From one-of-a-kind mugs to elegant vases, pottery is more than just beautiful décor — it’s a hands-on way to unleash creativity, relieve stress, and get your hands dirty! Whether you’re throwing clay on a wheel or moulding it by hand, the tactile experience of working with clay has something to offer everyone.
For kids, the process of turning a lump of clay into a fi nished piece offers a fun, screen-free way to explore self-expression. “Many young people don’t get the opportunity to work with their hands; everything’s electronic. Coming away from that input to actually working with your hands is something a bit different,” says Yvette Garcia, co-founder of Beyond Pottery in Burlington.
Adults, too, can benefit from pottery’s stress-relieving effects. “Clay is very grounding,” says Garcia. The calming rhythm of moulding clay offers a therapeutic break from the demands of everyday life. “[It allows you to] be present, setting aside distractions and delighting in the process,” says Katia Lemos, Founder of Creative Insight Pottery in Waterdown. Pottery also encourages patience, as the process takes time and care, emphasizing the importance of slowing down and enjoying the creative journey.
“The best thing about clay is that it’s forgiving,” says Michelle Routledge, Owner of Crack Pot Studio in Oakville. “Working with a medium that can be manipulated into so many different forms means that you can quite literally take the stress of the day and create something beautiful from all of your emotions.”
You don’t need to be an artist to enjoy pottery. Local studios in Halton region offer workshops, birthday parties and multi-week programs for all skill levels.
Beginner programs often cover the fundamental tools and techniques of working with clay such as handbuilding, sculpting and wheel throwing. “Clay has a very high skill ceiling but is very beginner friendly,” says Routledge. It’s also a craft you can continue to grow with. “There’s always something new to learn,” says Garcia. Many studios offer multi-week programs at various skill levels, allowing students to continue to explore new techniques in the art form.
Many local studios also offer camps and short workshops where you can spend a few hours creating your piece, then return to the studio a few weeks later to pick up your finished product once it has been fi red and dried by studio staff.
HERE ARE A FEW FUN WAYS TO ENJOY POTTERY:
Family Bonding
Pottery is a fun way for families to get creative together. Take a Saturday morning family class at Creative Insight Pottery, or dive into their 10-week parent and child program where you’ll make individual and group projects. “It’s a great way to connect,” says Lemos.
Want to hand-make your family Christmas gifts? Crack Pot Studio offers drop-in ceramic painting, perfect for all skill levels — no experience needed. Choose a bisque piece from their shelf, paint it, and the staff will glaze and fi re it for you. In seven to 10 days, you’ll have a one-of-a-kind creation to keep or gift!
Date Night
If the word “pottery” conjures up visions of Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore from the movie Ghost, you’re onto something — because pottery makes for a fantastic date night! Beyond Pottery offers a couples’ night where you can each make your own masterpiece, or craft something together. These date nights are perfect for beginners looking to have fun and get creative. No experience required!
Social Outing
Bored of dinner and a movie? Pottery is the perfect way to mix things up and get your hands dirty. Creative Insight Pottery offers a wine and pottery class in the evening where students can bring in their own wine, create a hand-built piece and try their hand at the wheel to make a small bowl.
“The time on the table with some wine makes it more social, perfect for dates and friends to come together,” says Lemos. Whether you’re looking to have fun, bond with a partner, or become an expert sculptor, working with clay can be a fun and rewarding experience for everyone.
Local Links
CREATIVE INSIGHT POTTERY
23 Main Street South, Waterdown
creativeinsightpottery.com
BEYOND POTTERY
3228 South Service Road, Burlington
beyondpottery.ca
POTTERY N PAINT CAFE
3513 Wyecroft Road Unit H1, Oakville
potterynpaintcafe.com
CRACK POT STUDIO
301 Robinson Street, Oakville
crackpotstudio.com
THE POTTERY SUPPLY HOUSE
1120 Speers Road, Oakville
psh.ca
ARTVENTURES
103 Jones Street, Oakville
artventuresstudios.com
4CATS ART STUDIO
710 Cumberland Avenue, Burlington
4cats.com
