FAQ

What do I expect from a one-time class?

One-time classes are a fun way to experience pottery for the first time or get back on the wheel after a hiatus. Bring clothes you don’t mind washing, a hair tie, and your hands!

Participants will be taken through the basic steps of using the potters’ wheel. You will choose the glaze finish colors to be finished and picked up at a later date.

Classes are 2 hours for working with the clay and 30 minutes for cleanup.

Here is a quick video of some of the wheel throwing steps we will be covering in class.

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How are your mixed level 4 classes set up?

The mixed level classes are offered for artists to work through all aspects of the pottery making process. Students will improve on their skills, bringing their inspirations to life, and have fun in the process. Participants are encouraged to come with their own inspiration of what they would like to make. This could be anything from improving your ability on the wheel, hand building your own dinnerware set, making a birthday gift, or throwing your dog a bowl! Teachers will be floating around the studio to help demonstrate and inspire as needed. Students can opt in or out of group projects as they come. The rolling class schedule will have some students who are starting their 4 classes with others who have been enrolled for some time. This lends to a nice and collaborative studio flow.

What if I need to miss one of my recurring classes?

No problem! You can reschedule up to 24 hours priort to class through our scheduling link and add yourself to a different class.

You can also purchase a ‘Package’ which will give you 4x individual classes that you can sign up for classes that align with your schedule.

We recommend to make sure you can go to at least 3 out of the 4 classes before you book. Pots can dry out when left for too long.

Here is a link detailing how to reschedule your app on Vagaro.

Can I sign up for a class if I see it is full? (Waitlist)

Yes. Reccurring classes typically have 6-8 seats available. If the studio flow is calm, cool, and collected they can increase to up to 10.

If you see a class you would like to join that is full, put your name on the waitlist. You should receive a response of whether you have been admitted to the class 24 hours prior to that class.

This will not charge you for the class until you have been let in and attend. You will need to pay on site - or if you have purchased a 'package' of classes this will be automatically deducted from your series.

Cancellation Policy

Recurring classes: If you are able to change your scheduled class up to 24hrs prior to class through our scheduling link here. If you need to late cancel you can email info@clayloungeboston.com. Typically we do not charge the first time, but will charge if it becomes a recurring issue. One-time classes: Cancellations are allowed with a full refund 24 hours prior to class. You can go direct to our scheduling site here.

How do you fire your pottery?

We fire to cone 04 bisque and cone 5 glaze in electric oxidation kilns. This 'midrange' temperature produces pieces of stoneware pottery that are food, microwave, and dishwasher safe.

What type of clay do you use?

We use two American dug midrange stonewares at Clay Lounge. One is a speckled brown the other is a white stoneware. The speckles in the brown come from small particles of manganese in the clay. The white has porcelian like qualities being soft and smooth. Both are great for both throwing and handbuilding. Outside clays (or glazes) must be okayed by an instructor.

Do you offer outside firings?

We have done outside firings in the past. We fire to cone five (hits 5.5) in an oxidation quick cooling setting. Plesae reach out with your needs and we can discuss cost and logistics.

Where are you located?

We are located 75 Thayer St. Boston Ma 02118 in the SoWa Arts District in the South End of Boston. The studio is in the basement level of the 450 Harrison Ave large brick building. Park on Harrison Ave. and walk through the Thayer St. breeze way. We are across from the 'Farmers Market' chalk wall in the basement level.

Where should I park?

We suggest finding free parking on Harrison Ave or one of its ajoining side streets. The lot off of Albany street under the 93 fwy is $2.5/hr and the lot directly behind the studio is 90 minutes free (3hrs on weekends) and $10/hour after. You can see a nice visual of parking here and SoWa provides a nice visual here.

I have never done pottery before. Do you offer beginner classes?

Yes, we do! We suggest you give it a spin with a one-time class where you will be taken through the basics of handbuilding and potters wheel techniques.

If you want to dive into learning all aspects of the pottery making process we offer 4-pack classes where a floating teacher can guide you through your journey into clay.

What should I bring to class?

-Mask -Clothes you don't mind washing -A hair tie if you have long hair -Remember to take your rings off before throwing -Of course, your hands!