Keeping pottery 'fun'damental!
Hello and welcome! This bit is all about me!
If you're familiar with my previous incarnation as Saz's Ceramics and Crafts you'll possibly be aware of the fact that I had a 'quaint', 'quirky', 'characterful' (customers' words) pottery painting and clay studio at the Red House Glass Cone from 2007-25. My aim was to create a welcoming environment for creativity for people of all ages and abilities. And I was so proud to have a studio at the Red House Glass Cone, which is a very special place indeed.
Last year, however, was time for a change; my partner and I moved house to Bridgnorth in Shropshire and we had a studio built in our garden. I was ready for a change in direction, a chance to focus on creating my own ceramics whilst continuing to offer workshops for small groups. And I love it!
So, if you've never heard of me (no matter) and you've just found me because you're interested in having a go at pottery, welcome, you're in the right place. My name is Sarah Cannings; I love teaching and sharing good practice and am as keen to learn and pass on skills as I was when I started my pottery journey all those years ago.
If you fancy learning how to throw on the Potter's Wheel, hand build or paint an item of bisque ware, please visit my Workshops page and follow the links to the schedule or call me to discuss your requirements.
Welcome to my happy place!
Frequently Asked Questions
"What are your opening hours?"
My studio is open for bookings Monday to Friday 10am to 4pm by bookings only. Please telephone 07966 514766 for availability. Certain workshops are available to book on selected weekends throughout the year. Please check the online schedule for dates.
"Do we have to book?"
YES! I do operate a booking system, but am quite flexible with appointments, so please call me if you have any queries.
"Can we contact you by telephone? How is it best to contact you?"
You can call me on 07966 514766, but only during my studio opening hours. Out of hours, you are invited to leave a message and I will call you back when I'm next open. I also accept text messages and messages via my website and social media pages. Emails are also welcome to sazsceramics@gmail.com. i will reply to you as soon as possible, during opening hours.
"Do we need to pay a deposit?"
For group bookings, I do require a £5pp deposit. This can be paid by popping into the studio or by bank transfer. I do come out to venues for group activities and offer discounts on larger group bookings. Please contact me direct for further details.
"How long does a workshop last?"
My clay handbuilding workshops are typically 2 hours, unless otherwise stated. Similarly, if you are booked in for a pottery painting workshop, you will be allocated 2 hrs. If you need longer than this, there is a supplementary charge of £5 per person per hour for extra studio time.
"How long does it take to process our pottery?"
Pottery painted items take approximately a week to 10 days to process. You will be notified by text as to when your items are ready for collection. For clay items, I have to allow them to dry out thoroughly before firing - therefore II ask you to wait approx. 2 weeks before collection/glazing.
"Will you contact me when my pottery is ready?"
YES. I will text you when your items are ready, then hold your items for 2 months before contacting you again by texting you on the telephone number provided. You will be given a further month to collect, and I will then ring you as a reminder, advising that I will hold your items for 1 further week. After this time, items not collected will be disposed of.
"Can I eat or drink in the studio?"
You are welcome to bring drinks with you into the studio, In most cases, when attending classes lasting longer than an hour, hot drinks will be included. Food is not permitted, as any grease/food remnants on the pottery will damage the glazing process.
"What age do you need to be to do the Potter's Wheel 'Have A Go' Experience?"
My Potter's Wheel experience is recommended for ages 14 (key stage 4) and over. This is due to the throwing technique/strength and co-ordination required to operate the wheel and successfully throw a pot.
"Can we bring other family members/friends along to watch?"
Not really; watching someone paint is not really a spectator sport, and can be a little off-putting to participants. The best thing to way to share the experience is to take part!
"Do you do parties?"
YES! If you'd like to hire my take away kits to hold a pottery painting party at home, please contact me direct for details. If it's a hand building with clay workshop you fancy, I can bring the party to you in a hired venue, subject to a minimum of 8 people attending.
"Do you do takeaway kits?"
YES! These were so popular during the Pandemic that I have continued to offer this service. I hire out pottery painting kits on a week's basis. A cash deposit is required for the kit (£50, refundable on return of the kit). Please contact me for a list of bisque ware available.
"Can you fire items which I have created elsewhere or used my own clay?"
NO. Under no circumstances will I process items purchased elsewhere or items created from clay where I do not know the source. This is due to protecting my kilns from damage during the firing process.
"Do you do repairs?"
Unfortunately this in not a service I offer..
"Do you carry out outside workshops?"
YES! I can bring The Glazed Look to you! If you have a community group or a school who would like me to visit, please contact me to discuss your requirements and for a quote. I also do teacher training and consultancy.