FAQs—Workshops

Registration

Simply select your workshop and book on the workshop pages.

Just enjoying an afternoon at the studio, getting a group of friends together to celebrate, booking for your team, or just enjoying some family time. Whatever you need! Please note, the studio is a communal space so make sure to book a spot for anyone attending and know that there will be other people in the studio unless you book the whole studio. We also have event options if you have a group.

No big deal! Just come back another day! You can book more time at the current workshop rate for another day. We cannot guarantee you can stay after the initial workshop time has ended, as we often need the space for the next activity or class. Please note, no credits or refunds for unused time.

As you would expect, it is really hard to know exactly how much time you will need. Every artist is different and often you may want to practice a bit before making your final piece. The workshop timelines are created based on our experience in running workshops for many many years but everyone works at their own pace.

Sure, if there is space but there is likely not space so … maybe just book. :)

Please read here.

Each workshop is offered for 1 month and they fill REALLY fast. So if you see a time you want, we recommend booking asap. :)

At The Workshop

Dress for mess! We are an art studio and paint can be lurking around any corner and jump on you. We use professional materials and art supplies which means paint may stain clothing, shoes and jackets. Bare feet (or socks without shoes) are not permitted anywhere in the studio. We do not provide smocks, footwear, or shoe covers. Please wear appropriate footwear. We are not responsible for damage to clothing or personal belongings. Please leave the ball gowns and tuxedos at home.

It is good to be approximately 5 minutes early so you can get started on time. When you arrive you will be greeted by an instructor and then seated as soon as possible. 

Sorry, we do not offer this option.

Our workshops are not “open studio" time. Everyone needs to stick to the project they signed up for & follow the sizing guidelines. There is always room for artistic flourishes to make the project unique to you. Please talk to your instructor about your idea.

Artwork

Please message us through the home page of our website and choose the question—"Is my art ready for pick up?" An automated message will tell you our current clay firing and drying times.

Please check our contact page before coming to the studio to make sure we are open. We check our chat messages as often as possible. Please don’t send a chat, phone us, and also send an email. We promise we will get back to you!

Most projects are ready to be collected from the studio within 2 days, except kiln-fired clay. Projects must be picked up within 2 weeks of completion. Storage space is limited.

Kiln-fired clay will be ready approximately 1 week after glazing. Feel free to ask your instructor current approximate firing times.

Clay & Glazing

Clay needs to be fired in the kiln before you can glaze (paint) your ceramic. Check the workshop description to see if the workshop has an additional glazing time required. These are booked separately and at an additional cost. You can book multiple glazing times if needed.

Sometimes things happen …

  • Sometimes clay breaks, it just does—pieces fall off
  • Sometimes things move in the kiln and there may be a mark on your piece
  • Sometimes glaze doesn’t behave as expected
  • Sometimes art takes more time than you may think
  • Sometimes instructors get ill, and we need to run with less staff than planned
  • Sometimes it takes a while to find the information from a gift card from many years ago
  • A child will cry, be loud or not listen. They do that. They are all good. Parents are trying their best
  • You will need to follow the templates and sizing, too big means more kiln or storage space, too small means likely to get lost
  • If you don’t write your first and last name and the date clearly on your piece, expect for it to get lost or mistakenly picked up by another with the same name
  • Adults—The workshops are for fun and social time. It is not a replacement for art school.
  • Sometimes we have to dispose of artwork if it is not picked up within 2 weeks
  • Sometimes it may take a minute or two to find your art piece
  • Sometimes there are mixups
  • Sometimes your name may get covered in the firing process
  • We will fire things in the kiln as quickly as we possibly can. We need a full load to run the kiln and sometimes things need extra time to dry before they can be placed in the kiln or they will explode
  • Sometimes clay explodes.
  • Art supply costs are really high, rent is high, shipping is high, overhead is high, if you miss your workshop or call the day of your booking to cancel, the space was still set aside for you and we cannot offer a refund or credit.
  • We are unable to offer a refund, credit, or make up session in the event of clay breakage.
  • You will need to make just the maximum number of pieces when we specify.
  • If you overwork the clay or add too much water it will cave in or crack. Follow the time guidelines and instructions as best you can.
  • If you have never done art before, you will need to practice and accept it won’t be perfect on your first try. Come back many times, practice and enjoy the process.
  • If you are late, yes, it will feel like there was not enough time.

You are welcome to glaze multiple items at a time. Glazing time is priced as workshops. You can glaze more than one piece during your glazing booking, time permitting. Maximum 2 dip glazing pieces per hour of booked studio time in order to cover glazing and kiln costs.

For example, if you book an hour of glazing, and can finish glazing 2 pieces from 2 different building or throwing sessions in that hour glazing session—that is great!

Please understand in order to cover professional glaze and second firing costs we are not able to credit or refund unused time if you are able to finish glazing early.

Yes, $17 per piece plus tax if you would like us to glaze your clay for you. This is not available for hand glazed, decorative pieces.

Handmade = hand wash, always with care! Be gentle and use warm water and soap—no tough scrubbing, please! Constant sunlight exposure may fade the glaze colours over time. And don't forget to give them a regular check for cracks or chips (don't use for food or drinks if you find any).

Oven-Bake Clay Workshops

Sometimes things happen …

  • We use Ditto Polymer Clay, which is an incredibly malleable oven-bake clay that comes in many colours
  • Baking in the oven hardens the creations, making them durable and long-lasting
  • Sometimes however, if not handled well after baking, oven-bake polymer clay can break, pieces can fall off. It is not a toy even though it can look like it! If handled roughly it will break.
  • Sometimes art takes more time than you may think
  • You cannot take materials home to finish the workshop
  • You will need to follow the sizing and project guidelines
  • There is no credit for finishing early
  • If you don’t write your first and last name and the date clearly on your piece, expect for it to get lost or mistakenly picked up by another with the same name
  • Sometimes we have to dispose of artwork if it is not picked up within 2 weeks