FAQ

Is there an age range for who can attend the studio?

People of any age can attend our studio! We do recommend for a pottery wheel session that participants are over 7 years old, however, we have taken artists as young as 4 years old. Give us a call if you wish to find out more.

What can I do at “Pottering Around”?

We have a few choices to enjoy some creative time out at “Pottering Around”! Paint your own ceramics, use your hands to sculpt something awesome with clay, or book in for a pottery wheel experience!

How much does firing cost?

If you choose to paint your own ceramic, the firing is included in the price paid for your blank piece. If you build your own piece with our clay, there is a $10 firing fee per chunk of clay. If you are interested in a larger firing service, prices start at $30 for a full kiln shelf or $120 for a full kiln load.

Can I just walk in or do I need to book?

We’d love you to book in if you know you’re planning your visit. It lets us know you’re coming and means you won’t be disappointed if we’re fully booked! If you are visiting during school holidays or on a weekend, a booking is highly recommended. We hate to turn people away and booked tables will take priority over walk-ins. If you have a larger group of attendees (10+), we always recommend booking. Pottery wheel sessions must always be booked in advance.

How can I book?

You can book via the “Book Now” button at the top of the screen, by giving us a call on 0421 932 223, or by booking in store.

Can you deliver my fired ceramics if I am unable to collect them from the studio?

For a fee, we can arrange delivery via Australia Post.

What price gift voucher should I purchase?

It depends on what you wish for the lucky receiving artist to do at our studio! A pottery wheel session is $49 per person, $69 if you include firing. Paint your own ceramic prices start at $10 for figurines, but for a food-safe and ‘useful’ piece of ceramic we’d suggest at least $20.

How much does it cost to paint ceramics?

The price depends on which item you would like to paint. We have figurines that range from $10-$20, trinkets and money boxes from $20-$40, mugs from $22-$40, and more! All our prices include the cost of the item, painting, firing, and glazing.

How much does our clay cost?

If you wish to purchase clay from us, it is $10 for approximately a 0.5kg chunk or $50 for a 10kg bag.

How much does firing cost?

If you have painted a ceramic item with us, the firing is included with the original price paid. If you have hand-built a piece with clay bought from the studio, firing costs an extra $10 per chunk of clay. If you are an artist looking for a firing service, fees start at $30 per kiln shelf. The price varies depending on the firing temperature so please get in touch for a final price.

What price gift voucher should I purchase? 

It depends on what you wish for the lucky receiving artist to do at our studio! A pottery wheel session is $49 per person, $69 if you include firing. Paint your own ceramic prices start at $10 for figurines, but for a food-safe and ‘useful’ piece of ceramic we’d suggest at least $20.

Do you do gift vouchers?

Yes, we do! You can order one via this link or by clicking the “Gift Voucher” button at the top of the page.

What can I use my gift voucher on?

You can use your gift voucher on anything in-store. You can paint your own ceramics, get messy in a pottery wheel session, create with a little clay hand-building, or purchase food and drinks to help the creativity flow!!

Can I take my ceramics home the same day I paint them?

You can take your ceramics home the same day you paint them, however, we recommend leaving them with us to get fired. Our paints are designed to be fired and will scratch off easily, or wash off if they get wet. You can seal them with some spray varnish or craft glue, it may help a little, but they will not be water safe and may not take well to rough handling. Our kiln makes us unique and your piece extra special. It’s worth the wait!

How does your firing process work and how long does it take?

Firing normally takes 7-14 days. It may take longer at busy times, but less when we are quieter. We collect your name and phone number when you have finished painting and will send you a text once they are ready to collect. If you don’t hear from us, please get in touch after two weeks have passed. There may be a delay in firing, but it could also be a human error like an incorrect phone number.

If I don’t get my ceramic glazed and fired, is it cheaper?

The price for ceramics will be the same whether or not you get them glazed and fired.

Is there a certain amount of ceramics I can paint in one session?

There is no limit to how many ceramics you can paint!! Your table booking is for 90 minutes. At quieter times, you may be able to stay longer, at busy times we have to stick to these time limits so that everyone can enjoy “Pottering Around”!!

Do I need to book in if I want to paint my own ceramics?

We’d love you to book in if you know when you’re planning to visit. It lets us know you’re coming and means you won’t be disappointed if we’re fully booked! If you are visiting during the school holidays or on a weekend, booking is highly recommended. We hate to turn people away and booked tables will take priority over walk-ins. If you have a larger group of attendees (10+), we always recommend booking.

Can you deliver my fired ceramics if I am unable to collect them from the studio?

For a fee, we can arrange delivery via Australia Post.

Why does it take so long to have my pieces fired?

At the moment we only have one kiln (we have a new one arriving in September 2023!). The heating process takes just less than 12 hours as the kiln heats gradually to just over 1000 degrees, then we have to wait another 12 hours for the kiln to cool enough to unload safely. This means we can only carry out one load of firing per day.

How much does a pottery wheel session cost per person?

A pottery wheel session is $49 per person.

How long do the pottery wheel sessions go for?

Pottery wheel sessions tend to go for 60-90 minutes.

What does the pottery wheel session involve?

Our pottery wheel sessions involve a demonstration on how to use the wheels by one of our team members, followed by the opportunity to make your own. Each artist is given 2 chunks of clay to have a try with.

What is your wheel throwing availability?

