What to Buy for a Pottery Workshop
A pottery workshop needs more than clay and pottery wheels. You will also need tools for shaping, water containers, work surfaces, glazes, labels and a safe place for finished pieces to dry. Plan the materials around the number of participants, then add enough shared equipment that people are not waiting for basic tools. This list also covers refreshments and room setup, including tables, chairs, aprons and a clear information point.
What to bring
Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.
Furniture
- Work tablesqty 6
- Chairsqty 24
- Information desk
- Stoolsqty 4
Equipment
- Pottery wheelsqty 4
- Electric ceramic kiln
- Coffee maker
- Kettleqty 2
- Coolersqty 2
Kitchen
- Clay boardsqty 24
- Pottery apronsqty 24
- Turntablesqty 12
- Clay rollersqty 12
- Clotheslinesqty 24
- Modeling ribsqty 24
- Wooden modeling toolsqty 24
- Needle toolsqty 12
- Spongesqty 36
- Rulersqty 12
- Measuring cupsqty 8
- Mixing bowlsqty 12
- Buckets of waterqty 12
- Spray bottlesqty 8
- Brushesqty 36
- Glaze jarsqty 12
- Drying racksqty 4
- Plastic work coversqty 6
- Project labelsqty 30
Tableware
- Reusable cupsqty 30
- Reusable platesqty 30
- Reusable cutleryqty 30
- Serving traysqty 6
Cleaning
- Waste binsqty 4
- Vacuum cleaner
- Mopsqty 3
- Bucketsqty 4
- Dustpan and brushqty 2
Safety
- Dust masksqty 30
- Nitrile glovesqty 100
Catering
- Thermos flasksqty 4
- Water jugsqty 4
- Groceries
- Stoneware clay - 25 kilogram
- White glaze - 2 kilograms
- Transparent glaze - 2 kilograms
- Blue glaze - 1 kilogram
- Green icing - 1 kilogram
- Red icing - 1 kilogram
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Black tea - 1 box
- Herbal tea - 1 box
- Semi-skimmed milk - 4 liter
- Oat milk - 2 liter
- Sugar - 1 kilogram
- Mineral water - 12 liter
- Cola - 3 liters
- Cola Zero - 3 liter
- Orange juice - 3 liters
- Apple juice - 3 liters
- Wraps - 30 pieces
- Hummus - 1 kilogram
- Cream cheese - 600 grams
- Young cheese - 1 kilogram
- Smoked chicken breast - 800 grams
- Falafel - 800 grams
- Arugula - 300 gram
- Cucumbers - 4 pieces
- Bell peppers - 6 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 1 kilogram
- Olives - 2 jars
- Apples - 24 pieces
- Grapes - 2 kilogram
- Paprika chips - 3 bags
- Plain chips - 3 bags
- Mixed nuts - 1 kilogram
- Cookies - 4 packs
- Olive oil - 1 bottle
- Balsamic vinegar - 1 bottle
- Mayonnaise - 1 jar
- Ketchup - 1 bottle
- Paper towels - 4 rolls
- Toilet paper - 12 rolls
- Trash bags - 2 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Scouring sponges - 2 packs
- Microfiber cloths - 2 packs
Tips
- Allow one clay board and one apron per participant, then keep at least two spare aprons available for replacements. Divide the clay into individual portions before guests arrive so the workshop can start on time.
- Provide one pottery wheel per active participant if wheel throwing is planned. For hand-building, prepare shared sets of wooden modeling tools, modeling ribs, needle tools and sponges, with one set for every two to three people.
- Set out one bucket of water for every four participants and keep spray bottles at the work tables. Cover each table with plastic work covers before placing the clay boards and tools.
- Order glaze in several colours at least one week before the workshop and check that every glaze jar is labelled. Prepare project labels before the session so each piece can be matched to its maker after drying and firing.
- Plan two reusable cups per person if coffee, tea and other drinks will be served, plus enough reusable plates for snacks. Set up the coffee maker, kettle, coolers and buffet before registration begins, rather than during the safety briefing.
Frequently asked questions
- How much clay do I need per person for a pottery workshop?
- Plan the amount according to the projects and skill level, then divide it into individual portions before the session. Add a 10–15% reserve for mistakes, trimming and demonstrations.
- How many pottery wheels do I need for a workshop?
- Use one wheel for each person who will throw at the same time. If the group is rotating through stations, one wheel for every two to three participants is usually enough, provided the program includes clear time slots.
- How many brushes and sponges are needed for pottery glazing?
- Prepare at least one brush and one sponge per participant, with 10% extra for replacements. Keep additional brushes in different sizes if participants will apply both detailed and broad glaze areas.
- When should I buy clay and pottery glaze?
- Order clay and glaze at least one week before the workshop so you have time to check quantities, colours and delivery condition. Buy or gather disposable setup supplies and refreshments two to three days beforehand.
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