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. 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.
All workshops and classes include optional glazing open studio time to glaze your creation at no extra charge. See the Potterings calendar for the schedule.
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.
Upcoming Workshops Spring & Summer 2026
Give the gift of creativity by ordering a custom gift certificate. Increments in $45 (open studio), $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.
Open Studio
Wednesdays from 6-8 PM $45
Need creative time? Join our weekly Open Studio—$45 includes everything, guidance, materials, and kiln firings.
Join us on Wednesdays from 6 PM to 8 PM for Open Studio at Potterings! This is your chance to explore, create, and experiment with clay in a relaxed and welcoming environment. Whether you’re new to pottery or an experienced potter looking to make a piece of pottery, our open studio time is ideal for practicing techniques or simply having fun with clay.
Limited to four students per open studio to ensure plenty of individual instructor time.
Open studio time is your time to create a unique piece of pottery. Open studios include expert instructor guidance, all tools, clay, kiln firings and a seperate glazing session (included in the price).
You gain inspiration, encouragement, and a sense of belonging while building something meaningful with your hands. You can bring an idea, decide on the project with the instructor at the time of the open studio, or choose to make one of our monthly highlighted projects.
Insider tip: Want to do your own thing? Bring a couple of pottery ideas from the Potterings Pinterest boards for inspiration.
Just curious about Potterings? Feel free to drop in and take a look around—no charge.
Reserve your spot by paying in advance through Eventbrite, we also take Venmo or PayPal before the class.
Make a Wine Tumbler Workshop – Cheers!
Friday, August 7th 5:30-8:30 PM $50
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.
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.
Your workshop includes:
- Everything you need to make your wine tumbler
- Step-by-step guidance from your Potterings instructor
- Clay, tools, and studio supplies
- Bisque and final glaze firing
- A return visit to glaze your finished piece
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, August 10 6-9 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.
What’s Included: Clay, tools, glazing, 2 kiln firings, and step-by-step guidance.
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 Berry Mug Workshop
Saturday, August 22 from 1-4:30 PM $55
Trending on Etsy! In this beginner-friendly pottery workshop, you’ll create your own 20oz ceramic berry mug, a functional piece perfect for rinsing fresh berries.
In this relaxed, supportive studio class, we’ll walk you step-by-step through building a handled berry mug using simple slab-building techniques. No pottery experience needed.
Once your piece is complete, you have the option of returning to glaze your berry mug or opt for Potterings to glaze your creation (you pick the colors).
What’s Included: Clay, tools, glazing, 2 kiln firings, and step-by-step guidance.
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.
What’s Included: Clay, tools, glazing, 2 kiln firings, and step-by-step guidance.
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.
What’s Included: Clay, tools, glazing, 2 kiln firings, and step-by-step guidance.
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.
What’s Included: Clay, tools, glazing, 2 kiln firings, and step-by-step guidance.
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.
What’s Included: Clay, tools, glazing, 2 kiln firings, and step-by-step guidance
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 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.
What’s Included: Clay, tools, glazing, 2 kiln firings, and step-by-step guidance.
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 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.
What’s Included: Clay, tools, glazing, 2 kiln firings, and step-by-step guidance.
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.
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
Try It! One Session
Garlic & Herb Bowl
Patterned Mug
Travel Tumbler
Wine Tumbler
Set of Six Botanical Coasters w/holder
Luminary
Butter Dish
Cup and Plate
Noodle Bowl
Studio Classes
Two Sessions
Coffee Pourover & Mug
Matcha Bowl and Whisk Holder
Tray and Two Cozy Cups
Student Favorites
Returning Workshops
Botanical Bowl
Luminary
Egg Carton
Garlic Grater
Travel Mug
Glazing Workshops
Glazing Magic
Glaze with Bubbles
Glaze with Drippy Slip
Monoprinting w/Underglaze