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People often imagine that running a pottery studio means spending long stretches of the day making pots. In reality, the day moves quickly and is a mix of practical tasks, teaching, problem solving and constant small decisions that keep everything running smoothly. The morning usually starts with a walk through the studio to see what needs attention. We check pieces drying on the shelves, prepare clay for classes, set up tools, refill slip buckets and get the wheels ready. Th

One of the most exciting moments in the making process is deciding how to glaze a piece. Many beginners think glazing is about choosing a colour from a shelf, a bit like picking a paint swatch. In practice, glazing is far more creative than that. It is about how the glaze moves, how it settles, how it breaks on edges and how different layers interact. Once people understand this, glazing becomes one of the most enjoyable parts of working with clay. At The Northern Pottery we

There is a certain magic in the first mug you ever make. It may be a little uneven. The handle might tilt slightly to one side. The base might not sit perfectly flat. Yet it holds a charm that no store bought cup can ever match. It carries the moment you realised you could shape something real with your own hands. We see this often in the studio. A beginner sits at the wheel with a mix of nerves and excitement. The clay spins. The walls rise. Then wobble. Then rise again. By

One of the things we love most about our studio is the community of artists who shape it. Our gallery has become a space where local ceramicists and potters can share their work, tell their stories and show the incredible range of creativity that thrives on the upper north shore. Each maker brings their own voice, their own techniques and their own relationship with clay. Together they form a rich tapestry of styles and ideas. When visitors step into the gallery, there is alw

When people first join a pottery course, they often focus on the wheel and the clay and overlook the small, simple tools that can completely transform the making process. These quiet little helpers sit tucked in our tool buckets, waiting to be discovered. Once beginners start using them, they open up a whole new sense of control and enjoyment. Here are five tools we love introducing to new potters and why they deserve a place in your toolkit. The metal rib This is one of the

One of the most beautiful parts of pottery is the way it gently invites us to shift gears. We all arrive at the studio carrying something from the day. Emails, meetings, notifications, rushing between commitments, noisy thoughts that cling to us a little longer than we would like. Then we sit down with clay and everything begins to ease. Clay does not respond well to hurry. It asks for steady hands, soft focus and a kind of attentive calm that many of us rarely feel in our ev

From the outside, a kiln looks simple enough. Inside, though, it feels like a little world of its own. Every firing carries a sense of anticipation. We stack the shelves, close the door, set the program and then wait while the heat begins its slow and steady climb. Our kiln has become part of the rhythm of the studio. When it is running, there is always a feeling that something exciting is happening behind the scenes. Clay is changing. Glazes are maturing. Pieces are finding

There is something special that happens when someone walks into a pottery studio for the first time. Most people arrive feeling a mix of excitement and uncertainty, yet by the end of that first session they are smiling, relaxed and already seeing clay in a new way. A first pottery course opens a small doorway into creativity. Many of us spend years thinking that artistic practice lives somewhere far from our own lives. Then we sit at the wheel, or shape a piece of clay in our

Pottery as a Mindful Practice: Finding Calm in Clay

Is pottery the right hobby for you?

So, you’re thinking about diving into the world of pottery—fantastic choice! But with so many class options available, how do you decide...

In today’s fast-paced, digital world, many of us are searching for ways to slow down, reconnect with ourselves, and explore our...

There’s something truly mesmerising about wheel-throwing, the magic of watching a spinning lump of clay transform under your fingertips...

Once you touch clay for the first time, it’s hard to stop. Pottery has a unique way of capturing the heart and hands, making it one of...

When you start exploring the world of pottery, you’ll quickly notice two main techniques: handbuilding and wheel throwing.

Are you drawn to the idea of creating pottery with your own two hands, from start to finish? Handbuilding is one of the oldest and most...

If shaping clay is the foundation of pottery, glazing is where the magic happens. It’s the moment your piece transforms from a raw,...

Exciting news! The Northern Pottery has been featured in Ku-ring-gai Living , showcasing our passion for pottery, community, and...

The Magic of Handmade: Why Pottery Stands Out in a Mass-Produced World

The magic of pottery doesn’t end when you shape your clay into something, but it’s just the beginning. To truly bring your creations to...