Foundational Wheel

Learn the foundations of wheel throwing, from centering clay and shaping cylinders to trimming and glazing your pots. A hands-on introduction for beginners, with plenty of time to practice and build confidence on the wheel.

Dates: Nov 16 – Dec 14
Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Instructor: Adam Blythe
Experience: No previous experience required
What's Included: Hands-on class instruction Unlimited practice during scheduled open studio sessions, starting after week two Make as many pots as you like; keep and fire your favorites, up to one ware board

$230

01 / Outcome

About the Class

Develop enough control to center clay, throw clean cylinders, trim them, and move finished work through glazing

02 / Scheduled Classes

01 - Nov 16, 2026

Getting Started on the Wheel

Meet your classmates, choose a favorite ceramic vessel, and tour the facility. Discuss clay’s origins and properties, then watch demonstrations and practice coning, centering, opening clay, and forming cylinders. No pieces are kept this week; the focus is on practice.

02 - Nov 23, 2026

Cylinders, Bowls & Wedging

Learn ram’s head wedging, watch cylinder and bowl demonstrations, and continue practicing. We’ll also cover removing pots from the wheel so you can keep your first pieces. Open studio begins after this class.

03 - Nov 30, 2026

Trimming & Understanding Firing

Learn to trim your pots, with additional time to make. We’ll discuss the stages of clay, bisque and glaze firing, and how cones measure heatwork.

04 - Dec 7, 2026

Final Making & Bisque Prep

Finish trimming and add handles to turn cylinders into mugs if you’d like. Pinch pots offer an introduction to handbuilding as time allows. This is the last making class: all work must be finished and set out to dry for bisque submission.

05 - Dec 14, 2026

Glazing & Final Firing

We’ll cover glaze basics and a little glaze chemistry, then demonstrate how to dip your pots in our studio glazes. Glaze your pieces, wipe the feet clean, and submit them for the final firing. Your pots will be ready to pick up one week later.

Your Instructor

Adam Blythe

Adam is the founder of Shared Floor. With a background in engineering, Adam works to bring an approachable technical perspective to the creative possibilities of clay. With a particular interest in gas reduction firing, intentional making marks, and thrown vessels. Adam teaching focuses on developing skill and finding satisfaction in making something well made