Chicago Beginner Wheel Throwing

Get ready to get your hands dirty and experience the fun of wheel-throwing pottery.

Our Beginner Wheel Throwing class is designed for first-timers and anyone curious about working with clay. No experience is needed. During this guided session, your instructor will introduce you to clay preparation, centering on the pottery wheel, basic tools, and the fundamentals of shaping a small bowl or similar beginner piece.

This is a skill-building class, so the focus is on learning and experiencing the pottery wheel rather than guaranteeing a finished piece.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

Your class includes:

• Clay
• Use of the pottery wheel
• Pottery tools
• Aprons
• Guided beginner instruction
• Approximately two hours of studio time

Most beginners will attempt to make a small bowl or similar form. Because wheel throwing is a learned skill, we cannot guarantee that every participant will successfully complete a piece during their first session. We will do our best to help you create something you are happy with.

WHAT HAPPENS TO YOUR POTTERY?

Your class price does not include firing or glazing.

If you create a piece you would like to keep, you have several options:

Take it home as greenware — included
You may take your unfired piece home the same day. Greenware is fragile, not waterproof, and not food-safe. It can be kept as a decorative keepsake.

Bisque firing — $10 per piece
We can professionally fire your piece in the kiln, making it significantly stronger and ready for glazing or painting.

Color glaze + firing — $20 per piece
We can glaze your piece with your selected color and professionally fire it so it becomes a durable finished ceramic piece.

Because handmade pottery goes through drying and kiln firing, minor cracking, warping, or kiln loss can occasionally happen. Pottery is an unpredictable material, especially for first-time pieces.

If you take your piece home the same day, we generally provide a paper plate and bag when available. We do not provide boxes, so you are welcome to bring a small box or container if you prefer.

WANT TO DECORATE YOUR PIECE YOURSELF?

You may also return for one of our Paint Your Own Pottery sessions, where you can learn more about glazing and customize your piece with your own colors and design.

Please allow your piece sufficient time to dry before returning for additional finishing.

THIS IS A PUBLIC GROUP CLASS

Color Cocktail Factory believes creative experiences should be accessible and affordable. Our beginner classes are public group classes and can be especially lively on weekends.

Your instructor will circulate throughout the room and assist participants, but this is not a private or one-on-one lesson.

If you would prefer dedicated instruction, please book a Private Pottery Lesson instead.

Seating directly next to other members of your group is not guaranteed, especially if you arrive late. We will always try to keep reservations together whenever possible.

WHAT TO WEAR

Wheel throwing is messy, especially when you are learning.

Wear clothing and shoes that you do not mind getting clay on. An oversized shirt is also a good option.

Reusable studio aprons are available. Disposable plastic aprons may also be available for purchase at check-in.

WASHING UP

Clay should not be washed directly into ordinary plumbing in large quantities, so we use shared clay-washing bins before guests use the sinks with soap and water.

If you prefer having your own rinse container, you are welcome to bring a small plastic bucket or container.

CHICAGO LOCATION

Color Cocktail Factory
1142 W 18th St.
Chicago, IL

We are located near Bobijoa Korean Kitchen and across from Chicago Tattoo.

Please double-check the address before leaving, as older map listings may occasionally direct guests to a previous location.

PARKING

We do not provide private parking.

Street parking in the neighborhood is generally paid and can be limited, especially during busy periods. Please leave extra time to park and walk to the studio.

Public transportation, rideshare, or arriving early are strongly recommended.

ARRIVAL & LATE POLICY

Please arrive on time so you receive the full class experience.

Classes begin shortly after the scheduled start time. Guests arriving significantly late may not be able to participate because they will have missed essential instruction.

Guests arriving 30 minutes or more after the scheduled start time may be turned away.

If we are able to move you to another available session because of a late arrival, a $15 rescheduling fee per ticketapplies.

CLASS LENGTH

Each session is approximately two hours.

Please finish using your wheel and workspace by the scheduled end of your class so we can clean and prepare the studio for the next group.

Guests who remain at a wheel or workspace beyond their reserved session after being asked to finish may be charged an additional studio overtime fee.

CANCELLATION POLICY

Registration is a firm commitment to attend your selected class.

All registrations are final. No refunds or rescheduling after registration except where specifically approved under our published policies.

Please double-check the date, time, location, and number of participants before completing your booking.

FIND MORE COLOR COCKTAIL FACTORY EVENTS

Explore our upcoming workshops and special events on our Eventbrite organizer page:

https://www.eventbrite.com/o/color-cocktail-factory-13830578059

Or at colorcocktailfactory.com.

We look forward to introducing you to the pottery wheel.

https://youtube.com/shorts/5w_Di8PsIks?si=4oMeapSal2bZQTGv