Pottery classes in Singapore
Pottery is slowly catching on in Singapore – after all, few other activities are as therapeutic as pottery. Think about the hum of the potter’s wheel, the soothing texture of wet clay, and the fact that you get to bring home something aesthetic you made with your bare hands. Say goodbye to boring weekends and standard store-bought crockery. Here’s where you can go for pottery classes in Singapore:
Table of Contents
- Pottery classes in Singapore
- Types of pottery classes in Singapore
- How long does it take for pottery to be ready?
- Price breakdown of pottery classes in Singapore
- 1. Taoz Ceramics Studio
- 2. The Potters’ Guilt
- 3. Am I Addicted
- 4. Studio Asobi
- 5. Mud Rock Ceramics
- 6. Weekend Worker Ceramics Studio
- 7. School of Clay Arts
- 8. 8th FLOOR Creative Space
- 9. Thow Kwang Pottery Jungle
- 10. Urth & Phire
- 11. Arudio Studio
- 12. Goodman Ceramics Studio
Types of pottery classes in Singapore
When it comes to clay pottery classes in Singapore, there are 2 main techniques to choose from: handbuilding and wheel throwing.
Handbuilding pottery
Image credit: Stampty
As its name suggests, handbuilding strips the art form down to its bare necessities and uses mostly the artists’ hands. Along with some simple tools such as knives, scrapers, and ball-tipped styluses of different sizes to create various indentations, you’re sculpting the clay without any elaborate machinery.
Common handbuilding styles include coiling into long pieces, pinching into shape, and slab building – which involves cutting separate slabs to join as one cohesive structure.
Wheel throwing pottery
Image credit: @thepottersguilt via Instagram
Wheel throwing is likely the technique you envision when someone mentions pottery, popularised by that iconic love scene in Ghost. It involves throwing clay down onto a spinning wheel, and sculpting the piece with a combination of the spinning motion, your hand placement, and the amount of force you apply.
This method is favoured for crafting symmetrical pieces, as the spinning aids uniform shape, size, and thickness all around. Of course, that isn’t to say that you can’t make intentionally asymmetrical pottery for a unique flair.
How long does it take for pottery to be ready?
The processing period for pottery differs across studios in Singapore, as it depends on the size of their kilns and how many sessions they host. After your pottery session, you can typically collect your masterpiece around 1-3 months later, after it’s been fired and glazed.
However, as you can see from the points below, some studios offer expedited turnarounds so you can get your creation in as little as 1 week. Certain studios even offer home delivery so you don’t have to head down again just to pick up your work.
Price breakdown of pottery classes in Singapore
Studio | Price | Processing time |
Taoz Ceramics Studio | From $70/class for 10 lessons (35-minute trial available) | 1-2 months |
The Potters’ Guilt | From $58/pax for a single session, from $535.60/pax for courses | 8-9 weeks |
Am I Addicted | $100/pax for a 2-hour class; $60 for 3-hour studio rental | 6-8 weeks |
Studio Asobi | From $95/pax for a single session, from $375/pax for courses | 3-4 weeks |
Mud Rock Ceramics | From $83/pax for a trial session, from $330/pax for beginner courses | 1-3 months |
Weekend Worker Ceramics | $90/pax for a single workshop, $340/pax for 4-week course | 1-3 months |
School of Clay Arts | From $95/pax for a single session, from $250/pax for courses | 1-3 months |
8th FLOOR Creative Space | $499.20/pax for 10 lessons | 1 week |
Thow Kwang Pottery Jungle | From $65/pax for a public workshop, from $486/pax for a 10-lesson basics course | 6-8 weeks |
Urth & Phire | From $60/pax for a trial class, from $400/pax for courses | 3-4 weeks |
Arudio Studio | $60/pax for a trial workshop, from $300/pax for courses | 4-6 weeks |
Goodman Ceramics Studio | From $55/pax for “My First Mug”, from $55/pax for trial classes | 4-6 weeks |
1. Taoz Ceramics Studio
Quick 35-minute pottery classes in Singapore for newbies
Image credit: GoldenPapa via Google Maps
If you’re not ready to commit to a full hour of class just yet, Taoz Ceramics Studio offers short trial lessons to introduce you to the process of forming, shaping, and glazing in just 35 minutes. Those who want to expand their knowledge and delve deeper into the techniques of pottery can consider their pottery course packages from $70/class for 10 lessons.
2. The Potters’ Guilt
Try 2 pottery techniques in 1 session
Image credit: The Potters’ Guilt
Great for beginners to try their hand at different pottery techniques, The Potters’ Guilt offers a The Pottery Do-It-All ($88/pax) class which is 3 hours long and teaches all you need to know about basic pottering. Thereafter, get your masterpiece glazed and fired for $10 per piece. This takes about 8-9 weeks to complete.
Tableware you can show off to your friends and family.
Image credit: @thepottersguilt via Instagram
We’re all busy with work these days, so if 3 hours on a weekend seems too big of a commitment for you, there’s no need to miss out. Instead, go for the Pottery on the Wheel Experience ($58/pax). Within 1.5 hours, you’ll get the chance to work the potter’s wheel to make your own functional and unique tableware.
