WEEKLY CLASSES
BEGINNER PACKAGE
2 months of primary teaching and assistance
$300 a month ~ *family discounts available
In just two beginner months you'll learn so much, and make many pottery treasures to bring home! I love seeing the progress in each week's wheel thrown pots, and hand built creations make it amazingly easy to bring home some "pro" products even as a total beginner! The way we operate, you can jump in any time! We love fostering an atmosphere of potters at all levels! I also offer FAMILY DISCOUNTS on a case by case basis, when one person is paying for 2 or more potters!
After 2 beginner months, you can be “done” with pottery, or graduate to membership on a month by month basis, which is what the majority of students choose to do. Many of my students (before our move to this new location) were with me since I opened my doors in 2020! Pottery is something you can just keep learning, growing, and having fun with, while building a collection and making gifts!
STUDIO MEMBERSHIP
continuing classes
$215 monthly, plus materials fees
Leipers Creek Pottery Membership is a month by month class membership for those who have graduated from their time as a beginner, or for experienced potters who wish to join. The main purpose of this package is for a more custom fit, as some students become prolific, while others are more conservative or detail orriented, so this package divides up the costs into categories for a personalized fit. Clay and glazes are covered separately from the classes/membership so that your expenditure matches your usage.
As a member, you will have a personal shelf for your "works in progress", a container for the clay of your choice, access to all the studio tools, ongoing learning in your weekly class, personal help and advice, and access to our inventory of glazes, as well as firing services. As a member you are also welcome to stay for an extra hour or so after classes to continue working (and we may add some "Open Studio" days as we grow).
This Membership offering was born out of 3 years experience running a teaching studio. I felt those who "graduated" to more independence, who really become the heart and soul of our wonderful community of learners, deserved a more custom, cost-effective package. While the average student/potter may spend about the same as on the beginner package, there is more control over your cost with this package. Some might spend as little as $250 a month, while a prolific potter might spend $400 a month if they are making loads of large pottery! It basically depends on how fast you go through materials. At least that way it fits you!
In the past I had tried using this "membership" package as my standard payment system, but I found it to be overwhelming to beginners who have no experience. They don't know yet what kind of clay is their favorite! They have no feel for how long a bag of clay lasts (for them)! It's all too meaningless for those just starting out, which is why I now offer my simple all-inclusive beginner package for 2 months, then membership for those who have gained enough experience for all this to matter and make sense!
MEMBER MATERIALS FEES
Clay & Glazes
The CLAY of your choice is available AT COST, by the 25 lb bag. Clay prices currently range from about $0.80lb to $1.25lb (market rate fluctuates a bit), but that’s about $20 - $30 per 25 lb bag. I am not making money selling clay to members! I'm either ordering bulk, or purchasing up at Mid-South in Nashville, and will calculate actual costs (purchase price with shipping or gas). You won't be able to get it any cheaper!
GLAZE costs are billed WITH EACH BAG OF CLAY. After years of trying many tedious methods to keep up with glazes-per-pot, this is by far the simplest method. Every time you get a new 25lb bag of clay, there will be a $60 glaze fee, to help cover the glazes for “25 pounds” worth of pots! Whether you make 20 small items, 10 medium, or 4 giant pieces, the surface area for glazing should work out about the same! Sadly, glazes are just not cheap these days! But they make your creations both beautiful and functional, and the potential combinations and effects are endless!
FAQ's
Can I buy my clay elsewhere?
If, as an experienced potter, you want to buy approved cone 6 clay elsewhere you can do that! But let's talk...there should be no need for that, as I try to bring in any good clays that students want. Your clay choice does need to be approved as pots can explode and affect entire kiln loads (other peoples pots), so we can only fire appropriate cone 6 clays. Glaze fees would still apply even if you buy your clay elsewhere.
Can I buy my own glazes to avoid the glaze fee?
Sure, if you want to you can. But in the long run, you will likely find that it won't save you money, and will be tough to have the variety that a working studio can provide. It can also get complicated when you want to use studio glazes "sometimes". I also cannot store additional glazes beyond my inventory here. If you are a member, you can use your own shelf space for your own glazes, or keep them at home and bring them only as needed. I have had students try to this "buy their own glazes" thing, but they soon find it's not worthwhile and is troublesome. Of course, you are always welcome to buy your own "extra" glazes if there are some you like to have on hand that we don't stock here. I am ever flexible and accommodating if there is a custom need to be addressed!
INTERESTED IN CLASSES?
Classes will be offered Tuesday - Saturdays, with start times varying from as early as 10AM to as late as 7PM, beginning October 1, 2024.
Given that we have just relocated to a new area, and are starting with a blank slate, we will be scheduling upcoming classes based on preferred days and times submitted by those who want to participate. While the schedule is wide open, let's see what works for you!
Please fill out the below inquiry form to let us know your desired days and times for classes! Feel free to specify a favorite day/time, while noting any days/times that could work for you. Leave any other note you would like, including if you would be new to pottery or have any experience!
Our studio is NOT OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. This address is just provided for you to consider what your drive to classes would be like.
5063 Leipers Creek Rd.
Williamsport, TN, 38487
