you’ll create your very own ceramic butter dish, designed to fit both European and American-sized butter. You’ll learn how to work with clay, roll slabs, build forms, and shape a lid that fits just right. With step-by-step guidance and a welcoming studio environment, you’ll gain the confidence to create something beautiful and useful with your own two hands.
Workshop includes:
- All clay and studio materials
- Tools and instructor guidance
- Kiln firing
- A separate glazing session
- Your finished handmade sauce jug to take home
At Pottering’s, every workshop includes glazing, your way. You can come back during a Glaze Open Studio session (included with your class) and finish your piece yourself, or simply choose your glaze and we’ll take care of it for you. Your finished pottery will be ready for pickup about 5–6 weeks after your class.
Class size is limited, ensuring that everyone receives ample personal instruction.
Reserve by purchasing an Eventbrite ticket or emailing us with your name and workshop/date. Limited to six students. We take Venmo or PayPal before the class.
Make a Luminary Workshop
Sunday, October 18, 1-4 PM $50
One of our most popular classes!
Reminiscent of the night sky, your handmade luminary emanates a soft glow when lit with a candle. Join us for a cozy and creative afternoon of pottery as we craft beautiful ceramic luminaries, perfect for adding a warm glow to your home or garden! This workshop is designed for beginners who want to enjoy the magic of working with clay in a fun and welcoming space.
Once finished, your luminary will be glazed and fired in the kiln, ready to bring a soft, flickering light to your space.
Small & Cozy Class: Limited to 6 students for plenty of hands-on guidance. Come solo for a peaceful, hands-on experience or bring a friend to share in the creative fun. You’ll be part of a warm pottery community, learning and exploring together.
Workshop includes:
Your finished handmade sauce jug to take home
All clay and studio materials
Tools and instructor guidance
Kiln firing
A separate glazing session
At Pottering’s, every workshop includes glazing, your way. You can come back during a Glaze Open Studio session (included with your class) and finish your piece yourself, or simply choose your glaze and we’ll take care of it for you. Your finished pottery will be ready for pickup about 5–6 weeks after your class.
Reserve by purchasing an Eventbrite ticket or emailing us with your name and workshop/date. Limited to 6 students. We also take Venmo or PayPal before the class.
Make a Travel Tumbler Workshop
Sunday, October 25, 1-4 PM $50
Saturday, December 12, 1-4 PM $50
Sip on the go with style.
Imagine drinking your favorite beverage from something you made with your own two hands.
Join us for a fun and creative handbuilding pottery workshop where you’ll design and build your very own ceramic travel tumbler from start to finish! You want something meaningful, something that feels like you.
Small & Cozy Class: Limited to 6 students for plenty of hands-on guidance. Come solo for a peaceful, hands-on experience or bring a friend to share in the creative fun. You’ll be part of a warm pottery community, learning and exploring together.
Workshop includes:
Your finished handmade sauce jug to take home
All clay and studio materials
Tools and instructor guidance
Kiln firing
A separate glazing session
At Pottering’s, every workshop includes glazing, your way. You can come back during a Glaze Open Studio session (included with your class) and finish your piece yourself, or simply choose your glaze and we’ll take care of it for you. Your finished pottery will be ready for pickup about 5–6 weeks after your class.
Reserve by purchasing an Eventbrite ticket or emailing us with your name and workshop/date. We take Venmo or PayPal before the class.
Make a Wine Tumbler Workshop – Cheers!
Friday, October 30, 6-9 PM $50 (All Hallows’ Eve Session!)
Have you ever picked up a handmade mug or glass and wondered what it would feel like to create something like that yourself?
In this workshop, you’ll make a one-of-a-kind ceramic wine tumbler that reflects your style. You don’t need experience, special skills, or a pottery background. You just need curiosity and a willingness to try something new.
We’ll guide you through each step of the process, from shaping your clay to adding your own personal touches. You’ll learn handbuilding techniques, experiment with texture and design, and create a piece that feels like it could only have been made by you.
Workshop includes:
- All clay and studio materials
- Tools and instructor guidance
- Kiln firing
- A separate glazing session
- Your finished handmade sauce jug to take home
At Potterings, we believe pottery is for everyone. There’s something special about slowing down, working with your hands, and making an object that carries a little piece of your story.
Reserve by purchasing an Eventbrite ticket or emailing us with your name and workshop/date. Limited to six students. We take Venmo or PayPal before the class.
Make a Patterned Mug Workshop
Sunday, November 8, 1-4:30 PM $55 3 1/2 hours
Looking for a creative way to unwind and make something beautiful (and functional!) with your hands? Join us for this Patterned Mug Workshop (expanded to 3.5 hrs in 2026), where you’ll learn how to build and decorate your custom ceramic mug from scratch—no pottery experience required!
This beginner-friendly pottery class focuses on slab-building techniques, where you’ll use rolled clay to shape and form a mug that’s uniquely yours. You get creative with patterned textures, stamps, and carving tools to decorate the surface. We’ll show you the best way to make a shape into a handle.
You’ll also have the option to select glaze colors to give your mug a personalized, professional finish. After we fire and glaze your piece in the studio kiln, it’ll be food-safe, dishwasher-safe, and handmade by you.
