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Pottery in the yard
Unit 1, The Old Builders Yard
Quex Park,
CT7 0BH

Hello from me, Violet, the founder of Pottery in the Yard! Here's some photos of a selection of my work through the years. Check me out @violetshawpottery

Before we opened last November, I have had the pleasure of making and selling my own work for several years. I've always loved to run my own business, and this one is the best by far!

My time running a coffee shop helped me to get into production throwing for cafes and restaurants, and also shops. You can still find my work in some cafes around Thanet and in London too.

For now, making my own work has slowed down, but I'm hoping to get back to it in the next few years as my daughter gets older and the studio is more established.

In the meantime, let me help you get started or progress on your ceramic journey!

#pottery #kent #quexpark #potteryclasseskent

Hello from me, Violet, the founder of Pottery in the Yard! Here's some photos of a selection of my work through the years. Check me out @violetshawpottery

Before we opened last November, I have had the pleasure of making and selling my own work for several years. I've always loved to run my own business, and this one is the best by far!

My time running a coffee shop helped me to get into production throwing for cafes and restaurants, and also shops. You can still find my work in some cafes around Thanet and in London too.

For now, making my own work has slowed down, but I'm hoping to get back to it in the next few years as my daughter gets older and the studio is more established.

In the meantime, let me help you get started or progress on your ceramic journey!

#pottery #kent #quexpark #potteryclasseskent

Please share and get in touch if this is you!

We are looking for freelance tutors, preferably wheel throwers!
Excellent rates of pay!
You will be working one off sessions initially, growing into more sessions as we expand.

#potteryjobs #kentpottery #jobsinthanet

Please share and get in touch if this is you!

We are looking for freelance tutors, preferably wheel throwers!
Excellent rates of pay!
You will be working one off sessions initially, growing into more sessions as we expand.

#potteryjobs #kentpottery #jobsinthanet

New workshops and courses are now LIVE to book for August and September!

New workshops and courses are now LIVE to book for August and September!

SEND HELP
We need a bigger kiln 😅🫣

SEND HELP
We need a bigger kiln 😅🫣

Some work from our 6 week introduction to pottery course... Couldn't be prouder of you all! 🥹🏺❤️🌞

#potteryinkent #potteryclass #makepottery

Some work from our 6 week introduction to pottery course... Couldn't be prouder of you all! 🥹🏺❤️🌞

#potteryinkent #potteryclass #makepottery

Love it when a family comes to play with clay together! Mum and Dad come for private classes often and bought their daughter today as it's half term, who made this delightful toadstool fairy house. I love the detail on the pebbles 😍🍄

#potteryclasses #potteryinkent

Love it when a family comes to play with clay together! Mum and Dad come for private classes often and bought their daughter today as it's half term, who made this delightful toadstool fairy house. I love the detail on the pebbles 😍🍄

#potteryclasses #potteryinkent

Had the best morning with @thanetarchaeology and @lou_frances learning about beautiful pots and their origins and having a go at some mark making inspired by them.

This is just the beginning of many experimental workshops we hope to run with our wonderfully interesting neighbours!

#pottery #archaeology #thanet

Had the best morning with @thanetarchaeology and @lou_frances learning about beautiful pots and their origins and having a go at some mark making inspired by them.

This is just the beginning of many experimental workshops we hope to run with our wonderfully interesting neighbours!

#pottery #archaeology #thanet

Bank Holiday Workshop... Last few spaces, link in bio to book🏺

Come and join us in our beautifully cool studio this Bank Holiday Monday 25th May as we join forces with our neighbours @thanetarchaeology and pottery pal @lou_frances to bring you a fascinating and fun workshop.

You will be shown pots from the neolithic to post-medieval period and have the chance to handle some beautiful archaeological examples. We will learn how clay preparation, vessel building, decoration and surface texture reveal clues about daily life, as well as how the accidental impressions of the potter's own hands are preserved in the vessels. And finally get the chance to get hands on with some clay, recreating some of these marks and forms.

#history #archaeology #pottery

Bank Holiday Workshop... Last few spaces, link in bio to book🏺

Come and join us in our beautifully cool studio this Bank Holiday Monday 25th May as we join forces with our neighbours @thanetarchaeology and pottery pal @lou_frances to bring you a fascinating and fun workshop.

You will be shown pots from the neolithic to post-medieval period and have the chance to handle some beautiful archaeological examples. We will learn how clay preparation, vessel building, decoration and surface texture reveal clues about daily life, as well as how the accidental impressions of the potter's own hands are preserved in the vessels. And finally get the chance to get hands on with some clay, recreating some of these marks and forms.

