Throw Clay LA is open Monday through Friday from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM, Saturday from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM, and Sunday from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM. The studio is closed on New Year's Day, July 4th, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day, and closes early on the day before Thanksgiving and New Year's Eve.

Can I bring my dog or pet to the studio?

Because studio work is fragile and moved frequently, pets are not allowed in the studio. Exceptions may be made for trained service animals with prior approval.

Where can I find pottery classes for beginners in Los Angeles?

Throw Clay LA offers pottery classes for beginners in a welcoming downtown Los Angeles studio. Our one-time and six-week courses introduce the basics of wheel throwing and handbuilding with step-by-step instruction from experienced teachers. Students learn how to center clay, create simple forms, and glaze their finished pieces using our cone 5/6 clay bodies. Classes are small, hands-on, and perfect for anyone curious to explore clay for the first time.

What makes Throw Clay LA the best pottery date night in Los Angeles?

Throw Clay LA offers one of Los Angeles’s most creative and relaxed date nights. Couples share creativity in a fun, informal studio setting while learning the basics of pottery together. Each person has their own wheel and creates their own piece, guided by friendly instructors. It’s a memorable, hands-on experience that blends laughter, art, and connection.

Do you offer one-time pottery classes for beginners?

Yes. Our one-time pottery classes are designed for beginners and anyone curious to try working with clay. In a single 1 hour and 45 minute session, you’ll learn the basics of throwing on the wheel, choose your glaze colors, and we’ll finish and fire your pieces for you. It’s a fun, no-pressure introduction to pottery in a welcoming studio environment.

Do you offer kids' classes?

Our classes and courses are designed for adults 18 and older. Teens ages 13–17 may join a One-Time class if accompanied by an adult booked in the same class.

What is the difference between throwing on the wheel and handbuilding?

Wheel throwing uses gravity and centrifugal force to shape clay on the potter's wheel, typically resulting in symmetrical forms like bowls. Handbuilding uses pinch, slab, and coil techniques to build pieces by hand, offering more flexibility and sculptural freedom.

When will my pottery pieces be ready for pickup after a class?

It takes 3–5 weeks to complete pieces made in class. Once they are ready, Throw Clay LA notifies you by email. Please pick them up promptly after notification to allow space for new work.

How long is a class or course?

One-Time Potter’s Wheel classes are 1 hour and 45 minutes. Six-week courses and One-Time Wheel & Handbuilding classes are two hours. Six-week courses are limited to 8 students for personalized instruction.

What should I wear to class?

Wear comfortable clothing you don’t mind getting clay on. Most clay washes out easily. Closed-toed shoes are recommended. Long hair should be tied back, and jewelry removed for safety.

What is your cancellation policy?

One-Time Classes may be canceled or changed with at least 3 days’ notice. Six-Week Courses can be canceled up to 5 days before the start of the session for a refund (less transaction fees). Private Events require 10 days’ notice for a full refund or reschedule. Cancellations made closer to the event may be partially refunded or ineligible depending on timing.

Are my pottery pieces food, microwave, and dishwasher safe?

Yes. All pieces made and fired at Throw Clay LA are food safe, microwave safe, and dishwasher safe.

How much do members pay for firing?

For one-time classes and six-week courses, firing and glaze fees are included. For members, glaze firings are $1 per pound for pieces up to 14 inches, and $2 per pound for larger pieces. Bisque firing is free.

Can I bring my dog or pet to the studio?

Because studio work is fragile and moved frequently, pets are not allowed in the studio. Exceptions may be made for trained service animals with prior approval.

How Body Mechanics Can Improve Wheel Throwing Technique

Throw Clay LA

Aug 6

2 min read

Updated: Sep 17

Throw Clay LA instructor Danny leaning over the pottery wheel while throwing a ceramic form. — Throw Clay LA instructor Danny at the wheel, using his whole body to create stability and control while throwing.

If you're looking to improve your wheel throwing technique, it may be time to think beyond your hands. When throwing, we focus on centering, opening, pulling, trimming, and shaping the clay. But wheel throwing isn't just about what your hands are doing. Your entire body contributes to stability, leverage and control.

Many potters don't realize how much their studio setup and movement patterns influence the way they work with clay. The height of a wedging table, the position of your stool, where you place your feet, and even how often you pause can all affect how comfortably and effectively you throw. Often, small adjustments, not major changes, can make a surprising difference.

Body Position and Leverage at the Pottery Wheel

Wheel throwing involves the whole body. During centering, opening and pulling, the position of your elbows, shoulders, torso, feet and stool can affect how effectively you apply pressure to the clay.

Rather than relying primarily on arm strength, potters can use stable body positioning and leverage to create controlled pressure. Small adjustments in posture or position may make a technique feel more stable and require less effort.

Experiment to Improve Wheel Throwing Technique

There isn't necessarily one body position that works equally well for every potter. Differences in height, mobility, strength and throwing style can affect what feels comfortable and effective at the wheel.

Experimenting with stool height, foot placement, elbow position and distance from the wheel can help potters identify a setup that gives them greater stability and control.

Body Mechanics Beyond the Wheel

Body mechanics matter during other studio tasks as well. Wedging clay, lifting clay, arranging a workspace and repeatedly reaching for tools all involve patterns of movement.

Organizing frequently used tools within comfortable reach, paying attention to body position while wedging, and changing position periodically can make studio work more efficient and comfortable.

Small Adjustments at the Wheel

Improving wheel throwing technique doesn't always require learning a new technique. Sometimes changing stool height, foot placement, elbow position or the way you use leverage can change how stable and controlled a familiar movement feels.

Paying attention to how your whole body works at the wheel gives you another way to experiment, make adjustments and develop your throwing technique over time.

About Throw Clay LA

Whether you’re curious to try pottery for the first time or ready to develop your skills, Throw Clay LA offers one-time pottery experiences, six-week Build Skills courses, and six-week Refine & Explore courses in wheel throwing and handbuilding at our studio in Downtown Los Angeles.

We also offer pottery workshops and private pottery events for groups, while studio memberships provide experienced potters with dedicated space and time to pursue their own work, along with access to studio equipment, glazes, firing services and free weekly Member Clinics.

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