What to Expect at Your First Ceramics Class in NYC
- Myrtle
- Jun 22
- 4 min read
By Myrtle's Clayhouse | Ridgewood, Queens
So you signed up for your first ceramics class. Maybe a friend convinced you. Maybe you've been watching wheel-throwing videos for six months and finally decided to just do it. Either way - good call.
Before you show up wondering whether you're doing it wrong before you've even started, here's a straightforward guide to what your first ceramics class actually looks like.
You Don't Need Any Experience
This is the most important thing to know. Ceramics classes for beginners are designed for people who have never touched clay in their lives. Nobody expects you to walk in knowing what you're doing - that's the whole point of the class.
At Myrtle's Clayhouse, our beginner courses and workshops start from scratch. Your instructor will walk you through everything - how to handle the clay, how to center it on the wheel, how to open it up. You'll get hands-on guidance, not just a demonstration from across the room.
What to Wear
Wear clothes you don't mind getting dirty. Clay will get on you - your hands, your arms, probably your shirt. That's normal and honestly part of the fun. Avoid anything white or dry-clean only.
Tie your hair back if it's long, and leave the rings and bracelets at home. Open-toed shoes are fine, but closed-toe shoes are better if you're worried about clay on the floor.
What Actually Happens in Class
Most beginner ceramics classes follow a similar structure:
Introduction and setup. Your instructor will introduce you to the tools, the clay, and the space. At Myrtle's, this is also when you get a feel for the studio - where everything is, how the wheels work, what to do when something goes wrong (and something always goes wrong, and that's fine).
Getting your hands in clay. You'll wedge your clay first - a process that removes air bubbles and gets the clay to a workable consistency. It takes a little muscle but you'll get the hang of it.
The actual making. Depending on whether you're taking a wheel throwing or handbuilding class, this looks different. Wheel throwing means you'll be sitting at a pottery wheel, learning to center and open the clay into a basic form. Handbuilding means you'll be working with your hands and basic tools to build shapes without a wheel - great if you're not sure the wheel is for you yet.
Cleanup. Ceramics studios take cleanup seriously. You'll learn how to properly clean your wheel or workspace, which tools to rinse, and what to do with leftover clay. It takes maybe 10-15 minutes and becomes second nature quickly.
Will I Actually Make Something?
Yes - but manage your expectations in the best possible way. Your first piece probably won't be a perfect bowl. It might be lopsided, or collapse halfway through, or come out looking more abstract than intended. That's completely normal and genuinely part of what makes ceramics fun.
What you will leave with is a real understanding of how clay behaves and a first attempt that you made with your own hands. If you're taking a multi-week course, your pieces will be fired in the kiln and ready for pickup after the course ends.
Wheel Throwing vs. Handbuilding - Which Should You Start With?
If you've never tried ceramics before, this is the question everyone asks.
Wheel throwing is what most people picture when they think of ceramics - sitting at a spinning wheel, shaping a cylinder or bowl. It has a steeper learning curve but is incredibly satisfying once it clicks.
Handbuilding uses techniques like pinching, coiling, and slab construction to build forms without a wheel. It's more forgiving for beginners and gives you more control over the shape.
Both are great starting points. At Myrtle's, we also offer Hybrid courses that incorporate both. Check out our available classes to see what's running and find the right fit.
What to Bring
Keep it simple:
Clothes you can get dirty
A water bottle
An open mind
Everything else - clay, tools, aprons - is provided at the studio.
After Your First Class
A lot of people finish their first ceramics class and immediately want to come back. If that sounds like you, a membership at Myrtle's gives you open studio access from 8am to 10pm daily - so you can keep practicing between classes on your own schedule.
Not sure you're ready to commit to a membership yet? Start with one of our 2-hour themed workshops - low stakes, a lot of fun, and a great way to see if ceramics is your thing.
Take a look at our class calendar to find something that works for you, or grab a gift card if you want to bring a friend along.
We're at 60-21 Myrtle Avenue in Ridgewood, Queens. Come see what all the fuss is about.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to book in advance? Yes - classes and workshops at Myrtle's fill up, so we recommend booking ahead through our class calendar.
How long is a ceramics class? Our themed workshops run 2 hours. Multi-week courses meet once a week and typically run 6-8 weeks depending on the format.
What if my piece breaks or collapses? It happens to everyone, including experienced ceramicists. Your instructor will help you troubleshoot and you'll have time to try again. Ceramics is as much about the process as the result.
When will I get my finished piece? Pieces need to be dried, bisque fired, glazed, and glaze fired before pickup. This typically takes 3-4 weeks after your final class session.
Can I come back and practice on my own? Yes - a Myrtle's membership gives you open studio access from 8am to 10pm daily so you can practice between classes at your own pace.
Is ceramics good for beginners with no art background? Absolutely. Most of our students come in with no prior art or craft experience. Ceramics is a skill you learn by doing, and the learning curve is part of what makes it rewarding.
Do you offer gift cards? Yes - gift cards are available here and make a great present for anyone curious about trying ceramics.
Myrtle's Clayhouse is located at 60-21 Myrtle Avenue, Ridgewood, Queens, NY 11385. Open daily 8am-10pm for members. Follow us on Instagram at @myrtlesclayhouse.
Comments