#history #archaeology #pottery

Student work spotlight! ✨
Check out all this great work from a variety of different classes and different ways of working and decorating. So proud of you all!

1. Slab built mug with underglaze decoration of a dog, made during our 6 week intro course

2. Slab built cup with black underglaze, made during our 6 week intro course

3. Wheel thrown pot decorated with underglaze, made during our 6 week intro course

4.pinch pot stamped mug made during our 2 hour clay social, dipped in two glazes

5. Wheel thrown pot dipped in two glazes, made during a private 1:1 class

#potteryinkent #handmade #potteryclasses

Student work spotlight! ✨
Check out all this great work from a variety of different classes and different ways of working and decorating. So proud of you all!

1. Slab built mug with underglaze decoration of a dog, made during our 6 week intro course

2. Slab built cup with black underglaze, made during our 6 week intro course

3. Wheel thrown pot decorated with underglaze, made during our 6 week intro course

4.pinch pot stamped mug made during our 2 hour clay social, dipped in two glazes

5. Wheel thrown pot dipped in two glazes, made during a private 1:1 class

#potteryinkent #handmade #potteryclasses

A week of classes in the studio... we've had coil pots, pinch pots, wheel throwing, tea pots, bowls, mugs, cat sculptures, cheese platters... The list goes on 😅

You're all amazing!! And keeping the kiln alight!

Looking forward to another week

#pottery #potteryclasses #studiolife

A week of classes in the studio... we've had coil pots, pinch pots, wheel throwing, tea pots, bowls, mugs, cat sculptures, cheese platters... The list goes on 😅

You're all amazing!! And keeping the kiln alight!

Looking forward to another week

#pottery #potteryclasses #studiolife

People see the classes… but that’s only a tiny part of studio life 👀

There’s clay to recycle, glazing to finish, kilns to pack, tools to repair, shelves to organise, deep cleaning to do… and somehow the jobs keep multiplying 😂

I honestly love it all, but having an extra pair of hands makes the world of difference.

Big shout out to @sherrington_neil for all the bloomin’ hard work 🤍 Here he is wedging the never ending clay reclaim, and making some very satisfying little bricks to fill our clay bags!

#potteryclass #potterystudio #ceramicsstudio #potterykent #studiolife

People see the classes… but that’s only a tiny part of studio life 👀

There’s clay to recycle, glazing to finish, kilns to pack, tools to repair, shelves to organise, deep cleaning to do… and somehow the jobs keep multiplying 😂

I honestly love it all, but having an extra pair of hands makes the world of difference.

Big shout out to @sherrington_neil for all the bloomin’ hard work 🤍 Here he is wedging the never ending clay reclaim, and making some very satisfying little bricks to fill our clay bags!

#potteryclass #potterystudio #ceramicsstudio #potterykent #studiolife

A few things we see often when people are starting! It's a right of passage almost, but here are a few tips if you're at this stage!
📌Save this post for when you start your throwing journey!

1. It seems logical that your hands do the centering. Whilst this is true, they are just part of the story. Lock your elbows tightly into your body, depending on your body shape sometimes this is actually into your knees, sometimes into your abdomen. Wherever it is LOCK THEM IN!
Then activate that core and lean!
You only need to push into the clay at one point, and push away from you towards the other side of the clay. It will centre!

2. Always come off the clay slowly and carefully. Work your way to the tip, then float away like a beautiful butterfly! This will help keep it all centred.

3. Cutting your pot in half on the wheel is something we see so often. This means your keeping the pressure at one point on the pot instead of moving your hands and the weight of the clay all the way to the top! This often happens because people get scared of the wobble, or the top feels too flimsy.
Keep moving, there's always more in the top than you think.

4. When you've taken your pot off the wheel DON'T TOUCH THE SIDES!! You will hear me shout that a lot 😅
It seriously only makes it worse even though you think it's helping.
Generally speaking you only touch the sides when it's spinning, or when it's firmed up to leather hard, unless you're intentionally distorting it.

Hope this helps a little!

#pottery #studio #throwingtechniques #beginnersthrowing #potteryinkent

A few things we see often when people are starting! It's a right of passage almost, but here are a few tips if you're at this stage!
📌Save this post for when you start your throwing journey!

1. It seems logical that your hands do the centering. Whilst this is true, they are just part of the story. Lock your elbows tightly into your body, depending on your body shape sometimes this is actually into your knees, sometimes into your abdomen. Wherever it is LOCK THEM IN!
Then activate that core and lean!
You only need to push into the clay at one point, and push away from you towards the other side of the clay. It will centre!