Workshop includes:
- All clay and studio materials
- Tools and instructor guidance
- Kiln firing
- A separate glazing session
- Your finished handmade sauce jug to take home
At Pottering’s, every workshop includes glazing, your way. You can come back during a Glaze Open Studio session (included with your class) and finish your piece yourself, or simply choose your glaze and we’ll take care of it for you. Your finished pottery will be ready for pickup about 5–6 weeks after your class.
Reserve by purchasing an Eventbrite ticket or emailing us with your name and workshop/date. Limited to six students. We take Venmo or PayPal before the class.
Make a Luminary Holiday Tree
Saturday, November 21, 1-4 PM $50
A magical holiday workshop! This does sell out quickly.
Celebrate the season with a cozy afternoon of creativity. Build a beautiful ceramic glowing luminary holiday tree!
Make something that will become part of your holiday traditions.
In this cozy, beginner-friendly workshop, you’ll handbuild a ceramic luminary holiday tree that glows from within. You’ll work with clay to shape your tree, carve openings that let the light shine through, and add your own creative details.
Never worked with clay before? You’re in the right place. We’ll guide you through each step, from rolling and shaping your slab to creating the decorative cutouts and choosing a glaze you love.
Workshop includes:
- All clay and studio materials
- Tools and instructor guidance
- Kiln firing
- A separate glazing session
- Your finished handmade sauce jug to take home
When the holidays arrive, your finished tree will bring a warm handmade glow to your mantel, table, or windowsill. It also makes a thoughtful gift for someone special.
At Pottering’s, every workshop includes glazing, your way. You can come back during a Glaze Open Studio session (included with your class) and finish your piece yourself, or simply choose your glaze and we’ll take care of it for you. Your finished pottery will be ready before Christmas.
Reserve by purchasing an Eventbrite ticket or emailing us with your name and workshop/date. We take Venmo or PayPal before the class.
Make a Garlic and Herb Bowl Workshop
Winter (Date TBD) 1-4 PM $50
Get ready for a fun and creative afternoon of pottery as we craft a beautiful garlic grater and herb bowl—perfect for summer salads and fresh flavors! This hands-on workshop is designed for beginners, so no experience is needed—just bring your love for creativity and good food!
Your finished piece will be food-safe, dishwasher-safe, and perfect for adding fresh zest to your cooking!
Small & Cozy Class: Limited to 6 students for plenty of hands-on guidance. Come solo for a peaceful, hands-on experience or bring a friend to share in the creative fun. solo for a relaxing afternoon, or bring a friend to share the fun. You’ll be part of a warm, welcoming pottery community, learning and creating together.
Workshop includes:
- All clay and studio materials
- Tools and instructor guidance
- Kiln firing
- A separate glazing session
- Your finished handmade sauce jug to take home
At Pottering’s, every workshop includes glazing, your way. You can come back during a Glaze Open Studio session (included with your class) and finish your piece yourself, or simply choose your glaze and we’ll take care of it for you. Your finished pottery will be ready for pickup about 5–6 weeks after your class.
Reserve by purchasing an Eventbrite ticket or emailing us with your name and workshop/date. Limited to 6 students. We also take Venmo or PayPal before the class.
Read more about bisque firing in my blog post.
Sustainable Practices & Member of the Seattle Good Business Network
At Potterings, zero waste isn’t just a goal—it’s our foundation. We source all our materials, including clay and glazes, locally from Seattle and Tacoma to reduce transportation impact and support our regional economy. Every bit of clay is reused: scraps, trimmings, and even dried-out pieces are carefully reclaimed, slaked down, and returned to use. Our glazes are also repurposed. This closed-loop system is at the heart of our circular studio practice. By refusing to send anything to landfill, we uphold a strict zero-waste commitment—ensuring that nothing is wasted, and everything has value.
Proud Member of the Safe Space Alliance
We believe everyone deserves a place where they can create, connect, and simply be themselves. That’s why Potterings is proud to be a member of the Safe Space Alliance. Our studio is built on kindness, curiosity, and community, and we welcome people of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions. We want you to feel comfortable, respected, and at home. We have zero tolerance for discrimination, harassment, bullying, or hate, and we’re committed to nurturing a creative space where everyone is free to learn.
Professional Affiliation with the Washington Clay Arts Association
Potterings is a member of the Washington Clay Arts Association, a statewide non profit community dedicated to connecting clay artists, sharing knowledge, and growing appreciation for the ceramic arts. We believe pottery is better when we make it together, and joining WCA gives our students and studio community a connection to the wider world of clay artists, makers, educators, and studios across Washington. We’re excited to learn, share, and contribute to a welcoming community that believes there is always room at the table for another potter.
New Workshops & Classes
Have an idea!? Are you an artist who wants to collaborate? We are always interested in working with a wide range of visual artists. Email us with a suggestion.
Studio Workshops
One Session 3-3.5 HRs
Garlic & Herb Bowl
Patterned Mug
Travel Tumbler
Wine Tumbler
Set of Six Botanical Coasters w/holder
Luminary
Butter Dish
Cup and Plate
Travel Tumbler
Studio Try It Nights
One Session 2 HRs
Trinket Dish
Small Nesting Bowls
Jewelry Holder
Spoon Rest
Candle Holder
Botanical Dish
Herb Markers
Bee Bath
Napkin Ring Set
Student Favorites
Returning Workshops
Botanical Bowl
Egg Carton
Glazing Workshops
Glazing Magic
Glaze with Bubbles
Glaze with Drippy Slip
Monoprinting w/Underglaze