3. Am I Addicted
$60 studio rental for 3 hours
Image credit: Am I Addicted Singapore via Facebook
With a space over 100, 000 square feet large, Am I Addicted is recognised as one of the biggest pottery classes in Singapore.
Their 2-hour Standard Wheel Throwing ($100/pax) classes will break down the basics and guide you through making your first 2 vessel pieces – choose between a cup, bowl, plate, pot, or round vase – using the potter’s wheel. If you’re not ready to take the wheel yet, you can opt for their handbuilding or pottery painting class instead.
Besides catering to beginners, seasoned potters are welcome to book a slot and rent the studio so they can have their own ceramic-making sesh with their friends without needing to commit to a class schedule. For $60, you get access to a wide range of ceramic tools, over 130 glazing options, and other pottery equipment that you can use freely for 3 hours without any restrictions.
4. Studio Asobi
Complimentary snacks to nibble on
Image credit: Studio Asobi
Concerned you might get peckish mid-way through crafting works of art? Studio Asobi’s Living Clay Pottery Workshop ($95/pax) comes with complimentary snacks and drinks to keep you fueled as you work on your sculpture. This homey pottery studio in Singapore can fit a humble size of 6 people max for each session, so make sure to quickly book your slot before it fills up.
Image credit: @abcdeunice via Instagram
Of course, you’re not expected to become a full-time potter, but these 3-hour classes will leave you with a good mix of pottery techniques to make your own cup, bowl or planter. On top of that, you’ll also get a go at the electric pottery wheel where you’ll be taught to sculpt decorative clay attachments like handles or lids.
5. Mud Rock Ceramics
Unlimited use of clay with no hidden costs
Image credit: @mudrockceramics via Instagram
They’ve made a whole tea set for Her Majesty the Queen of England and worked with the National Gallery of Singapore, so you can be sure the folks at Mud Rock Ceramics know what they’re doing.
Despite their impressive clientele, there’s no pressure to be a pottery prodigy. They offer a Beginner’s Course ($330/pax) that includes 5 consecutive lessons, teaching you the foundations of pottery that includes coiling to glazing.
Image credit: @mudrockceramics via Instagram
Even if you can’t invest in 5 classes on the spot, they offer a one-off trial session. This ceramics course in Singapore is where you’ll have 2.5 hours to have a go at the Potter’s wheel to create your own ceramic piece. The session will set you back $83/pax, but rest assured that the cost includes tools, trimming, glazing, firing of 1 item, and as much clay as you want to use during the class.
6. Weekend Worker Ceramics Studio
2 ceramic pieces in 2 hours
Image credit: @weekendworker via Instagram
If you’re all about efficiency and productivity, kicking off your pottery journey at Weekend Worker Ceramics Studio will make for a good start. In this 2-Hour Wheel Throwing Workshop ($90/pax), you’ll quickly get your hands dirty to learn the art of wheel throwing and create 2 different ceramic pieces of your choosing.
Image credit: Shop Unusually Usual
For rookies, that might seem like light speed but don’t worry about keeping up. Class sizes are kept to a maximum of 6 participants in this pottery studio in Singapore, which means you – and your ceramic works – will get all the guidance you need. It also helps that you’ll be using an electric potter’s wheel instead of a manual one.
After the workshop, your masterpieces will be coated with a food-safe glaze and fired for you free-of-charge. Take note that this process takes a while to complete, so you’ll have to collect them from the studio about 1-3 months later.
Note: At the time of writing, Weekend Worker Ceramics Studio is in the midst of relocating. Stay tuned to the latest news on their new studio space by following the Weekend Worker on Instagram.
7. School of Clay Arts
Step-by-step pottery for beginners
Image credit: @schoolofclayarts via Instagram
Hands-on activities like pottery are lots of fun, but it can be intimidating going for a class as a total newbie. At the School of Clay Arts, they do their best to negate that fear by creating an inviting class environment. You can expect a guided studio walkthrough, a discussion with the instructor about your learning needs, and a step-by-step guide to pottery so you won’t be a lost sheep!
Their Intro to Pottery Workshop ($95/pax) teaches participants how to use the banding wheel, so you can look forward to making your own rounded ceramic pieces like vases or bowls. Within the 2.5 hour session, you’ll also observe pottery practices first hand and learn hand-building techniques like coiling and pinching.
Image credit: @schoolofclayarts via Instagram
Moreover, they know how troublesome it can be to have to personally come back to pick up your creations after just one class, so School of Clay Arts offers a free delivery service! You can expect your works to arrive straight at your doorstep within a week of completion.
8. 8th FLOOR Creative Space
10-class package, tailored to your learning speed
Image credit: @the8thflr via Instagram
For $499.20/pax you’re given 10 lessons at The 8th FLOOR Creative Space, meaning each 3-hour class is only $49.90. With a ceramics lecturer on board, they are the first ever studio in Singapore to offer a heavily personalised Pottery Course – where the progress of learners are officially monitored under the watchful eye of pottery pros and classes are individually tailored to suit your learning pace.