2. Always come off the clay slowly and carefully. Work your way to the tip, then float away like a beautiful butterfly! This will help keep it all centred.

3. Cutting your pot in half on the wheel is something we see so often. This means your keeping the pressure at one point on the pot instead of moving your hands and the weight of the clay all the way to the top! This often happens because people get scared of the wobble, or the top feels too flimsy.
Keep moving, there's always more in the top than you think.

4. When you've taken your pot off the wheel DON'T TOUCH THE SIDES!! You will hear me shout that a lot 😅
It seriously only makes it worse even though you think it's helping.
Generally speaking you only touch the sides when it's spinning, or when it's firmed up to leather hard, unless you're intentionally distorting it.

Hope this helps a little!

#pottery #studio #throwingtechniques #beginnersthrowing #potteryinkent

Member Highlight!

This is Sarah's work. Isn't it gorgeous? She mixes strong forms with incredible painterly work, with henna inspired designs and thoughtful layered brushwork. Each piece has a unique design and is painstakingly painted!

It's a joy to see so much patience and effort going into each piece. And we're lucky to have her as part of our community!

#community #pottery #studio #potteryclasseskent

Member Highlight!

This is Sarah's work. Isn't it gorgeous? She mixes strong forms with incredible painterly work, with henna inspired designs and thoughtful layered brushwork. Each piece has a unique design and is painstakingly painted!

It's a joy to see so much patience and effort going into each piece. And we're lucky to have her as part of our community!

#community #pottery #studio #potteryclasseskent

Ever wanted to try it? Or maybe you're desperate to keep practicing and get in that flow state.

We have your back.
Classes, workshops and memberships are here for you.

#pottery #potteryclasseskent #studio #potteryintheyard

Ever wanted to try it? Or maybe you're desperate to keep practicing and get in that flow state.

We have your back.
Classes, workshops and memberships are here for you.

#pottery #potteryclasseskent #studio #potteryintheyard

Thinking about trying pottery but not sure what to expect in a class?
Here are a few things most beginners don’t realise 👀
Save this for when you book your first session ✨

1. You're going to make something small on the wheel! Most likely lots of small bowls. Think of all the snacks you can have in them!!

2. Expect to get messy and there really is no need to apologise for it! Such an English trait haha! At the studio, we spend most of our time cleaning. We're set up for it so please just enjoy the freedom to make a mess!

3. Try and let go of perfectionism. It's a hard one. I get it. But ultimately it just slows down learning! No one expects you to be a master of it on your first go, try to enjoy the process!

We can't wait to see you in the studio!

#pottery #studio #clay #kentdaysout

Thinking about trying pottery but not sure what to expect in a class?
Here are a few things most beginners don’t realise 👀
Save this for when you book your first session ✨

1. You're going to make something small on the wheel! Most likely lots of small bowls. Think of all the snacks you can have in them!!

2. Expect to get messy and there really is no need to apologise for it! Such an English trait haha! At the studio, we spend most of our time cleaning. We're set up for it so please just enjoy the freedom to make a mess!

3. Try and let go of perfectionism. It's a hard one. I get it. But ultimately it just slows down learning! No one expects you to be a master of it on your first go, try to enjoy the process!

We can't wait to see you in the studio!

#pottery #studio #clay #kentdaysout

There’s something quietly powerful about working with clay — slowing down, feeling the texture in your hands, and letting your thoughts settle as you create. Pottery is good for the soul, a gentle reminder to be present, to breathe, and to shape something beautiful out of the moment.

Come unwind with us, get your hands a little messy, and leave feeling a little lighter. We can help make some sense of this crazy world!

Video credit to @_studiomon big thanks to you for a wonderful day shooting in the studio. Full film coming soon.

#potteryintheyard #pottery #studio #mindful #workwithyourhands

There’s something quietly powerful about working with clay — slowing down, feeling the texture in your hands, and letting your thoughts settle as you create. Pottery is good for the soul, a gentle reminder to be present, to breathe, and to shape something beautiful out of the moment.

Come unwind with us, get your hands a little messy, and leave feeling a little lighter. We can help make some sense of this crazy world!

Video credit to @_studiomon big thanks to you for a wonderful day shooting in the studio. Full film coming soon.

