Stone’s Throw Pottery is opening in the heart of Stone later this spring. Offering taster classes, weekly classes and memberships, the Pottery Studio welcomes people interested in making with clay no matter what their skill level: beginner, intermediate or advanced. The Studio will be open during the day, in the evenings and at weekends.
Return to her home town of Stone
Situated just off the High Street, Stone’s Throw Pottery is tucked between Hylands Electrical and Panda Press. The studio space will officially open in May and has been 2 years in the making by Stone returnee Kaye Lavender.
Kaye told us:
“Having worked in the creative industry in London for 28 years, I decided to move back to my hometown and focus on Pottery full-time, developing my own work and teaching people who have always wanted to have a go at throwing a pot.
Initially, there will be Taster Classes, so that people can see if this is something they would like to do on a regular basis, and these classes will enable me to gauge how much interest there is, including what times people prefer to come to the Studio.”
The bright, purpose-built studio includes three main areas, with classes available in both wheel throwing and hand-building.
Open days
Before the full launch, there are two open days where locals can pop in, meet Kaye and take a look around:
- Saturday 5th April, from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm (Farmers’ Market Saturday)
- Saturday 12th April, from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Visitors can browse the facilities, find out about upcoming classes and even get booked in for a taster.
Hands-on taster classes
The first step for most people will be the three-hour taster class. These sessions will include all materials and 2 firings – bisque and glaze. Participants will learn the basics of throwing a cylinder on the wheel and get to keep up to three of their pieces. You’ll be able to pick a glaze and return to collect your items once they’ve been fired. It’s a relaxed and welcoming way to have a go at something new.
Tasters are open to individuals, couples and groups – with sessions offered across different days and times to suit various schedules.
These tasters will be no larger than 6 people at any one time.
Corporate bookings and private group sessions are also available for those wanting a unique experience for team-building or special occasions.
Regular courses and group bookings
For anyone keen to keep going, Stone’s Throw Pottery will run a programme of longer courses, where you will learn to throw different vessels, learn how to trim your pots and how then to glaze them with the Studio glazes. These will follow a regular weekly pattern, offering a deeper dive into technique and creativity.
A home for experienced potters too
For more experienced makers, a membership model will provide flexible studio access in a professional setting. Facilities include:
- A throwing room with six pottery wheels and a kiln
- A separate hand-building room
- A glazing room and drying area
Members will have access to the studio on a drop-in basis, with all the kit and space needed to continue their own projects.
A place to make, learn and unwind
Whether you’re taking your very first spin on the wheel or looking for a space to hone your craft, Stone’s Throw Pottery has been designed to inspire. As Kaye puts it, “Pottery is so grounding. It’s creative, hands-on and genuinely therapeutic. I want to make it accessible, welcoming and above all, fun.”
You can follow Stone’s Throw Pottery on social media at https://www.instagram.com/stonesthrow_pottery/ and their website is coming soon!
23 comments
Diane Leek
Attended an open day and wow, it is utterly fabulous. Such great facilities, a beautiful space, yet functional, well-organised and very friendly. Kaye, you have done a great job. Look forward to throwing my first pot.
Zoe
Hi kaye,
I currently take lessons so like the idea that there can be a drop in.
Look forward to your open day!
Carol
Would you be able to run an open day during the evening?
Sue Heyes
Will you be running any experience days, I would love to have a try but am on holiday for your open days.
Kaye
Hi Carol,
Message me on Instagram stonesthrow_pottery and we can work something out.
K
Sue Williamson Broad
Hi Carol
When were you thinking of running the taster sessions please?
Thanks
Sue
Jenni
Are your studios assessable for disabled people with mobility issues?
Kaye
Hi Jenni,
Its an old building, built in the early 1800’s. I have change of use but structurally nothing has changed. Could you message me separately and we can discuss you specific needs?
Thanks,
Kaye
Janine
Been looking for somewhere local to try throwing, I’ve made things in air dry clay, mainly slab builds but this is so exciting, see you on the 12th
Lou
Hi,
Any chance you’d consider a group booking for home educated kids age 11 + ?
Many thanks
Lou
Kaye
Hi Lou,
Stones Throw Pottery is aiming to be a Pottery Studio for adults to learn a new skill or be part of a community of Potters already skilled in their craft.
Things might change but for now Children’s Classes are not scheduled.
Sorry, I know you wont be the only one disappointed by this.
Thanks,
Kaye
Viv stafford
I am interested in day sessions are the materials similar to those used at Middleport Clay School? I prefer slab work to throwing
Kaye
Hi Viv,
Thanks for your interest. Yes the studio will be open in the day and yes handbuilding sessions will be available.
The idea for the open days is to meet and discuss with people types of classes times pricing etc. I then hope to open in May with an operational website and schedule of classes that people can sign up to.
All materials and tools are provided
I hope to see you on 5th or 12th
Thanks
Kaye
Instagram: stonesthrow_pottery
Anthony Watson
Hi Kaye, this looks amazing. Can you please provide dates and costs for Clare and I to do the taster session.
Wishing you great success
Kaye
Hello Anthony
I will be planning the class schedule after the Open days and I will hopefully have the website up and running by then. Taster Classes will be 3 hours long. After firing you will be able to collect up to 3 pots. Cost: £50
Information will be on Instagram: stonesthrow_pottery
I hope you can make one of the Open Days.
Thank you
Kaye
Glynis
Interested in taster course. Could you let me know dates and prices please?
Thank you.
Kaye
Hi Glynis,
Taster Classes will be 3 hours long. After firing you will be able to collect up to 3 pots. Cost: £50
The schedule will be out towards the end of the month.
It would be great if you can come along to one of the Open Days.
Thanks,
K
Christianna Franck
No prices at all…..????
Kaye
Hi Christianna,
No, sorry about that. It was deliberate. Sometime pricing can put people off, and so I was hoping I would entice people in to discuss ideas, potential classes and scheduling. Its research in some ways and an opportunity to meet you all, or at least those people interested in learning a new skill and having a fabulous space in which to work with clay.
If you go to my Instagram page I am going to start posting more info soon, but there are some prices listed on there.
I hope you can come along to one of the Open Days.
Thanks,
Kaye
Helen
I’m really interested in a taster class. Please could you tell me the cost? Thank you, Helen Acton
Kaye
Hello Helen,
Taster Classes will be 3 hours long. After firing you will be able to collect up to 3 pots. Cost: £50. Hope to meet you on Saturday.
Thanks,
Kaye
Pat Booth
Absolutely fantastic to learn of this addition and what a fabulous opportunity to learn progress potting.
Kaye
Thank you Pat,
That’s much appreciated. I hope to create a welcoming space with great facilities to welcome people to learn a new skill and become part of a community. I look forward to seeing you.
K