What is hand-building?

Hand-building is foundational to learning how to work with clay. There are 3 main techniques we teach:

Coiling: Stacking pinching and smoothing hand-rolled ropes of clay to create a form (as seen in the video above).

Pinch: Intuitively pushing and pinching solid clay into a form.

Slab: Cutting shapes from a large sheet of clay and attaching them together to create form.

Weekly Group Hand-Building Class

Try it! Hand-building (2 hours)

$40 per person | Class size up to 12 people

Ages 12+

All levels welcome

Instructors will give the class a demo and provide hands-on guidance to each student. Most beginners will make a mug, planter, vase or bowl. Students are welcome to bring their own ideas to class or ask their instructor for a project.

Students pick a glaze at the end of class. Artwork will be ready for pickup 2-4 weeks later.

*Add-ons: want to make more than one piece? $10 per extra pot

*From out of town? We offer shipping!

What is wheel throwing?

Wheel throwing is how most pottery is made. Potters create forms with their hands using the spin of the potter’s wheel. Learning to center the clay is the hardest part of the practice but it is fun and rewarding.

Try it! Wheel Throwing (2 hours)

$50 per person | Class size 6 people | Saturdays

Ages 12+

Students will learn the basics of wheel throwing: centering and forming a cylinder or small bowl.

Clay, glaze and firings are included. Students get to keep 1 piece.

*Add-ons: want to make more than one piece? $10 per extra pot

*From out of town? We offer shipping!

Beginners Welcome

Date Night is an intimate experience and a great way to spend time with someone you love. Bring a hot date and come get dirty!

Date Night x Hand-Building

$90 per couple

In class couples will learn the basics of hand-building: coil, slab, and pinch. Each individual will work on their own project from start to finish. Bring your own idea to class or let the clay take you on a journey.

Date Night x Wheel Throwing

$100 per couple

In class couples will learn the basics of wheel throwing. Each individual will work on their own wheel though “Ghost” moments are encouraged. Students will likely make a small bowl or cylinder.

Tickets include:

2 hours of instruction, all materials, 1 fired piece, a romantic ambiance, disco ball and good tunes. Artwork will be ready within 2-4 weeks. Burn baby burn.

*Add-ons: want to make more than one piece? $10 per extra pot

*From out of town? We offer shipping!

We offer flexible booking, 7 days a week, for individuals or private groups.

We have hosted: team building and corporate events, holiday parties, family get-togethers, birthdays, and countless groups of friends.Whatever the occasion we would love to host you!

Book online or call for more accurate availability (208) 803-5923.

Private Hand-Building 2 hours

Group max: 12 people

Ages 8+

$200 base price (includes 1-2 People) + $25 per additional person

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Private Wheel Throwing 2 hours

Group max: 6 people

Ages 12+

$200 base price (includes 1-2 people) + $35 per additional person

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Add-ons:

Extra time is recommended for groups of 6+ people - $50 per extra hour

Class includes one fired piece. Additional pots can be fired for $10 per extra pot.

From out of town? We offer shipping- $20 (Handling fee) + Postage.

Experience the full process

4 week course $190 | 6 students per class

6 week course $250 | 6 students per class

Beginner Wheel Throwing

This class is perfect for students with little to no experience. Students will learn the basics of wheel throwing, trimming, surface techniques and glazing.

All Levels Wheel Throwing

This is a class for beginner and intermediate level students. In class students will work through blocks they may be encountering on the wheel and learn more advanced skills.

Foundations in Clay

This class is perfect for those who want a well rounded ceramics education. This course covers hand-building and wheel throwing techniques.

Perks to a 4-6 week course:

12-18 hours of instruction

Access to Open Studio which is reserved for current students and limited community members

Some Open Studio time is included to finish projects or work independently outside of class

25% off additional Open Studio sessions

6:1 student to teacher ratio

Focused period of time to develop skills

Community through art

Upcoming Course Dates (Click to Book):

October 12 - November 2: Beginner Wheel Throwing, Sundays 9:30am - 12:30pm

October 13 - November 3: Intro to Wheel Throwing, Mondays 6pm - 9pm

October 14 - November 4: All Levels Wheel Throwing, Tuesdays 6pm - 9pm

November 9 - November 30: Beginner Wheel Throwing, Sundays 9:30am - 12:30pm

November 10 - December 1: Beginner Wheel Throwing, Mondays 6pm -9pm

November 11 - December 16: Foundations in Clay: Hand-building & Wheel Throwing, Tuesdays 6pm - 9pm

December 7 - December 28: All Levels Wheel Throwing, Sundays 9:30am - 12:30pm

December 8 - December 29: Beginner Wheel Throwing, Mondays 6pm - 9pm

Prior experience is required.

Thursday Night from 6-9 pm | $35 Drop-in or save $$ with a member deal.

* Class includes 3 hours of studio time, instructor guidance, glaze and firings. Clay is an additional cost. Purchase clay from our studio ($1.50/lb) or bring your own Cone 5/6 clay.

Thursday Night Open Studio with an instructor present is the perfect option for:

- Individuals who want to work independently but in community.

- Individuals who have some projects they want to explore

- Individuals who need a little help to move through any challenges they are encountering while working with clay.

Thursday evenings are for practice and creative freedom. There is no project provided, nor class expectations. This is time for individuals to explore with help. Instructors are available to demo, provide ideas, answer questions, observe, and help students improve their skills.

More information on Memberships here

Did you know Clay Collective is the home studio of Clay by Shay? We have hosted wedding parties, team bonding and corporate events, holiday parties, and more.

Come to our studio or request us to travel to you!

You design, we assemble. During your workshop your party will have access to the entire selection of Clay by Shay charms. Participants can design earrings, necklaces, or bracelets/anklets. Individuals choose between 14k gold or sterling silver findings. Pieces will be assembled on the spot and be ready to take home.

Option 1: Open Range, individuals pay their own way based on the complexity of their designs

Option 2: Fixed Fee. Pick an item from our makers menu and pre-pay for your group.

$200 party minimum | $50 deposit will go towards the party minimum.

* Note: reservations made Tuesday-Saturday between 10-5 are during our open store hours. There may be other classes or shoppers at the studio. For a fully private party book evenings.

Give us a call for more accurate availability (208) 803-5923

Wednesdays 6-8 pm | $25

Member Deal Available: Save 25%

Drawing is a meditation

You don’t need to “know how to draw” or consider yourself an artist. Figure Drawing is a practice that calms the mind and helps bring us into the present moment. Looking and making a mark, it’s as simple as that. Interpretation of the figure is subjective. Confidence in drawing is built through letting go of expectation and being curious about the process.

Join our community. We are a small group of artists that meets weekly. We provide an inclusive and creative environment, a diverse group of models, a relaxing ambiance, and good tunes.

Students bring their own materials. All mediums are welcome. Drawing boards are available for use.