#potteryintheyard #pottery #studio #mindful #workwithyourhands

Lovely new group of beginners tonight ❤️

All super chilled and in the zone! Can't wait to see what you all make ☺️

#pottery #thanet #quexpark #studio #makers

Lovely new group of beginners tonight ❤️

All super chilled and in the zone! Can't wait to see what you all make ☺️

#pottery #thanet #quexpark #studio #makers

Member highlight this week: @v_ceramica_

Earthy tones meet natural forms in Victoria’s work, often enhanced with marbled clay that creates a rich, organic palette.

Always a joy opening the glaze kiln and discovering what our members have created!

#pottery #earthy #thanet #natural

Member highlight this week: @v_ceramica_

Earthy tones meet natural forms in Victoria’s work, often enhanced with marbled clay that creates a rich, organic palette.

Always a joy opening the glaze kiln and discovering what our members have created!

#pottery #earthy #thanet #natural

Come find us in the trees! Heaven is a place on earth (ok so I said that about Tuscany but this is pretty bloody good guys... look at that wisteria!)

Quex Estate is absolutely killing it in the sunshine 🌞

Thanks to our little star Chewie the dog for being such a happy lil soul.

#pottery #studio #quex #springtime

Come find us in the trees! Heaven is a place on earth (ok so I said that about Tuscany but this is pretty bloody good guys... look at that wisteria!)

Quex Estate is absolutely killing it in the sunshine 🌞

Thanks to our little star Chewie the dog for being such a happy lil soul.

#pottery #studio #quex #springtime

Another batch of AMAZING students through our 6 week programme.
We had tea pots, lamp bases, cats, bowls, mugs... You name it we did it!

This is your sign to join up!! We have a few spaces left on our June/July beginners course and announcements on level2 improvers classes coming soon.

#pottery #makers #addicts #studio

Another batch of AMAZING students through our 6 week programme.
We had tea pots, lamp bases, cats, bowls, mugs... You name it we did it!

This is your sign to join up!! We have a few spaces left on our June/July beginners course and announcements on level2 improvers classes coming soon.

#pottery #makers #addicts #studio

I've been away for a week ... And just look at how much work our lovely members have been producing! Good work guys! It's a good job I put that extra shelf out 😅

Now it's time to fire up the kiln ⚡🔥

#pottery #studio #thanet

I've been away for a week ... And just look at how much work our lovely members have been producing! Good work guys! It's a good job I put that extra shelf out 😅

Now it's time to fire up the kiln ⚡🔥

#pottery #studio #thanet

Loving these animal pots and figures made in today's kids session! It always amazes me how everyone has the same materials but works in a different way to produce all kinds of work. Well done!

#pottery #potteryclass #thanet #kent

Loving these animal pots and figures made in today's kids session! It always amazes me how everyone has the same materials but works in a different way to produce all kinds of work. Well done!

#pottery #potteryclass #thanet #kent

2 spots have become available on our make a pair of mugs workshop on 12th April!

Join us for a fun workshop throwing, trimming and handling a pair of mugs! Pick your glaze colour and then collect about 4 weeks later.

Link to book in bio

#pottery #studio #thanet

2 spots have become available on our make a pair of mugs workshop on 12th April!

Join us for a fun workshop throwing, trimming and handling a pair of mugs! Pick your glaze colour and then collect about 4 weeks later.

Link to book in bio

#pottery #studio #thanet

NEW COURSES AND CLASSES JUST ADDED!

Join us at the table in May, June and July for a 6 week course, a throwing course or maybe a mini intro session.

New dates just added! Link in bio to book.

Coming soon: New kids dates, bookable one off classes for all abilities and PAYG membership.

Photo credit to @_studiomon

#pottery #thanet #kent

NEW COURSES AND CLASSES JUST ADDED!

Join us at the table in May, June and July for a 6 week course, a throwing course or maybe a mini intro session.

New dates just added! Link in bio to book.

Coming soon: New kids dates, bookable one off classes for all abilities and PAYG membership.

Photo credit to @_studiomon

#pottery #thanet #kent

Slightly perilous, but the best type of studio hand helping to pack the kiln! Which is going non stop at the mo as we're running 3 classes a week and 9 members using the space. So nice seeing all the different work flowing through the space.

#studio #pottery #thanet #quex

Slightly perilous, but the best type of studio hand helping to pack the kiln! Which is going non stop at the mo as we're running 3 classes a week and 9 members using the space. So nice seeing all the different work flowing through the space.

#studio #pottery #thanet #quex

It has been a very exciting day at the studio; some most excellent filming by @_studiomon and @thejmsparkes of our founder @violetshawpottery making a mug from start to finish.

