Courses from Throw Clay LA

Our next session is starting and there are still a few spots left! We’ve also just posted our Summer Session, beginning June 22nd. Whether you’re just starting your clay journey or building on years of experience, there’s a course designed for you. Book early to make sure you don’t miss out—spots fill fast!

Potter's Wheel Basics

 

If you’ve been wanting to learn the fundamentals of wheel throwing, this is the perfect place to start. In a course with 8 others, you'll get hands-on instruction in class on centering, shaping, trimming, and glazing — all in a relaxed, supportive studio setting. Perfect for first-timers or anyone wanting to rebuild a strong foundation.

Pottery course on the wheel.

Pulling a pot on the wheel.

Personal instruction at the studio.

Pinch, Slab, Sculpt!  

Courses from Throw Clay LA also include handbuilding. Explore the potential of slab construction in this dynamic course that blends functional and sculptural work. Students will roll, cut, layer, and manipulate clay slabs to build objects with bold form and creative surface treatment.

Handbuilt serving trays.

Sculpting with Coils

 

For students drawn to handbuilt sculpture, this course focuses on building expressive, larger-scale forms using coil and pinch techniques. You’ll learn to plan and execute more ambitious work, with guidance on structure, scale, and storytelling in clay.

Coil vase with dried flowers.

Going big with coils.

Coil built vessels.

Continuing Wheel

Designed for students comfortable with centering and pulling walls, this course builds your skills while exploring new forms, techniques, and surface decoration. Expect to develop consistency and deepen your creative process.

Trimming a beautifully formed vessel.

Learn more complex forms in Continuing Wheel.

Perfectly pulled on the potter's wheel.

Continuing Handbuilding

 

A perfect course for students who’ve taken Slab, Pinch, Sculpt! or Sculpting with Coils, or have similar experience. Tailored to your creative goals, you're encouraged to show up to the first session with a project in mind, with a 12"x12" scale as your framework. Expect hands-on demos, personal feedback, and the chance to turn your ideas into thoughtful, expressive work.

Large hand sculpted vessel.

Creating a lamp base in Continuing Handbuilding.

A large coil pot, a beautiful statement piece.

Throwing Big

Ready to size up your wheel work? This course focuses on the techniques needed to throw larger forms—starting with 3, then 5, and eventually 8 pounds of clay. You’ll learn to manage the physical and technical challenges of working big, from spiral wedging to centering, pulling, and trimming with intention. Ideal for students who can confidently throw a two-pound cylinder with even walls.

Danny teaches you how to Throw Big.

A five pound bowl thrown on the wheel.

Wheel thrown large pitchers.

Creatures & Critters

 

A handbuilding favorite returns! This playful class guides you through building sculptural animals — real or imaginary — using pinch and coil techniques. Bring your character ideas to life while developing solid construction skills and expressive forms.

Glazed creature ready for the kiln.

Beautiful orange puffer fish.

Snoopies in puffer coats.

Why chose courses from Throw Clay LA?

With something for everyone—whether you’re new to clay or continuing to grow your skills—now is the perfect time to join us. A few spots remain in our current session, and our Summer Session beginning June 22nd is open for booking. Secure your spot early and keep your creativity flowing!