4WEEKS - Regular Wheel Throwing
- Group Size: Maximum of 8 students per course.
- Instruction Style: The session begins with a professional live demonstration and step-by-step guidance by the instructor. Afterward, students will begin working on their own wheels while the teacher rotates around the studio, providing personalized, hands-on feedback and individual teaching.
- Schedule: Once a week, 4 sessions total
- Duration: 2 Hours per session (90 mins wheel-throwing + 30 mins set-up & clean-up)
- Age Requirement: Ages 18+ (All skill levels welcome!)
- Materials Included: One 25 lb bag of clay, all studio glazes, and firing fees are fully covered.
- 🚫 No Outside Clay: For the safety of our kilns, bringing or using clay from outside the studio is strictly prohibited. Only clay provided by the studio or purchased directly from our shop can be used for classes and open studio sessions. Additional varieties of approved clay are available for purchase at the studio.
- 📦 Clay Storage & Ownership: All remaining clay from your individual projects must be stored and taken home by the student. The studio is not responsible for storing personal clay scraps or leftover bags. Any clay left behind after the course ends will automatically become the property of the studio.
- Rescheduling: You can change the date of your class once up to 24 hours before the session.
- Cancellations: No refunds for same-day cancellations or no-shows.
- Timeline: Trimming, glazing, and firing take time. Your finished pieces will be ready for pickup in 1–2 months.
- Nails: Please trim your fingernails short. Long nails make wheel-throwing extremely difficult!
- Clothing: Wear comfortable clothes that you don't mind getting a little dirty. Bring a hair tie or clip if you have long hair.
Class Policy
Studio Policies & Terms of Service
- Paid Reservations Only: Only individuals with paid reservations will be admitted to the studio promptly at designated class times.
- Strict Capacity: The studio may only be accessed during your specific allotted time. No additional guests (partners, friends, children, or pets) are permitted without a separate paid reservation.
- Make-Up Classes & Refunds: SOYOU ceramics does not provide make-up classes or issue reimbursements for missed sessions, programs, or workshops due to student illness, emergencies, weather, or other uncontrollable circumstances.
- Non-Refundable Deposit: A flat reservation Deposit is required at the time of booking to secure your date. This deposit is strictly non-refundable and forfeited upon cancellation.
- 6-Guest Minimum: All private events require a minimum of 6 guests. If your final attendance falls below 6, the host is still financially responsible for paying the full cost of the 6-guest minimum.
- Headcount Decreases: If fewer guests attend than originally reserved, billing is calculated based on the original reservation. (This adjustment rule only applies to guest counts above the 6-guest minimum).
- Final Balance & Firing: The remaining balance must be paid by the host immediately after the event concludes. SOYOU ceramics will not fire, glaze, or process any pottery pieces until the final payment has been successfully settled.
-
General Food Rule: Food consumption is strictly prohibited during the instruction and crafting session to protect studio equipment and raw clay.
-
Party & Group Event Policy: For parties and private group reservations, food is permitted on a limited basis. Food may only be consumed after the class has completely ended, and participants must use a designated table cover.
-
Clean-Up Required: Hosts and guests are required to thoroughly clean up their food area and dispose of all trash before leaving the studio.
-
BYO Utensils & Supplies: Hosts and guests must bring their own tableware, utensils, cups, and serving supplies. The studio does not provide plates, utensils, or paper products.
- Safety Dress Code: For safety reasons, individuals with long hair must tie it back, and all jewelry should be removed before engaging in studio activities.
- Personal Belongings: SOYOU ceramics is not liable for any personal items lost or left behind. We strongly recommend leaving all jewelry and valuables at home.
- Property Damage Fee: If a participant mishandles another member’s piece and causes damage in any way, a $50 fee will be charged to the responsible party.
- Surveillance: The studio is under 24/7 security camera surveillance to ensure the safety of all members, students, staff, and equipment.
5. Zero Tolerance for Sexual Harassment & Discrimination
Respectful & Safe Environment: SOYOU ceramics is committed to maintaining a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all participants, visitors, and staff. In accordance with California state laws (including the California Fair Employment and Housing Act and the Unruh Civil Rights Act), sexual harassment, unwanted sexual advances, inappropriate verbal or physical conduct, and discrimination based on sex, gender, gender identity, or sexual orientation are strictly prohibited. The studio reserves the right to immediately terminate the session and remove any individual exhibiting inappropriate behavior, without a refund.
- Natural Variations: While every effort is made to handle pieces with care, please note that during the kiln firing process, glaze melting, pinholes, cracks, breaks, black spots, and other defects may occur. These are natural characteristics of pottery and are not eligible for refunds.
- Event Compensation: In the rare event that a private event guest's piece breaks due to a kiln malfunction, SOYOU ceramics will compensate the affected guest with a one-time class voucher. Cash refunds will not be issued.
- Follow Instructions: Participants must carefully follow all instructions. The studio is not responsible for defects resulting from manufacturing errors (e.g., cutting mistakes, improper decoration attachment, or plate bending). We do not remake or repair pieces; they will be given "as is."
- Underglaze Print Transfer: Adding a print design using underglaze transfer sheets incurs a $20 fee for a standard 2x2 print (larger prints will have an additional fee). Pieces with prints require a third firing, which may extend the pickup timeline.
- 60-Day Storage: All member, student, and event work will be stored on designated shelves for two months (60 days) after being unloaded from the kiln. We will notify you via email/text when pieces are ready.
- Unclaimed Items: Any work remaining on the pickup shelf after 60 days—including unfireable pieces—will be donated or discarded due to limited storage space.
- Risk Acknowledgment: Participants acknowledge the inherent risks associated with pottery activities, including exposure to clay dust, chemicals, sharp tools, and hot equipment, which could potentially cause bodily injury.
- Release of Liability: By utilizing the facilities at SOYOU ceramics, participants (and parents/legal guardians of minors) assume responsibility for all risks and waive the right to sue or release SOYOU ceramics, its owners, and employees from any claims, including negligence.
- Minor Supervision: For events involving minors, active adult supervision is required at all times.
Cancel Policy & Q/A
Cancellation Policy & Q&A
Cancellation Policy
We understand that circumstances can change. If you need to cancel your order or class booking, please review our policy below:
-
No refunds. You may cancel for full credit up until 10 days before the start of class.
One complimentary makeup class per session is included. Makeup classes must be scheduled within the session or during designated makeup times. Please email soyouceramics@gmail.com before your missed class to schedule a makeup.
-
You can change the date of your class once up to 24 hours before the class.We cannot refund for any day-of cancellations or changes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: How should I care for my ceramic items?
A1: While most of our ceramic products are dishwasher and microwave safe, we recommend hand washing to extend their life. Avoid sudden temperature changes to prevent damage.
Q2: Can I place a custom order?
A2: Yes, we accept custom orders. Please contact us with your specific requirements, and we will provide a quote and estimated timeline.
Q3: What should I do if my item arrives damaged?
A3: If your item arrives damaged, please contact us within 7 days of receipt with photos of the damage. We will arrange for a replacement or a refund based on your preference.
Q4: Are your ceramics safe for food use?
A5: Absolutely. All our ceramics are made from non-toxic, food-safe materials. We prioritize safety and quality in all our products.
For any other inquiries or assistance, please don't hesitate to reach out to our customer service team. We're here to help!