Learn to throw on the wheel or handbuild from clay in beginner-friendly classes led by expert instructors. One-day try-it sessions, multi-week courses, and private bookings available.
No. Most of our students have never touched clay before. Our One Day “Try-It” Pottery Class is made for first-time wheel users. An instructor guides you through every step, from centering the clay to shaping your own pieces.
Your instructor starts by showing you the tools, the clay and how the wheel works. Then you learn to center the clay, open it up and pull up the walls to shape a bowl or cup. Wobbly first pieces are normal and part of learning. You’ll leave with clay on your hands and two pieces of your own on their way to the kiln.
Yes, especially if you’re starting out. A teacher helps you skip months of trial and error. You also get to use wheels and kilns that most people don’t have at home. Many students say the hands-on, screen-free time is the most relaxing part of their week, and it’s an easy way to meet people. If you’re unsure, start with a one-day class before signing up for a multi-week course.
It depends on your goal:
Want to try the wheel once? One Day “Try-It” Pottery Class (2.5 hours)
Want to build real skills over time? Beginner and Intermediate Handbuilding (6 weekly sessions)
Want to make and paint your own piece? 2 Days Clay, 1 Day Paint
Want a relaxed night out? Sip & Paint Pottery Night (Fridays)
Want something seasonal? Our holiday and Halloween workshops
Wheel throwing shapes clay on a spinning pottery wheel. It’s great for round pieces like bowls, cups and vases. Hand building uses no wheel: you shape clay with pinch, coil and slab methods. It’s ideal for sculptures, tiles, mugs and more freeform pieces. Both are beginner-friendly.
The terms often overlap. “Pottery” usually means making functional or decorative pieces such as bowls, mugs and vases. “Ceramics” is a broader term that also covers sculpture, tiles and glazing. Our classes cover making, trimming, glazing and firing your work.
We keep classes small so everyone gets hands-on help. Our One Day “Try-It” wheel class has a maximum of 6 students.
Wear clothes you don’t mind getting messy and closed-toe shoes. Tie back long hair, and keep your nails short. Bring one clean hand towel and one old towel or cloth to take home with you.
Drying, glazing and firing take about 2–3 weeks, and we’ll let you know when your work is ready. Please collect finished pieces within 60 days, or they may be recycled. Less than 2% of pieces are lost in firing, but we can’t guarantee every piece.
If you cancel more than 24 hours before class, we refund you minus a $10 cancellation fee. Cancellations within 24 hours of the start time aren’t refundable.
Yes. We run kids and teens workshops and summer clay camps. They cover hand-building, an age-appropriate introduction to the wheel, and glazing, with all materials included.
Yes. We host private classes and pottery parties for birthdays, team building, date nights and celebrations.
Manna Pottery is at 36 Pidgeon Hill Dr, Sterling, VA 20165. That’s a short drive from Ashburn, Herndon, Leesburg, Reston and the rest of Loudoun and Fairfax County. Studio hours are Mon–Fri 11am–6pm and Sat–Sun 11am–7pm. Call (703) 956-9872.
Yes. A Manna Pottery gift card can be used for any class, workshop or painting visit.
