Most of my students are either total beginners or have tried pottery once or twice, usually a long time ago (maybe in high school or college!). Many, many of them tell me they’re “not artists” when they arrive–and then end up having a blast! 

A First Spin session is perfect for your group if:

• You’re traveling to Santa Fe and looking for a memorable, unique experience outside of the usual tourist recommendations

• You live in Santa Fe and are looking for something fun and different to do with visitors, or for a special occasion (a birthday, anniversary, retirement, engagement, you name it!)

• You’re curious about trying pottery but aren’t quite ready to sign up for a longer class

• You just love trying new things (or want to get better at it!)

If you have some experience with pottery and are open to a relaxed, unstructured throwing session with some general guidance, you’ll also fit right in. If you’re an experienced potter looking for more intensive, focused instruction, this probably isn’t the right setting. For you, I highly recommend classes or private instruction at Green River Pottery! 

First Spin sessions are a flexible mix of demonstration, follow-along practice, and guided work, depending on your experience level. You’ll be taught by Fira owner Cameron Siewert (that’s me!). I like to keep things relaxed and no-pressure, so you can ask questions as we go along and just have fun getting your hands in clay. The focus is on the experience, not on achieving “perfect”!

You can make as many pieces as you want to and keep them all, or just keep a few of your favorites. At the end of our class time, you’ll choose a glaze for each piece you want to keep, and I’ll take care of the rest!

If you’re pottery beginners, I really don’t recommend coming in with the expectation of making anything specific. First Spin sessions are meant to be a fun experience of trying pottery on the wheel and learning some basics. It’s way more fun (and way more realistic) to go with the flow and enjoy yourself, and let yourself be surprised by what kinds of pieces you make in the process!

Also keep in mind that since this is a one-time session, you won’t be able to come in to trim/finish your pieces or add handles or knobs, etc. So if you have some pottery experience and you’re aiming for a specific form, you’ll have to “finish” it in the 90-minute session.

You’ll pay a $300 deposit online when you book your session. This covers class fees for two people, and it’s refundable as long as you cancel at least 48 hours before your scheduled class start time. 

Remaining class fees (for groups larger than two people) and any shipping fees are paid on the day of class, with cash or card. 

Usually within about 5-6 weeks of your class. Your pieces are each cleaned up, gradually dried, fired once, glazed by hand, and then fired a final time to a fully food-safe, durable finish. I’ll send you an email when they’re ready for pickup (or when they ship)!

You can pick up your pieces for free at the Fira Ceramics studio (same place you took your class), or I can ship them to you! Shipping is an additional $25 per box (each box fits 3-4 pieces), to anywhere in the continental US. (Shipping fees outside the continental US vary.) Shipping fee(s) are paid on the day of class.

I have a studio age policy of 12 and older right now. If your kids are under 12, I’m sorry I won’t be able to accommodate them (yet)! 

Right now, no. First Spin sessions are open to groups of 2–6 people. Grab a friend and come together!

You can easily cancel or reschedule your First Spin session online by clicking the link in your confirmation email.

As long as you cancel at least 48 hours before your scheduled class, you’ll receive a full refund of your $300 deposit (it may take a day or two to show up in your account).

If you cancel less than 48 hours before your scheduled class, your deposit will not be refunded.