The Best Pottery Classes in Melbourne

Pottery is having a moment right now, and we can think of a few possible reasons why. Maybe it’s because the tactile, hands-on activity is a quenching respite from our screen-heavy lives, encouraging us to be focused and in the moment.

Or the fact that it offers an outlet for creativity while giving us useful objects, and can be a way of meeting new friends or spending time with old ones.

Whatever the reason pottery might have piqued your interest, these classes are an easy way to take the plunge. They’re all beginner friendly, run by expert ceramicists and will have you excelling behind the wheel in no time.

The Small Vessel Sculpting Workshop 

If you’re looking for an inspiring pottery class in Melbourne, Shell Space in Brunswick offers the perfect setting. Led by renowned ceramic artist Hilary Green, the Small Vessel Sculpting Workshop is a must-try.

This creative evening class invites participants of all skill levels to create a unique ceramic vessel using coiling and piece-building techniques. With 2kg of clay, you can add texture, marks, and character, making it truly your own.

Hilary will glaze your finished piece with your choice of three glazes, ready for collection in three weeks time.

Snacks, drinks, and all materials are included. 

8 McIver Street, Brunswick

Twelve 80

Discover your creative potential at Twelve80 in Coburg, where a welcoming vibe and diverse pottery experiences await. Whether you're a beginner or seasoned potter, their term classes offer guided instruction from friendly, knowledgeable teachers, along with 4 hours of weekly studio access to hone your skills. For a more focused experience, join one of our expert-led workshops that delve into specific pottery techniques.

If you're a regular home potter, there's even a casual studio access program that allows you to drop in anytime and enjoy the fully-equipped space, complete with Shimpo wheels, banding wheels, slab rollers, and more.

Relax in their cosy upstairs lounge, and don't forget your tools—starter kits are available for just $15.

With affordable pricing and a supportive community, Twelve80 is the perfect place to immerse yourself in the art of pottery in Melbourne. 

6 Lewis Street, Coburg North 

Urth Clay Studio

Venture to an unassuming frontage in Strathmore (walking distance for DFO Essendon) to find Urth Clay Studio, one of our favourite new pottery classes in Melbourne. With hands-on classes to help you create at your own pace and skill level, this is a friendly and relaxing studio that focuses on learning through fun, laughter and positivity.

Their classes range from one-off classes lasting 2.5-3 hours, term classes for 8 x weekly sessions perfect for anyone between beginner and intermediate, and private events for anything from birthdays, hens, and for those who just want a fun day with their friends.

It's one of the best pottery classes in Melbourne to practice mindfulness and enjoyment. Hands dirty, minds clear...we can't get enough!

See the range of sessions and courses here

68 B Bulla Road, Strathmore

Pot Dispensary

Enjoy wheel-throwing and hand-building at one of the classes and courses available at Pot Dispensary

There's an introduction to pottery where you can create your very own cup, bowl, or unique vessel. These one-off classes are designed to be beginner-friendly and include 2-hours of guided wheel-throwing or hand-building, beginning at $75.

And whether you are a curious novice or seasoned pothead, Pot Dispensary's 6-week term classes are some of Melbourne's best, perfect for exploring and honing your craft. They cost $490, and include all materials and services - clay, tools, glaze and firing costs. Their classes are designed to be intimate (max of 9 spots per class), meaning you'll receive a lot of attention and support.

425 Chapel Street, South Yarra

Bisque Studios

2/167 Beavers Road, Northcote

Everyday Clay by Reishi

This pottery studio in Melbourne has a passion for creating, teaching and healing. Everyday Clay is also there to provide a pottery class for every kind of skill set, or creative style. From taster sessions to short courses, they offer a series of group classes to kickstart your creative journey, in a relaxed and supportive studio environment. Private tutoring sessions are also on the slip here. 

71 Tannock Street, Balwyn North

Diana Ceramic

There are several classes for potters of all skill-levels at Diana Ceramic. Get started with wheel throwing for beginners, learn the art of ceramic painting or take a class dedicated to making your own 'boob pot'. The studio is also great for groups, too, with several make-and-sip events like mud and merlot. Don't mind if we do!

3/6 Duffy Street, Burwood 

Northcote Pottery Supplies

Whether you’re looking for some high-quality pottery materials or some professional pottery classes, Northcote Pottery Supplies has got it all. Build your own best pottery class in Melbourne at home with their extensive range of materials for sale, or check into one of their own classes and workshops, starting from $130. They also cater for children’s parties, group activities, and private consultations, so there's really no excuse not to 'pot' yourself out there and express yourself, creatively. Trust us, a class or two at Northcote Pottery will take you from greenware to glazed in clay-crafting abilities.  

