A cosy space to create and connect

A private pottery experience just for you

Perfect for quality time and special occasions with family and friends. Relax with a cup of tea, have a laugh, and create something special. With lots of flexibility, choose a day and time that works best for your group!

What people are saying about their workshop

“We have loved our workshops with Tessa at Any Clay. The space is awesome and very relaxing; allowing for a beautiful atmosphere to be creative!

Tessa is great at explaining how to use clay, regardless of your age or skill level. I would highly recommend her workshops to everyone, even the not so crafty people!"

- Diane

"Tessa was a warm, welcoming and highly skilled facilitator who made our introduction to her hand building workshop great fun while also learning something new."

- Beck

"I loved the private coil building workshop. Tessa is the perfect mix of instructional, down to earth and laid back.

She created such a beautiful space to connect with friends, have a laugh, and be creative. Would highly recommend"

- Hayley

Imagine this…

You wander down the brick path to your creative haven for the next few hours. My workshop space sits just behind the house, surrounded by plants, sunlight and soft background music. It’s cosy and calm, with tea on hand and the occasional cat popping by to say hello.

I keep the groups small so it always feels relaxed and personal. I’ll guide you through each step - whether you’re making a mug, vase or something totally unique. You don’t need any experience, just a little curiosity.

There’s no rush here. Just good company, a bit of mess and a chance to make something with your hands.

Ceramicist Tessa Smith sits at her workshop table demonstrating coil building for her workshop visitors
A brown tabby cat sitting on some low steps is sniffing a mug of tea

You don’t need any experience

If you’ve never touched clay before - perfect! These workshop experiences are made for beginners.

They’re also beautiful for shared moments - bring your mum, partner, besties or workmates. Enjoy doing something different together.

Hi, I’m Tessa

What started as an evening pottery class with my sisters in 2016 has slowly grown into a fulfilling ceramic practice where I pursue creative joy and celebrate warmth and playfulness.

Pottery can be a pathway to feeling connected to yourself and others.

Ceramicist Tessa Smith stands at her worktable in her home studio with a rust skivvy on and jeans. Behind her are pine shelves with her pottery tools and drying work

Recognising the need to prioritise connection and creativity in daily life, I invite you into my space for cosy hand-building workshops.

My workshops aren’t about achieving a flawless pot - they’re about the experience of making.

Tessa x

  • Settle in

Settle in with a cuppa and a warm welcome. Aprons are available and I have the cutest little bowls to keep your rings safe.

  • Hands on

I’ll pass you some beautifully tactile clay and walk you through some basic hand-building methods.

  • Make it yours

Guided by examples or your own ideas, it’s your turn to have a go - shaping, smoothing and getting into the flow. I’m there to provide as much or as little help as you like.

  • Chose your colour

Choose the glaze colours for your creations and I’ll handle the firing and glazing. About 5 weeks later, you’ll come back to pick up your finished pottery!

What to expect?

Two hand are photographed from above, working on creating a small round plant pot. There's clay and tools scattered around on the work surface.

You’ll be provided with the clay, tools and materials you’ll need. I’ll fire your pieces in my kiln and let you know when they’re ready to pick up. Just wear comfy clothes - I’ll take care of the rest.

Everything’s taken care of 

1.‍ ‍Workshop Experience

Choose the experience that best suits you and your group. I offer Private Workshops for 2-8 people, plus occasional Open (public) Workshops on set dates.

2.‍ ‍Group Size

For Private Workshops - choose your group size. Anywhere from 2 to 8 people. Don’t stress - you can adjust this later if needed.

3.‍ ‍Date and Time

Find a spot that works for you. Weekends tend to fill fast!

4.‍ ‍Small Deposit

For your convenience when booking a group, I only charge a small deposit at the time of booking. I’ll handle everything from there.

Just follow these simple steps:

Choose the experience that suits you best!

Clay Play

$109 per person

For kids and adults with curious minds and shorter attention spans.

1.5 hour private workshop

3-8 people

You’ll learn the simple and satisfying technique of pinching clay to form small bowls - perfect for trinkets or tiny treasures.

Then the real fun begins: decorate, sculpt, and play with your piece. Think tiny animals, quirky shapes, or whatever your imagination dreams up - there's no “wrong” way to make.

  • Private session for your group only

  • No experience needed - suitable for adults and kids aged 6+

  • Hand-build with stoneware clay - guided by examples and personalised tips

  • Clay, tools and your choice of glaze colours all included

  • I’ll glaze and fire all your pieces (no limits!) - ready for pickup in ~5 weeks

  • Enjoy tea, coffee, and juice - BYO snacks and drinks if you like

Clay Craft

$139 per person

For those that want time to slow down and get into the flow of making.

2.5 hour private workshop

3-8 people

An unhurried session where you’ll learn two classic hand-building techniques: pinching and soft slab. With these simple methods, you can craft pottery of varying size and shape - mugs, snack bowls, plates… whatever you feel inspired to make.

There’s plenty of flexibility - you can follow your own ideas or be guided by examples.

  • Private session for your group only

  • No experience needed - suitable for adults and kids aged 10+

  • Hand-build with stoneware clay - guided by examples and personalised tips

  • Clay, tools and your choice of glaze colours all included

  • I’ll glaze and fire all your pieces (no limits!) - ready for pickup in ~5 weeks

  • Enjoy tea, coffee, and juice - BYO snacks and drinks if you like

Clay Escape

$229 per person

For those who want to linger in the experience - a retreat into the world of clay.

4.5 hour private workshop

3-8 people

An extended session where you’ll be introduced to a range of hand-building techniques, with plenty of time to bring your own ideas to life - whether that’s a sculptural piece, a set of mugs, or something totally unique.

Enjoy a pause in making to snack on the sweet and savoury nibbles provided.

  • Private session for your group only

  • No experience needed - suitable for adults and kids aged 10+

  • Hand-build with stoneware clay - guided by examples and personalised tips

  • Clay, tools and your choice of glaze colours all included

  • I’ll glaze and fire all your pieces (no limits!) - ready for pickup in ~5 weeks

  • Enjoy tea, coffee and juice

  • Sweet and savoury nibbles provided

Looking for a private couple’s workshop?

Happy to join in with other people?

Want to gift a workshop experience?

Have questions?

Three small mushroom sculptures made out of clay sit on a wooden work surface
Two hands are working with clay on a flat work surface, shaping the top part of a mushroom sculpture

Ready to get creative?

This is more than a workshop - it’s a chance to slow down, make something real, and connect with yourself or someone you love.

Choose your pottery experience with Any Clay Pottery Studio.