NEXT AVAILABLE DATE: 21-22 March 2026
If you want more than a one-off pottery experience, but can’t commit to an 8-week term, this immersive weekend is for you.
Our Weekend Intensive Wheel Workshop covers the same foundational curriculum as our 8-Week Beginner Wheel Term, delivered across two full days in a structured, focused format.
You’ll learn the Slow Clay Method™, developed by founder Jane Sawyer and informed by ergonomic Japanese wheel techniques, including throwing off the hump.
This workshop is not just about making pots. It’s about learning how to sit, centre and throw in a way that protects your body and builds long-term skill.
The Slow Clay Method™
We’ve been teaching ceramics in Collingwood since 2012. Our approach is structured, ergonomic, and designed for sustainable skill development.
Over two full days you will learn:
- Foundations of wheel throwing using the Slow Clay Method™
- Ergonomic techniques to protect your back, wrists and shoulders
- Structured beginner curriculum or tailored extension work for experienced students
- Throwing off the hump and professional workflow strategies
- Surface refinement and finishing techniques
Class sizes are limited to ensure individual feedback and substantial wheel time.
Who This Workshop Is For
- Complete beginners seeking a concentrated learning experience
- People unable to attend weekly classes
- Interstate or international visitors
- Returning potters wanting to refine their technique
- Intermediate and advanced students curious about a more fluid, ergonomic approach
If you have prior experience and aren’t sure if this is suitable, please email us before enrolling.
Your Teacher
A rare opportunity to learn directly from Slow Clay Centre founder Jane Sawyer, supported by senior teaching staff.
What’s Included
- Two full days of structured wheel throwing (Saturday & Sunday, 9:30am–4pm)
- All clay and materials
- Small class sizes
- PLUS optional 2-hour glaze class which covers your firing fee. The date will be on a Sunday morning within 3 weeks of the weekend class to be decided by each group. If you can’t attend the glaze class don’t worry! We can glaze your pieces for you and arrange send them to you (fee $35 payable on the day)
Pricing
$645 standard
$595 concession
Secure your place with a 50% deposit.
Balance due 6 weeks prior to commencement.
Early Bird pricing expires 6 weeks before the workshop.
What Comes Next
Many students use the Intensive as a launch point into our 8-Week Term Classes or Studio Access Program.
Once you’ve learned the method, you can continue developing your practice with confidence.
→ Browse 8-Week Term Classes
→ Learn about Studio Access between Terms
Teacher: A rare chance to learn from Slow Clay Centre founder Jane Sawyer .
For future 2026 dates and to get one the mailing list please click here to sign-up to our Newsletter.
Note: New dates appear regularly so if current dates are fully booked please email info@slowclay.com to get on our waiting list.
*Note: refund insurance is available when you book online and is advisable to cover you in case of illness. If we cancel we will refund (minus the cost of the refund insurance which is separate from us)
Further T&Cs: Please read our FAQs carefully!
Book with 50% non-refundable deposit. You will receive an automatic email 6 weeks before the class with instructions how to pay the balance.
Slow Clay Centre aims to provide the best education in ceramics/pottery classes and courses in Melbourne. It is highly regarded as a specialist ceramic education centre established in 2012. We look forward to welcoming you!
“Jane and Alyssa are fabulous teachers. Highly knowledgeable, patient and engaged, it was bliss to spend two days with fellow potters, having fun and learning a tonne of new skills. Hands down the best pottery class I’ve done. Highly recommend!” Ange, October 2025
“Japanese method of throwing. Excellent demonstrations resulting in all students completing many different pots. Slip design and various decorative finishes demonstrated encouraging individual design .” Simone, July 2025
“I have just arrived home feeling tired but very satisfied and inspired after a jam-packed weekend intensive led by highly skilled potter and teacher, Jane Sawyer, and ably supported by her lovely and capable assistant Alyssa Nuttall. I came to the class as someone who had thrown pots several years ago but was very rusty. Jane was able to adapt what she was teaching to suit different levels of experience and I learnt the ‘slow clay’ techniques that I am keen to adopt as a new, ergonomic and more sustainable way of working on the wheel. I highly recommend this course.” Fiona, 14/11/21
Contact: Tel 99437844 Email: info@slowclay.com