142-144 Weston Street, Brunswick East

Slow Clay Centre

At this well established Collingwood pottery school they focus on teaching ergonomically sound, Japanese-inspired techniques that embrace the ‘power of slow’. Movements are mindful and economical, giving newbies a strong foundation for a long pottery career. Sharing the art, craft and expressive potential of ceramics, Slow Clay Centre offer fun and social taster classes ($120) before you jump into eight week beginners wheel classes ($595). Alternatively their popular porcelain small objects class (eight weeks, $595) will have you building delicate, dainty objects by hand.

13 Keele Street, Collingwood

Terrapotter Studios

Terrapotter’s serene, sun-soaked studio is the perfect place for the clay curious to develop their skills. Small class sizes of up to eight students mean you’ll receive thorough guidance in an introductory single session ($100) or six week term courses. Throughout the term you’ll learn how to form, trim, decorate and glaze your pieces in a beautiful array of colours, ready to use at home or give as utterly personal gifts.

374 Clarendon Street, South Melbourne

The Wheelhouse Studio

The Wheelhouse Studio specialises in small classes of only 10 or fewer students, ensuring everyone gets the attention they need to grow a budding passion for ceramics. Absorbing wheel throwing courses (four weeks, $295 or eight weeks, $590) teach all the fundamentals while calming hand building classes involve coiling, slab-building and pinching to create one-of-a-kind objects. All skill levels are welcomed in their safe, relaxing and inclusive space.

174 Gladstone Street, South Melbourne

Urban Clay

Urban Clay founder Rebecca Withington has over 30 years’ experience as a ceramics artist, including time learning traditional techniques from masters in Japan and Korea. At her Highett studio Withington and her team take joy in sharing their knowledge with others, offering six week ($399) and eight week ($499) courses that build fundamentals while cultivating creativity. Let your hands do the talking while making new friends and creating objects you’ll treasure forever.

2/37 Advantage Road, Highett

Céramiques

Unsure if pottery is for you? At Céramiques you can dip your toe in at a one-off intro class for just $80, but we guarantee you’ll be charmed into a six week term ($390) straight after. With two locations in Elsternwick and Kew, this friendly studio is a tranquil place to cultivate your skills and creativity. Learn from expert tutors and discover the magic of turning a heap of clay into a beautiful, unique piece.

15 Horne Street, Elsternwick

176 High Street, Kew

Brixton Street Pottery

Brixton Street Pottery is the studio of Gordon Hickmott, a ceramics artist and educator with over 25 years of experience. Here you can expect a relaxed teaching environment that’s all about building a sense of community while sharing enthusiasm for this very special craft. Six week terms ($530) will arm you with everything you need to know about hand building, wheel throwing, sculpting and glazing so that you can further develop your pottery practice.

6 Brixton Street, Flemington

School of Clay and Art

Located on the very appropriately named Ovens Street in Brunswick, this artist-run studio nurtures some of the most promising pottery minds (and hands) in Melbourne. Their eight week ($575) wheel-forming and hand-forming classes are all held on weeknights or Saturday afternoons, making them a handy choice for the after work crowd, and over that time you’ll learn to make, finish and glaze your lovely new wares. SoCA’s classes are best suited to those who enjoy having a little more free reign and quiet time as they learn, with teachers on hand to provide guidance when needed.

26-28 Ovens Street, Brunswick

Neo Ceramics

Since opening in 2021, Neo Ceramics has quickly established itself as an energetic and inspiring store and studio. Founder Jack Balfour and his fellow teachers are masters of their craft, and in classes they pass on their knowledge in a patient, thorough manner. Sign up for a taster class ($95) if you’ve never sat behind a potter’s wheel before, or dive straight into a six week course ($450-$465) that will have you creating beautiful handmade pots to take home.

Sitchu Tip: They're moving into bigger digs in Kensington, so there's a moving sale this Sunday 11th August, 2024 for those looking for a sweet little ceramic homeware purchase (or four). 

47-49 Elizabeth Street, Kensington

Looking for more ways to flex your arts and crafts muscle? Try these easy DIY projects that will have you knitting, painting and building with aplomb. If you’re short on time, purchase one of these fun craft kits instead – they provide everything you need to get started.