FAQ

A private pottery workshop is a lovely way to try something new. No experience is needed. Choose wheel throwing to try shaping clay on a pottery wheel, or handbuilding to make and decorate a mug without a wheel. The complete pottery experience follows the process over three visits, from making to glazing. Explore pottery experience gifts.

Choose an experience or gift-card value on the gift page. After purchase, you’ll receive a digital gift-card code by email to forward or print for your recipient. They can contact me to arrange a date and use the code at checkout. Buying a gift card does not reserve a workshop date; bookings depend on availability.

My pottery experience gift cards are digital only; I don’t sell or mail physical gift cards. Your gift-card code arrives by email, ready to forward to your recipient. You can also print the email yourself to tuck inside a card.

You don’t need to choose a date when buying a gift card, and all my introductory workshops are beginner friendly. If your gift needs to be used on a particular date, please contact me before purchasing so I can check availability.

Pottery workshops include clay, tools, guidance, glazing and kiln firing. Finished pieces are collected later, after drying and firing. Check the selected option on the product page for its current price and number of participants. Gift cards act as credit; any difference in the recipient’s chosen booking is paid at checkout.

Of course. My shop includes one-of-a-kind, functional pottery, split-leg artist aprons and Shimpo wheel extensions. Shop pottery gifts, or find more on Etsy. Please check each listing for availability and delivery or collection details.

I make my pottery by hand in Surrey, BC, Canada, from shaping the clay to the final glaze. Each piece takes time to form, dry, fire and finish. Small differences in shape, colour and glaze are part of the handmade process, so no two pieces are quite the same.

My functional pottery is food safe, dishwasher safe and microwave safe unless a listing says otherwise. Decorative pieces should only be used as described in their listing. For workshop projects, I’ll let you know how to use and care for your finished piece.

Treat your pottery gently and avoid sudden changes in temperature, which can cause cracking. Let a cold piece come to room temperature before adding hot food or drink, and let a hot piece cool before washing. Avoid moving pottery straight from the fridge into the microwave or placing a hot piece on a cold or wet surface. Dishwasher and microwave safety does not mean oven or stovetop safety.

Yes. Take care around rims and handles, avoid knocks, and leave space between pieces in the dishwasher. Handwashing is a gentle option for treasured pieces. Stop using a piece for food or drink if it becomes chipped or cracked.

Follow @curvypotshandmade on Instagram for new pieces, recent workshop projects and updates on the craft fairs I attend around Vancouver and the Fraser Valley. My website and Etsy shop carry a selection of what’s available.

I design the aprons, and my mother-in-law makes them by hand in small batches in Canada. They’re made for potters, painters and other artists who want practical coverage while they work.

The split-leg design lets the fabric sit over your thighs while you’re seated at a pottery wheel. It helps protect your clothes from clay, glaze and paint while giving you room to move.

The Japanese-style cross-back design has wide shoulder straps and an adjustable, unisex fit, without drawstring ties or buckles. Please check the measurements in the individual listing. If you’re unsure about fit, email me before ordering and I’ll help you choose.

Yes. My aprons have a front pocket to keep tools and small essentials close, plus a towel loop for easy access while you work.

Fabric varies by design, including denim and cotton options. The denim aprons use preshrunk fabric and are machine washable. Please follow the care instructions for your particular apron and check the listing for its fabric and measurements.

Shop the available aprons here, or find more on Etsy. You can also find my aprons at Greenbarn Potter’s Supply, a pottery supply store in Surrey, BC, carrying clay, glazes, tools and studio equipment for potters. Colours and prints are made in small batches, so availability varies.

I teach at my home pottery studio in Surrey, BC, near Highway 10 and King George Boulevard. The exact address is shared when your booking is confirmed. Visits are by appointment.

Yes. I’ll guide you through wheel throwing or handbuilding step by step. You don’t need to bring pottery skills or your own supplies. Private workshops give you time to ask questions and work at a comfortable pace.

Yes. Once you’ve completed a pottery experience with me, you can enrol in ongoing private pottery classes to keep learning and building your skills. It’s a way to continue with guidance as you become more comfortable working with clay. Ask Ivy about class options and current prices.

Wear comfortable clothes and shoes that you don’t mind getting clay on. Bring an apron if you have one, and tie back long hair. Shorter nails can make working with clay easier. Clay, tools and guidance are included.

Most single-session workshops are 60 minutes; the handbuilding mug workshop is longer. The complete pottery experience takes place over three visits. Check your chosen listing for the full details. Your pottery needs to dry and be kiln fired, so it won’t be ready to take home on the day. I’ll explain collection arrangements during your workshop.

There is no public washroom available at the studio, so please plan ahead before arriving. A functional sink is available for washing your hands and cleaning up after working with clay.

The studio is wheelchair friendly. Please contact me before booking so we can discuss access, the workspace and any adjustments that would help you take part comfortably. There is no public washroom on site.

I’ve taught students with a range of learning and access needs, including students with ADHD, students who are visually impaired, and Deaf students. Please get in touch before booking so we can talk about what helps you learn and participate comfortably, and whether the workshop and studio setup will suit you.

I don’t offer children’s group classes. If you’re considering a private workshop for a child, please contact me before booking so we can discuss suitability and any support they may need.

Workshops are offered mostly on weekends, with some weekday evenings available. Please inquire about specific dates and times. All visits are by appointment.

Please email curvypotspottery@gmail.com to ask about another time. I’ll let you know what I can offer.

If you’re feeling unwell, please stay home and contact me to reschedule your workshop. Please let me know as soon as you can so we can arrange another time.

Please arrive on time for your booked workshop. If you arrive more than 30 minutes late, the booking counts as a used class credit and is non-refundable. Please contact me if you’re running late.

Workshops are final sale and non-refundable. As a one-person business, I set aside the time and materials for your booking. Please check the listing and contact me with any questions before purchasing.

Yes. I also bring guided pottery workshops to workplaces for corporate team building, staff appreciation and year-end events. Explore corporate pottery events.