I just can't wait to see the short film of the making process. From the intricate and well thought out shots to the equipment these guys used, it's bound to be beautiful! Thanks so much guys, you are both truly dedicated and passionate about why you do.

#studio #potter #thanet #filming

It has been a very exciting day at the studio; some most excellent filming by @_studiomon and @thejmsparkes of our founder @violetshawpottery making a mug from start to finish.

I just can't wait to see the short film of the making process. From the intricate and well thought out shots to the equipment these guys used, it's bound to be beautiful! Thanks so much guys, you are both truly dedicated and passionate about why you do.

#studio #potter #thanet #filming

Come and peruse our books next time you're in the studio ☺️

Looks like someone else left a few here too 😅

#pottery #books #fern

Come and peruse our books next time you're in the studio ☺️

Looks like someone else left a few here too 😅

#pottery #books #fern

Excited to announce some upcoming workshops at the yard!

Bookable via our website, link in bio.

🏺Kiln care and firing fundamentals
Take the mystery out of kiln firing in this practical, hands-on workshop designed for beginners and new kiln owners.
Join @violetshawpottery and @juliaellenlancaster_ceramics for the morning and you’ll learn how to choose the right kiln, protect shelves and furniture, load work correctly, and fire safely and effectively. We’ll cover bisque and glaze firings, digital controller basics, ramps and soak times, plus how to use pyrometric cones to understand heatwork properly.

🏺Following our Ancestors Fingerprints
In this special collaborative session with @thanetarchaeology and @lou_frances you’ll explore pots through the ages and create your own textured, decorated vessel inspired by the past.
A 3.5 hour hands-on pottery workshop exploring pottery from the Trust's collection, including whole vessels, from all archaeological periods where ceramics were used; Neolithic, Bronze Age, Iron Age, Roman, Anglo-Saxon, Medieval and post Medieval.
You will handle beautiful archaeological examples and learn how clay preparation, vessel building, decoration and surface texture reveal clues about daily life, as well as how the accidental impressions of the potter's own hands are preserved in the vessels.

🏺Kids workshops
April 5th - Animal Pots
Make cute animal-inspired pots using the pinch-pot method and then add ears, tails, and faces to your pot to create a little creature of your own.

May 24th - Mini Vases
Make a small vase perfect for a flower or just for display. Kids will learn simple hand-building techniques and decorate with fun patterns and colours

#pottery #visitthanet #whatsonmargate

Excited to announce some upcoming workshops at the yard!

Bookable via our website, link in bio.

🏺Kiln care and firing fundamentals
Take the mystery out of kiln firing in this practical, hands-on workshop designed for beginners and new kiln owners.
Join @violetshawpottery and @juliaellenlancaster_ceramics for the morning and you’ll learn how to choose the right kiln, protect shelves and furniture, load work correctly, and fire safely and effectively. We’ll cover bisque and glaze firings, digital controller basics, ramps and soak times, plus how to use pyrometric cones to understand heatwork properly.

🏺Following our Ancestors Fingerprints
In this special collaborative session with @thanetarchaeology and @lou_frances you’ll explore pots through the ages and create your own textured, decorated vessel inspired by the past.
A 3.5 hour hands-on pottery workshop exploring pottery from the Trust's collection, including whole vessels, from all archaeological periods where ceramics were used; Neolithic, Bronze Age, Iron Age, Roman, Anglo-Saxon, Medieval and post Medieval.
You will handle beautiful archaeological examples and learn how clay preparation, vessel building, decoration and surface texture reveal clues about daily life, as well as how the accidental impressions of the potter's own hands are preserved in the vessels.

🏺Kids workshops
April 5th - Animal Pots
Make cute animal-inspired pots using the pinch-pot method and then add ears, tails, and faces to your pot to create a little creature of your own.

May 24th - Mini Vases
Make a small vase perfect for a flower or just for display. Kids will learn simple hand-building techniques and decorate with fun patterns and colours

#pottery #visitthanet #whatsonmargate

Cosy corners and work stacking up! What a lovely sight. Our students and members are busy little bees!

#studio #pottery #ceramics

Cosy corners and work stacking up! What a lovely sight. Our students and members are busy little bees!

#studio #pottery #ceramics

It's fun experimenting with our studio glazes.

These are glazes our members can use as well as colours you can pick when you do a workshop with us.

This is one of the fun bits of studio life!
#studio #glaze #fun #pottery

It's fun experimenting with our studio glazes.

These are glazes our members can use as well as colours you can pick when you do a workshop with us.

This is one of the fun bits of studio life!
#studio #glaze #fun #pottery

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