Throw with More Skill, Shape with More Confidence

 

This class is perfect for you if you’ve just come from a beginner class or are a returning potter. Perfect for those ready to build on the basics, this next step offers a welcome challenge—served with steady support and just the right sprinkle of fun.

This program is all about creating a comfortable, supportive space where you can thrive. Small classes offer personalized attention, making it easy to get the guidance you need. You’ll level up your throwing, trimming, and glazing with step-by-step guidance that makes the tricky stuff feel totally doable. Expect a few lovable wobbles, some seriously proud moments, and the quiet confidence that sneaks in when you realize… hey, I can do this.

This is where mistakes start to feel like creative detours with potential—not disasters. You’ll notice yourself thinking ahead, planning sets, tweaking forms, and maybe even geeking out over lid fits and handle curves.

The studio starts to feel like your spot—a place where practice turns into progress, and progress feels exciting. You’re part of a supportive, growing community that keeps you inspired and reminds you: you can keep going.

This class can be taken again and again as your continuing or independent learning course. Each 8-week session, your teacher will sit down with you to talk through your goals, what you’d like to learn or improve, and how to get there. You’ll always have a teacher by your side for guidance, plus a community of makers to share the wheel with. Every session also includes 1–2 new tools, hand-picked by your teacher or the studio manager, to support the skills you’re building and help you achieve your personal goals.

This is how your 8 weeks of pottery fun will unfold:

Clear Skills Progression - Each week, you'll gain confidence as your skills build upon each other, bringing you closer to becoming the potter you’ve always dreamed of. 

Weeks 1–3: Making Sets
Start by dreaming and sketching out your own set design. Then dive into the challenge of throwing (almost) identical forms with guidance on measuring, weighing, and refining. Finish with trimming and surface decoration to bring your set to life.

Weeks 4–6: Plates, Lids, and Details
Learn to throw and trim plates with attention to form and drying. Explore lidded forms, adding thoughtful details like knobs and handles to create functional, well-fitted pieces.

Weeks 7–8: Glazing and Final Touches
Wrap up your throwing, glaze your work, and prepare it for the kiln. Glazing for 6 finished pieces is included, so everything you’ve made comes out beautiful, fired, and ready to use.

Returning student? Your skills progression will be tailored just for you. Before each 8-week session begins, your teacher will give you a call to talk through your goals and map out a plan for what you’ll focus on each week — so every class moves you closer to the pottery you want to create. 

Practice Time
Your confidence keeps growing as you return to the wheel with more intention. Open studio becomes your space to explore, refine, and stretch your skills—on your own terms, without pressure.

Supportive Community
By now, the studio feels like your creative home base. You’ll keep learning alongside a small, supportive community that’s quick to celebrate your progress and remind you: the process is just as meaningful as the finished piece.

In-Depth Ceramics Study
This class invites you deeper—into more complex forms, stronger technique, and projects that ask you to problem-solve and self-correct. With weekly video refreshers and focused guidance, you’ll gain the skills (and the spark) to keep going, dreaming, and making.

You’ll Receive:

• FWC Sketchbook to become intentional in your making
• MudTools Rib and Calipers to make lids a breeze...ish
• Weekly videos to enhance class learning
• Weekly 2 Hour Lessons
• Unlimited practice time during retail hours
• Simple, clear options for next classes 
• Dedicated shelf in the studio
• Specialized Kiln Firings in Spring/Fall
• Convenient Parking
• Easy access to groceries, library, restaurants and coffee
• Simple Enrollment
• Current Members get 25% off using code

You'll make at least 2 pots that resemble your sketches or get your money back!

Keep Me Centered - Enroll Now!

 

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

During the school year, classes are held Wednesday Mornings, Wednesday and Thursday Evenings, and Saturday mid-day.

Classes are $365 for 8 Weeks of 2 Hour Lessons

Open Studio and Retail Hours

Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays           12 - 8 pm

Fridays            12 - 4 pm

Saturdays            10 am - 2 pm

Closed Wednesdays and Sundays

 

" It was no accident that I took the class when I did. While it stretched me, it also was a healing experience that I wasn’t expecting."

- Emily

 

Sign Me Up for the Next Level

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?

No. Our Wheel Foundations 1: The Starting Point is where you want to begin. It's is a relaxed, beginner-friendly class where you’ll learn the essentials of wheel throwing, trimming, and glazing—with step-by-step guidance, lots of encouragement, and time to discover the simple joy of working with clay.

Can I take Foundations 2 more than once?

Absolutely! Many students repeat Foundations 2 as a continuing or independent learning course. Before each new 8-week session, your teacher will give you a call to talk through your goals, plan your week-by-week skills progression, and even discuss which tools could help you get there. You’ll always have a teacher by your side for guidance, plus a supportive community to make alongside.

What do I need to bring to class?

Great question. Bring an apron if you'd like one, large kitchen trash bags, and wear clothes that can get messy. This class, you're also responsible for your own clay. We've got all the clay you need at the studio. (You'll enjoy the ease of being able to use as much clay as you'd like with our convenient QR codes located above each kind of clay). Bring your tools from your prior class in your awesome FWC Tote Bag!

The new tools you'll need for this class are included - calipers for measuring lids, the best ribs for creating a flange (what's that?), and a sketchbook for all your fun ideas!

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. Your weekly emails will also lay out options you might want to consider. 

Our suggestions:

• Retake this class. The second round, you'll get a personalized plan (plus hand-picked tools) to help you reach your goals each session.
• Cylinder Bootcamp. Throw taller, cleaner cylinders faster, and push your limits with personalized feedback that sharpens technique and builds confidence. It really shows how you've grown and helps get you to the next level.
• Mud Club. Full studio access, freedom to work independently, and a supportive community that’s always there when you need advice or inspiration.
• Specialized 4 Week Classes. The Great Glaze Experiment, Going Bigger, and Surface Decoration let you dive deep into specific skills, explore new techniques, and expand your creative toolkit in a focused, supportive setting.

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. 

 

" The learning environment and community around the studio have been phenomenal.

I immediately felt welcome and supported ..."

- Andy

Enroll Now!

 

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.