All classes are taught in my Bristol studio at The Old Schoolhouse, Barton Hill by myself and my colleague Flo.. Here we hope to create a warm and friendly environment where students both brand new and more experienced can take the time to learn and build skills needed to make their very own ceramic wares. Classes small to allow for dedicated and focused teaching, it is hugely important to us that all who come to our classes leave each lesson with a sense of having achieved something. Please feel free to get in touch with any questions. Please note that the next dates for summer term courses are now available to book through the shop on this site.. Please sign up to my mailing list to be the first to hear of future dates. Pottery is in huge demand at the moment, which is fantastic but does sadly mean we have far more interest in courses than spaces so operate on a first come first served basis and do not run any waiting lists. CLASSES NOW AVAILABLE TO BOOK THROUGH MY WEBSITE SHOP.
Weekly Pottery Courses During these courses students will be given the chance to explore and experiment with the techniques required to create ceramics both on the potters wheel and by hand. For those brand new to pottery this is a fantastic oportunity to begin learning the skills needed to create your own wonderful ceramics. For those who have more experience we hope to provide a relaxed space where, with our guidance, you can build on skills already learnt to really improve your making. Each session last 2.5hrs running from 6.30pm Monday - Thursday. Weekly Classes are taught by both myself and Flo, we run a beginners and improvers course and a general course (general course for beginners through to intermediate). This way we hope to welcome all abilities, if you have any queries on what might suit you best please get in touch. One Day Workshops Suitable for complete beginners and those who are a little rusty, taught by Flo these one day workshops aim to give you an in-site to the basics of working with clay. Students will work through two handbuilding projects with time spent on the wheel. All work made will be yours to take home, ready for collection once fired around 1 month after workshop.. Two Day Throwing for Improvers These workshops aim to help you improve your throwing by exploring different forms and scale. I will have some exercises to help with this but as there will only be four of you in these workshops I will be able to tailor these workshops to particular troubleshooting and requests. Please note you must be able to confidently centre to join this workshop. Even if you have only made many many tiny tapas dishes, centering is a must. Classes are for 4 people only so you will all get plenty of one to one teaching which I hope will really benefit students. Taster Throwing Workshops. A quick dive into the how's and what's of the wheel. We won't lie, you aren't going to master the art in these short sessions but we aim to give you a little taster of how to make your own pots on the wheel. Taught by Flo, these session are for up to four people and run for 2,5hrs. Small classes allows for plenty of one to one guidance and work made will be yours to collect one month after workshop. |
Testimonials Absolutely brilliant - I signed up to do one of Phoebe’s 10 week courses as I was keen to revisit an interest in ceramics having not been behind the wheel in over 20 years. It was clear early on that I’d forgotten everything I ever thought I knew (and should probably have signed up to a beginner’s course) however Phoebe was incredibly patient with me and the small group size helped me to get up to speed. Working in a very friendly and relaxed atmosphere, surrounded by some of Phoebe’s beautiful creations, is a lovely way to spend a weekday evening and I look forward to my classes - already hoping to do another course in the Autumn! Wonderful, warm and professional pottery courses- I've done two courses with Phoebe Smith Ceramics (one with Phoebe, and one with her colleague Flo). Both have been absolutely fantastic. Both Phoebe and Flo are extremely attentive, considerate and patient teachers and extremely skilled potters with significant experience and a wealth of knowledge to share. The classes are taught in small groups in a lovely, cosy setting, which really gives you time and opportunity to learn and develop different pottery techniques, both by hand and on the wheel. You can follow your own project ideas if you want to, and Phoebe and Flo encourage and support you in this, and make sure your projects will be successful. Another bonus is the significant amount of time you get to use the wheel during the course - it really allows you to get to grips with the technique. I'd really recommend these courses to anyone who's completely new or experienced in pottery- I've learned loads and had a great time. Thank you Phoebe and Flo! Phoebe is a brilliant teacher, I have been doing her pottery courses for quite a few years, and I love them. Her knowledge and support is amazing, I've learnt so much about ceramics and the creative process. I've created some pieces that I'm really proud of. Her own ceramic work is beautiful and I'm lucky enough to own some which we use everyday. I attended a taster day work shop, hosted by the lovely Flo. What a really enjoyable experience! Flo was warm and welcoming, very clear with her directions and engaged with us all on an individual level showing care and humor throughout. I will definitely be keeping my eyes open for future courses... especially want to try out more on the potter's wheel! Such fun. Looking forward to collecting the finished pieces. |