Image credit: @the8thflr via Instagram
In each class, beginners will be taught wheel throwing techniques to create household ceramic objects – think bowls, planters, plates and cups you can take home to use! Unlimited clay and house glazes are also a bonus to help you master pottery as quickly as possible.
And if you want to learn pottery beyond handmade kitchenware, the studio also offers another 10-class course on decorative ceramic pieces for the same price. These can be vases, abstract displays, or any kind of ceramic artwork you create to express yourself.
9. Thow Kwang Pottery Jungle
Home to Singapore’s oldest dragon kiln
Image credit: @tkpotteryjungle via Instagram
Located far west in Singapore, the family-owned Thow Kwang Pottery Jungle is quietly tucked away in nature, far away from the distractions of city life.
At $65/pax for adults and $55/pax for children, the I Love Pottery Workshop offers a 2-hour hand-building and potter’s wheel experience, with all materials, glazing, and firing provided so you can take home a complete piece of work. Parents and children under 8 are encouraged to bond by signing up together at a discounted rate of $65/pair.
Inside the Dragon Kiln, which can hold about 4,000 ceramic pieces.
Image credit: @tkpotteryjungle via Instagram
Apart from pottery, the studio is also known for owning Singapore’s oldest surviving and only functioning Dragon Kiln, which is a firing chamber made of bricks and clay that stretches on for more than 25m. When it’s not in operation, workshop participants can even walk through its tunnels.
10. Urth & Phire
Flexible dates available for courses and classes
Image credit: @urthandphire via Instagram
Your schedule might be busy and unpredictable, but don’t let that stop you from pursuing pottery as a hobby. At Urth & Phire (a play on the words “earth” and “fire”), there are no fixed dates for courses and classes – so you can choose your own starting date without worrying about fitting to their schedule.
Image credit: @urthandphire via Instagram
This cosy pottery studio in Singapore offers Wheel Pottery Courses (from $400/pax) with professional coaching, where you’ll learn everything from clay preparation to firing an electric kiln.
However, if you’re not ready to make the leap or just want some basic experience with pottery, opt for their Wheel Pottery Trial Class. At $60/pax, you can spend 1.5 hours on the potter’s wheel with no hidden or additional charges, even if you require additional clay. You’ll also get to bring home a piece of pottery, with free glaze and firing services.
11. Arudio Studio
Pottery classes in Singapore for couples
Image credit: @arudioceramic via Instagram
If you’re looking for something fun to do on the weekend with your significant other, why not try Arudio Studios’ pottery workshops? Located in Macpherson, this studio offers both short courses and trial workshops for couples. Individuals are welcome to sign up too with friends or family.
The Ceramic Hand-building Workshop ($60/pax) is 3 hours long, and is focused on creating cups, vases, and plates. You’ll pick up simple pottery techniques like pinching, coiling, and slab-making, and will take home 2 ceramic creations for your kitchen. As for mugs and bowls, you can go for the Wheel Throwing Workshop ($70/pax) where they’ll teach you how to mould the objects correctly.
Image credit: @arudioceramic via Instagram
For these workshops, a minimum of 2 participants is required, so it makes for a great couple activity. The prices also include material, glazing, and firing costs, so you can get creative with your earthenware without worrying about additional charges.
12. Goodman Ceramics Studio
Pre-formed clay cylinders for absolute beginners
Image credit: @goodmanceramicstudio via Instagram
While Goodman Ceramic Studio does offer pottery classes and courses, they also cater to people who want their own unique ceramic pieces – without having to learn skills like hand-building and wheel throwing.
To do this, the studio offers the My First Mug ($55/pax) programme, which gives you 2 hours to go wild with a pre-formed clay cylinder and guidance from professional ceramicists. You can create clay attachments, then paint and decorate your own clay mug – which is the closest you can get to making a unique ceramic piece without making it from scratch.
Hand-building involves moulding clay into the desired shapes.
Image credit: Goodman Ceramic Studio via Facebook
If you’re looking for something more in-depth, you can opt to go for the Trial Wheel Throwing ($58/pax) or Trial Hand-building ($55/pax) classes. They are 1.5 hours and 2 hours long respectively, and offer a good introduction to pottery for beginners. The best part? Firing is completely free, so you can collect and bring your clay piece home to admire once it’s done.
Pottery classes in Singapore for all levels
Pottery may seem like an intimidating hobby, but it’s quite simple to get started, especially now that you know where to begin. Not only are there plenty of beginner pottery classes in Singapore for your ceramic-making skills to progress, but also many hands-on workshops that don’t require any commitment. Say goodbye to boring weekends, and say hello to your new ceramic artworks.
Check out other places allowing you to flex your creativity:
Cover image adapted from: @tkpotteryjungle & @goodmanceramicstudio via Instagram, GoldenPapa via Google Maps
Last updated by Mae-Z Fam & Renae Cheng on 13th November 2024.