Pottery for Beginners: What to Expect at Your First Class

Every single person who has ever taken a pottery class was, at some point, a complete beginner. Here's what actually happens at your first session.

You Don't Need Any Experience

Every class at Doppiocotto is designed for people who have never touched clay before. That's not a reassuring line — it's genuinely how the sessions are structured. Bora tailors guidance to whoever's in the room, whether that's someone who dabbled years ago or someone holding clay for the first time.

Choosing Your First Session

• Pottery painting is the lower-pressure starting point — you're decorating a pre-made piece, not building one, so there's no risk of "getting it wrong" structurally.
• Mug making is a good next step if you want to actually build something from raw clay — still fully guided, still beginner-friendly, just more hands-on.

What a Session Actually Involves

Sessions run for around two hours. You'll work at a table with clay, tools, and (for hand-building) templates, with Bora demonstrating technique and checking in throughout. There's no lecture, no theory section — you start working with your hands within the first few minutes.

What to Wear

Clothes you don't mind getting a little clay on. Aprons are provided, but clay has a way of finding sleeves and trouser legs anyway. Avoid long, dangling jewellery, and wear comfortable closed-toe shoes.

What Happens to Your Piece

Whatever you make or paint is glazed and kiln-fired by Bora after the session — a process that takes roughly two to three weeks. You'll be messaged when it's ready to collect.

Book Your First Class

See all session types and pricing on our Pottery Classes in London page — no experience required, just show up.