what students are saying
Take your time, develop your throwing and make pieces that feel truly your own.
Whether you’re completely new to the wheel or already have some experience, our 8-week Open Wheel Course gives you the time, space and guidance to develop your skills and explore your own ideas in clay.
Unlike a traditional beginners course, our Open Wheel Course is designed to meet you where you are. Beginners will be guided through the foundations of wheel throwing, while more experienced students can build on their existing skills, experiment with larger forms and develop their own style.
Across eight relaxed and hands-on sessions, you’ll have the freedom to work at your own pace and create pieces that interest you. With your own wheel each session and guidance from our experienced teaching team, there’s plenty of time to practice, experiment and refine your technique.
As your confidence grows, you’ll also have the opportunity to explore creative techniques including carving and tissue transfers, before experimenting with our selection of studio stoneware glazes to bring your pieces to life.
More than simply learning how to throw, the Open Wheel Course is an opportunity to slow down, switch off and settle into the rhythm of making. Eight weeks gives you the time to properly explore the wheel, develop your skills and discover where your own creativity takes you.
By the end of the course, you’ll have a collection of handmade ceramics, a deeper understanding of the throwing process and greater confidence to keep creating. And, if you find yourself wanting to keep coming back to the wheel, we wouldn’t blame you.
This course is taught by Sarah Schembri.
Perfect for:
- Complete beginners wanting to learn the foundations of wheel throwing
- Returning students looking to continue developing their skills
- Those with previous experience wanting to refine their technique
- Anyone wanting the freedom to explore their own ideas and forms
- Anyone looking for a regular creative practice and time away from the everyday
Includes: 1 x 10kg bag of stoneware clay, tools and firing
Duration: 2.5 hours x 8 classes
Experience: No experience required
Bring: An apron and towel to each class.
Wear: Clothes that can get dirty – this class is hands on. Closed shoes are essential.
Collection of work: Students will be emailed when their work is ready for collection, generally 2-3 weeks after the term has finished (work to be collected within 2 weeks of notification).
Cost: $510 (before booking, please read the terms and conditions for this course)
Students are asked to reclaim and reuse any clay through out the term. Should students require clay, additional clay can be purchased at $19 per kilo which is payable on the day. This covers extra firing and glazing of work.
Missed Classes: We cannot promise make up classes for any missed classes during the term. If a wheel becomes available we may offer you a space however this is not guaranteed.
Cancellations & Transfer Policy
Bookings cancelled up to 14 days prior to the class will be refunded in full or transferred to a later date less an admin fee.
Bookings cancelled 7 days or less before the class will be refunded (less 20% admin fee) if the vacancy can be resold at full price. If not resold the purchase price is forfeited. Alternatively, you are welcome to transfer your ticket to another person (please advise name of alternate within 24 hours of function)
Please note any refund requests will be refunded less booking fee.
Your safety is our priority:
We are committed to the health and safety of the community and will follow government advice at all times to keep everyone safe. Our studio is equipped with two InovaAir DV20 medical-grade air purifiers, designed for use in clinical environments to help remove airborne viral and bacterial contaminants.
Details
You will learn
- Beginners – learn how to centre clay and make basic forms such as small cylinders and bowls
- Experienced Students – expand and develop throwing skills making larger forms.
- Experiment with carving, tissue transfers. As well as glazing – the studio has various stoneware glazes to experiment with.
You will get
- A set of your creations made on the day. Students will be notified once work has been glazed and ready to collect.
- Tea & Coffee.
Appropriate for
Beginner or Intermediate level students
Preparation
What to bring
- Please bring a towel and an apron.
What to wear
Must wear covered/closed shoes. Comfortable clothing.
Planning a Private Event?
From corporate team building to birthdays and hen's parties, Sarah Schembri Ceramics can tailor a private pottery classes experience for your group.
Your Teacher
Sarah has been working with clay for over 20 years, full time as a teacher and potter for 12 years. Sarah originally started her career within the corporate world, soon discovering pottery as an after-hours passion, exploring her creativity. She found that ‘throwing’ pottery on a wheel gave her great satisfaction and relaxation. After some time, Sarah made the decision to shift her professional career from an office life ~ to pursue her passion for pottery and tableware.
Sarah worked and studied Ceramics at Ballarat University, where she developed her bold –yet incredibly organic style.
Sarah has been truly humbled by her successful career as a full-time artist and now wishes to teach others and provide an enjoyable, relaxed environment to learn and create.
Sarah’s motto; Love, create and inspire.
Organized by
Sarah Schembri Ceramics
Sarah Schembri is a Melbourne Ceramic Artist who is passionate about creating functional, tactile and visually appealing ceramics, particularly tableware. Being a lover of cooking and food in general, she is most interested in making pieces that are a pleasure to use in the home, pieces which are not only visually appealing but also functional & tactile.
“There is something quite special about using pieces that are handmade - the experience and food taste better. This is a feeling that I think about when I'm creating, it's part of the experience I want to share with others.” - Sarah
Cancellations & Refunds
If the organiser cancels the class:
You are entitled to a full refund.
If you can't attend the class:
You’re welcome to send someone in your place.
OR
- A refund can be requested 14 days before class starts. An admin fee of AU$20.00 applies.
- A transfer can be requested 7 days before the class starts. Free of charge.
- A credit note can be requested 7 days before the class starts. An admin fee of AU$20.00 applies.
No changes will be allowed after these times.
We recommend the refund upgrade option upon checkout in case you’re not able to attend the class. Learn more about refund upgrade option.
Terms & Conditions
If you are unable to attend, you can request:
- to transfer your booking to another class of the same value, free of charge; or
- a refund or credit note, less 5% admin/booking fee.
Alternatively, tickets can be transferred to another participant – please advise the name of the substitute person within 48 hours of the workshop.
For more information, please visit our website...
Terms & Conditions - Workshops / Classes (1 day)
Terms & Conditions - Courses / Term classes (1+ days)
Got a question? Please email info@sarahschembri.com
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Tags:
Open Wheel Course - 8 weeks
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