Welcome to Clay Collective
A Student Guide
We're so happy you're here.
Whether this is your first time touching clay or you've been making pots for years, this guide will help you get the most out of your time in the studio. Ceramics rewards curiosity, patience, and showing up. The more time you spend with clay, the more it gives back.
A Few Things We Believe
Keep a Sketchbook
You don't need to know how to draw.
Sketch weird shapes. Doodle ideas. Record glaze tests. Write down things you notice. Collect inspiration. Research techniques. Keep track of what works (and what absolutely doesn't).
Clay is a physical medium—there's something special about putting pencil to paper before putting hands on clay.
Your future self will thank you.
Practice > Perfection
Ceramics is about process, not perfection.
Some of your favorite pieces will happen by accident. Some projects won't survive the kiln. Both are part of becoming a ceramic artist.
Experiment often.
Stay curious.
Don't get too attached.
Learning to let go is one of the first lessons clay teaches.
Take Notes
Every clay body behaves differently.
Every glaze combination surprises you.
Every kiln firing has its own personality.
Write everything down—especially glaze combinations, firing results, and things you want to remember. Good notes become your best studio tool.
What's Included
Your class comes with:
Three Open Studio sessions (9 hours total)
Your first 20 lb bag of clay
A personal 12" × 24" ware board for project storage
Access to communal studio tools
Studio glazes
Unlimited bisque and glaze firings
Open Studio Is Where the Magic Happens
The more miles you put on the wheel, the faster you'll improve.
The slower you build by hand, the more control you'll gain.
There isn't a shortcut for time spent making.
If you want to grow quickly, make Open Studio part of your weekly routine.
Booking Your Included Open Studio Sessions
Your class includes 3 Open Studio sessions (9 hours).
Step 1
Purchase the 3 Open Studio Sessions package using the code:
OPENSTUDIO3
Your discount code makes the package free.
Step 2
After checkout you'll receive:
a confirmation email
your Open Studio booking code
Use that code to reserve your sessions through our booking page.
Want More Studio Time?
Additional Open Studio sessions are always available for purchase.
Your Key-code
You will receive a unique door code from your instructor on your first class.
This code will be valid 30 days after your class completes to ensure you can reenter the building to pickup your final pieces
Using Your Door Code
Enter your unique code on the keypad, then press the large top button to unlock the door.
After entering, close the door.
The door will lock automatically after 30 seconds.
Please do not slam the door, as this can prevent the auto-lock from functioning properly.
Before you leave, always make sure the door has locked behind you to help keep the studio secure.
Booking Studio Time
Students must book all Open Studio sessions before you arrive. This helps us keep the studio secure and ensures your door code remains active
You are able to book, reschedule, or cancel up to the start time of your session. Please do your best to do so. If not we can manually update your code if you send us an email info@claybyshay.com
Clay
Your First Bag is Included
Your class includes your first 20 pounds of clay.
Taking Clay
Please help us keep inventory accurate.
Cut clay from the block using a wire tool.
Weigh the amount you take.
Record it in the clay log with:
your name
today's date
clay weight
Please don't dig into the clay block with your hands or random tools.
Need More Clay?
You can:
purchase clay through our online store
ask your instructor to ring you up during class
[Purchase Clay by the bag or by the pound]
Reclaim
Studio reclaim stays in our communal reclaim system.
If you'd like to reclaim your own clay, you're welcome to:
reclaim it at home, or
rent clay storage and keep your own reclaim bag in the studio.
Project Storage
Every student receives:
one designated shelf
one handmade ware board
Please remember:
Store work on your ware board, never directly on the shelf.
Label all work in the Wet Room with your first and last name.
Keep your board and shelf free of standing water.
Need more room? Additional storage is available for rent.
Please Treat Your Ware Board With Care
Our studio technicians build every ware board by hand.
Replacement boards cost $75, so please help us keep them in great shape.
Studio Tools
During class you will have access to communal tools or you may purchase one of our curated tool kits that include beginner basic tool:
Metal rib
Wooden rib
Wire tool
Needle tool
Potter's pick
Small sponge
Two trimming tools
Glazes & Firings
Studio Glazes
10 rotating studio glazes
Underglazes
We regularly stock Mayco Fundamentals:
Dragon Red
Orange
Bright Yellow
Green Mist
Wedgewood Blue
Pansy Purple
Jet Black
China White
Additional colors may rotate throughout the year.
Firings
Unlimited firings are included.
Bisque fired to Cone 06
Glaze fired to Cone 5/6
Studio Etiquette
We all share this space. A little care goes a long way.
Clean As You Go
Please:
Leave the studio cleaner than you found it.
Clean clay off everything you touch.
Return tools where they belong.
Thoroughly clean your wheel after every use.
Keep standing water off floors, shelves, and ware boards.
If you break something, let us know right away.
Mistakes happen—we simply ask that you tell us so we can keep the studio running smoothly.
Music
We love good studio playlists.
If you'd like your own soundtrack, please use headphones.
Phones
Please silence your phone during class.
If you need to take a call, step outside the studio or into another room so everyone can stay focused.
Food & Drinks
Light snacks are welcome.
Please be mindful of strong smells—they travel farther than you think.
A few reminders:
No food storage at the studio.
No eating or open drinks in the glaze room.
Community Matters
Clay Collective is built on respect, curiosity, and kindness.
Cheer each other on.
Ask questions.
Share knowledge.
Celebrate wins.
Respect shared tools and shared space.
Remember that everyone starts somewhere.
We're all learning together.
Wrapping Up Your Class
As your class comes to a close, here's what to expect:
Week 5: Finish Building
Please plan to have all of your wet work completed by the end of Week 5. This gives your pieces enough time to dry before firing.
Week 6: Glaze & Celebrate
Week 6 is all about glazing, finishing touches, and getting your work ready for its final firing.
Before You Leave
By the end of your final class, please:
Clean out your shelf space.
Return any tools to their designated place
Make sure you've collected all personal belongings.
Picking Up Your Finished Work
Some of your glazed pieces may still be in the kiln after your last class.
You're responsible for returning to the studio to pick up any finished work once it's ready.
We can hold finished work for 30 days after it has been unloaded from the kiln.
After that, unclaimed pieces will find a new home in our Pottery Graveyard—our ongoing studio fundraiser that helps support new equipment, tools, and improvements for the Clay Collective community.
Welcome to the Collective
Make things.
Try new ideas.
Get messy.
Slow down.
Ask for help.
Spend time in Open Studio.
Most of all—enjoy the process.
We're excited to make alongside you.