Go Bigger, Go Better  

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This bootcamp is perfect for the potter who can center, trim, and throw—but knows there’s more hiding in those hands. You’re craving clear skills progression, not random wins. You want practice time that shows, in small classes where feedback is specific and encouraging with personalized tips and tricks for exactly where you're at. You value a supportive community that cheers growth AND failure because it's part of learning. If taller, cleaner, more confident cylinders feel just barely out of reach, this is the next step.

You'll love focused weeks with a single goal, plenty of practice time, and guidance that helps you see why something worked (or didn’t). Small classes mean eyes on your hands, real-time tweaks, and fast improvement. The supportive community makes failure feel lighter—and progress feel inevitable. Everything is Simple, Easy, Convenient: show up, throw a lot, learn faster, go home proud.

This class is all about letting go of perfectionism and leaning into growth. Repetition with intention. Building consistent, well constructed cylinders—so future forms feel possible. Honest self-critique, clear wins, and a supportive community that keeps you moving forward. 

 

"Cylinder Bootcamp gave me confidence and helped me go bigger faster than I could have ever imagined."

- Marissa

 

By the end of Cylinder Bootcamp, you’ll have six cylinders with:  
✅ Even walls  
✅ Flat bottoms  
✅ At least 8” in height  
✅ A clean, well-trimmed base  

This is a bootcamp for a reason—expect failure, critique, and serious growth. You’ll push past perfectionism, sharpen your self-critique, and walk away with the skills to turn a cylinder into a vase, pitcher, sculpture, mug, or whatever inspires you.

The Breakdown:  

Week 1: Find your starting point. Center more weight, throw as many as possible, and cut them open—except your best one. Focus: flat, smooth interiors.

Week 2: Go taller. Pull thinner, more even walls and learn to stay steady when your hands aren’t touching. Fail on purpose by pulling too thin—it’s how you get better. Keep only the best.  

Week 3: Shape it up. Keep refining walls and bottoms while introducing shaping techniques. Learn pre-trimming for an easier trim session later.  

Week 4: Trim like a pro. Cut a clean foot, refine the base, and if you’re taking Handles & Pitchers next, keep your best piece for the next challenge.  

Class Details: 
- 2-hour class: First hour = instruction, second hour = practice.  
- Practice outside of class is expected (studio time included) 
- Want 24/7 access? A membership gives you that *plus* 25% off this class.  

 **What You’ll Need:**  
- Your own tools  (available for purchase)
- Your own clay (available for purchase)  
- The courage to trust us to push you in fun, new ways.

Start Cylinder Bootcamp

 

Fort Wayne Clay is conveniently located at Georgetown Square between Blueberry Pancake and the Bowling Alley.

Classes are $200 for 4 Weeks 

Open Studio and Retail Hours

Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays           12 - 8 pm

Fridays            12 - 4 pm

Saturdays            10 am - 2 pm

Closed Sundays

Start Cylinder Bootcamp 

FAQs

What if I can't make it to all the scheduled classes?

This is the perfect chance to use your unlimited Open Studio Hours and Weekly Videos to make it up! We've included these hours with your lessons so you can take full advantage of the studio equipment and grow to your highest potential. 

I've never touched the pottery wheel or clay before. Is this class right for me?

 Not yet. This class is for potters who’ve completed an 8-week course and can center, trim, and throw at a basic level.

If you’re brand new, start with Foundations 1 for step-by-step guidance, small classes, and clear skills progression inside a supportive community.

What do I need to bring to class?

Great question. Bring your tools from past classes, an apron if you'd like one, large kitchen trash bags, and wear clothes that can get messy. Clay is available for purchase at the studio, giving you the chance to experiment, choose what you love, and then stay with it. This bootcamp is about learning how your clay moves, stretches, and responds—so you can build strong, confident cylinders by getting really good with one clay body instead of guessing every time.

If I want to keep doing classes, how do I know which ones to do next?

There are just so many options, right?! Our teachers will help point you to the class they think you'd enjoy most. They'll have a good understanding of where you're at and help point you toward the next fun adventure. 

Not currently in a class? Here's a link to our weekly options and who they fit best.

I'm hesitating because of the price. Can I make payments with installments?

Our ShopPay and PayPal methods of payment are easy and convenient checkout options to use for installments. 

"When I was challenged to throw 4 pieces in half an hour with more clay than I've used before, I didn't think it was possible. But then I did it."

- Hope

 Challenge yourself. Build confidence. Get to that next level.

Start Cylinder Bootcamp

P.S. If you want to find out if this class is perfect for you or have more specific questions, email Nicole@fortwayneclay.com and we'll figure things out together.