Times vary, and can be found on our website by clicking “Book Now” on the top of the page and selecting “Pottery Wheel Beginners Session”. If you can’t find a time to suit you these please give us a call, we’ll do our best to work out a time. We have six pottery wheels, but can take larger groups over multiple sessions.

Do you have to book in for a pottery wheel session?

Yes, you do have to book in advance for a pottery wheel session. You can do this in the studio, on the phone, or through the “Book Now” option on the top on the page.

Is there an age range for a pottery wheel session?

We recommend age 7+ for pottery wheel sessions, although we have had artists as young as 4 and as old as 90!!

Can I bring in items I have made/painted at home for you to fire? How much would this cost?

Yes, we offer a kiln firing service. Please either keep the packaging of your clay, or take a photo of the firing details to make sure we use the right temperature. Firing is subject to availability. There may be an extended wait time during our busy periods.

How much does firing cost?

For ceramics you have painted with us, the firing is included. If you purchase a chunk of clay from us to create in the studio, firing is an additional cost of $10 per chunk of clay. If you are bringing in your own pieces and only require use of the kiln, the fee is from $30 for a full kiln shelf, $110 for the full kiln. The price increases with the firing temperature!

How does your ceramics firing process work and how long does it take?

In general it will take 10-14 days for your painted ceramics to be finished for you. We collect your name and phone number at the time of your visit and will send you an sms message when they are ready to be collected.

How does the pottery wheels/clay hand building firing process work and how long does it take?

Firing of clay takes a little longer than our pre made ceramics due to the drying time. Usually they will be ready after 3-4 weeks. Clay pieces are fired twice (if glaze is required!). They can be painted after the first firing. Please let us know at the time if you’d like to paint them.

Why does it take so long to get my pieces fired?

At the moment we only have one kiln (we have a new one arriving in September 2023!). The heating process takes just less than 12 hours as the kiln heats gradually to just over 1000 degrees, then we have to wait another 12 hours for the kiln to cool enough to unload safely. This means we can only carry out one firing per day.

I haven’t received a message yet and it has been past the stated waiting period, what do I do?

Give us a call, send us an email or a DM (preferred) and we will let you know if your pieces are ready to collect/paint. Our waiting times may be longer during busy periods such as school holidays. Once our new kiln arrives, these wait times should reduce.

Can I bring in pottery that I have made at home/in my studio to get it fired?

Yes, you can. Please either keep the packaging of your clay, or take a photo of the firing details to make sure we use the right temperature. Firing is subject to availability. There may be an extended wait time during our busy periods.

Do you take OSHC groups during vacation care for incursions or excursions?

Yes! We love Pottering Around in the school holidays!! We prefer hosting incursions at your venue, but can arrange for you to use our studio if you prefer. Times are more limited for excursions. We can run pottery wheel sessions, clay hand building workshops, or even ceramic painting.

Are events supervised?

Event participants under the age of 16 must be supervised by a parent/caregiver at all times. Event hosts are there to oversee the event, they are not responsible for the supervision of participants.

Is there a minimum and a maximum amount of attendees for an event?

Yes. Minimum and maximum attendees will be dependant on the event. Some events will be for any age, others may be age 16+. See individual event details for information.

What events to you have available? 

We run organised events, open to all via ticketing, or private events for your creative special occasion! Team building, Hens events, birthday gatherings… we can help! For more details about our organised events, check out our Events page! If you wish to book a private event, fill in the form on our Parties page.

Do you take OSHC groups during vacation care for incursions or excursions?

Yes! We love Pottering Around in the school holidays!! We prefer hosting incursions at your venue, but can arrange for you to use our studio if you prefer. Times are more limited for excursions. We can run pottery wheel sessions, clay hand building workshops, or even ceramic painting.

Can you come to me?

Absolutely!! We can host events in your home or other venue. Fuel surcharges may apply.

Can I purchase a paint your own ceramics or clay hand building kid to paint or create at home?

Yes, you can. You can purchase a gift box with a paint brush and mat, or you can just choose your piece to take home, we’ll give you paints to take home with you. Painted items must be returned for firing to be sealed and food safe.

Are the materials you use safe?

All materials used are non toxic and comply with Australian safety standards.

What kind of paint do you use for the paint your own ceramics? 

We use Chrysanthos non toxic underglaze paint.

Does the paint you use for the paint your own ceramics wash out of clothes?

The paint we use will not stain your clothes!

What kind of clay do you use?

For clay hand building, we use Walker Ceramics Australian-made white hand building clay. For on the pottery wheels, we use Bennetts Potters clay stoneware or terracotta filtered clay.

Do people just order coffees/food as they go for an event?

If you are hosting a private event at “Pottering Around” we can arrange catering. If you are visiting to paint during our standard opening hours you are welcome to order from our simple menu.

What kind of food can I purchase?

You can find our menu here. We offer allergy/vegan friendly options.

Can I purchase a platter during normal opening hours or only for an event?

In general, the provisions we need for a platter are bought to order so are not available without notice. If you would like a platter during normal opening hours, please call up at least 24 hours prior to your booking so that we are able to have the platter ready for you.

Can I preorder food and drinks?

Platters can be pre-ordered. If you need a large food order, please get in touch before your booking to make sure we can cater for your party.

Do you do takeaway food and drinks?

Yes, our food and drinks can all be takeaway.

Do you deliver food and drinks?

No, we don’t deliver food and drinks.

Can I bring alcohol into the studio?

Alcohol is by pre-arrangement only, and only for private events.