FAQ
Questions, answered.
The things most people want to know before their first class. Don't see your
question? Reach out — we'd love to hear from you.
FAQ
Questions, answered.
The things most people want to know before their first class. Don't see your question? Reach out — we'd love to hear from you.
Do I need any experience?
-
Not at all! Many of our students are touching clay for the very first time. Our classes are designed to guide you through each step, whether you’re learning the pottery wheel, exploring handbuilding, or simply looking for a creative outlet.
If you already have experience, you’re welcome too! Our instructors are happy to meet you where you are and help you continue building your skills.
Can I bring my own clay?
-
To help ensure consistent results and protect our kilns, all work fired at Clay Space must be made using clay purchased from our studio.
Different clay bodies mature at different temperatures, and firing the wrong clay can damage both your work and our kilns. By using studio clay, we can confidently fire everyone’s pieces together and maintain a safe, reliable process.
We offer a selection of high-quality clay bodies for purchase, and our instructors are happy to help you choose the one that’s right for your project.
Want to work with a clay body we don't offer? Drop us a suggestion!
What is your firing process?
-
At Clay Space, all pottery is fired in our two electric kilns to Cone 5/6, a mid-fire temperature that produces durable, food-safe stoneware when paired with our studio glazes.
Each piece goes through two firings:
Bisque Firing: After your piece has completely dried, it’s fired for the first time. This removes moisture and transforms the clay into a durable, porous ceramic that’s ready to accept glaze.
Glaze Firing: Once glazed, your piece is fired a second time to Cone 5/6. This melts the glaze into a smooth, glass-like finish and fully vitrifies the clay, creating a strong, functional finished piece.
To ensure consistent results and protect our kilns, all work fired at Clay Space must be made using clay purchased from our studio.
What should I bring to class?
-
Come dressed in comfortable clothes and shoes that you don’t mind getting a little clay on. Don’t worry—most clay washes out easily, though some darker clays may occasionally leave stains. (Consider it a badge of creativity.)
We also recommend leaving rings, bracelets, and other jewelry at home. Clay has a funny way of finding every tiny nook and cranny, and your jewelry will thank you.
If you love a good apron, feel free to bring one! If not, we’ve got them available for purchase in our retail area.
A basic pottery tool kit is required for students enrolled in our 6-week classes. Don’t have one yet? No problem—we carry everything you’ll need in our studio shop.
*Joining us for a one-time class? We’ve got you covered! Aprons and all the tools you’ll need are provided—just bring yourself and a willingness to get your hands dirty
What if I have an unfinished piece at the end of my session?
-
Need More Time? If your piece isn’t quite finished by the end of class, you have options! Continue your project by enrolling in another class or becoming a Clay Space member for ongoing Open Studio access.
Open Studio Add-On for Students: Students enrolled in a multi-week class may book open studio time to work on their projects outside of scheduled class hours. Available Open Studio sessions will be shared during your first class and can be reserved throughout your session.
One-Time Classes & Workshops
Projects in one-time classes and workshops are thoughtfully planned to be completed during the scheduled class.
What happens if I miss a class?
-
We understand that life happens! If you miss a class during your 6-week session, you may attend up to two (2) makeup classes during that same session, space permitting.
Makeup classes are available on a walk-in, space-available basis only and cannot be reserved or guaranteed. There is no need to email or contact the studio in advance. Simply arrive early to another compatible class of the same type and level. If there is an open spot after the regularly enrolled students have been accommodated, you’re welcome to join!
Please keep in mind:
-
A compatible class must be offered during your current 6-week session in order for a makeup opportunity to be available. If there is no other class of the same type/level on the schedule, we may not be able to offer a makeup.
-
Makeup classes do not carry over to a future 6-week session.
-
A maximum of two (2) makeup classes is permitted per 6-week session.
-
Space cannot be held or reserved for makeup students. Regularly enrolled students always have priority.
-
Makeup availability is not guaranteed, even if another compatible class is scheduled.
Because our classes are intentionally kept small, we appreciate your understanding that makeup opportunities depend entirely on available space.
Can I book a class for a large group or corporate event?
-
Absolutely! If you’d like to reserve all of the seats in one of our one-time classes, we’d love to host your group.
Whether you’re planning a corporate team-building event, family gathering, or a night out with friends, booking the entire class gives your group a private, shared experience while enjoying one of our guided pottery workshops.
Contact us to discuss availability, group size, and the best class option for your event.
When do I get my pieces?
-
Pottery is a process! Your work needs time to dry before it can be fired, glazed, and fired again, so your finished pieces won’t be ready to take home the same day.
For one-time classes, we’ll notify you by email as soon as your pieces are ready for pickup.
For 6-week class students, you’re welcome to stop by during our Open Studio hours to pick up any remaining pieces. If you’re continuing into another session or become a member, we’ll happily keep your work at the studio to roll over into the next session.
What is your refund policy?
-
6-Week Classes
Cancellations made 14 or more days before the start of your session are eligible for a refund, less a $50 processing fee.
One-Time Classes
One-time classes are non-refundable. If you’re unable to attend, please let us know at least 14 days in advance, and we’ll issue a studio credit that can be used toward a future one-time class. Can’t make it? You’re also welcome to transfer your reservation to a friend or family member—just let us know who will be taking your place.
Because our classes are intentionally small and often sell out, cancellations made with less than 14 days’ notice are not eligible for a refund or studio credit.
Where should I park?
-
Street parking is available along Castro Valley Boulevard and is often the most convenient option, but it can fill up quickly.
Don’t worry—we also have a large rear parking lot! You can access it from 2535 San Carlos Avenue, with easy rear entry to the studio.
My child is under 11, can they still take a class?
-
At this time, all of our classes—including Family Classes—are designed for participants ages 11 and up.
We’ve found that pottery is most enjoyable when students have the patience, focus, and fine motor skills needed to work safely with clay and follow multi-step instruction. Setting a minimum age helps create a positive experience for everyone in the studio.
What should I bring to class?
-
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat.
What should I bring to class?
+
Do I need any experience?
+
What happens if I miss a class?
+
When do I get my pieces?
+
What's your refund policy?
+
What if I have an unfinished piece at the end of my course?
+
Can I bring a friend?
+
Do you sell clay or tools?
+
Still have questions? Contact us
→
Not at all! Many of our students are touching clay for the very first time. Our classes are designed to guide you through each step, whether you’re learning the pottery wheel, exploring handbuilding, or simply looking for a creative outlet.
If you already have experience, you’re welcome too! Our instructors are happy to meet you where you are and help you continue building your skills.
To help ensure consistent results and protect our kilns, all work fired at Clay Space must be made using clay purchased from our studio.
Different clay bodies mature at different temperatures, and firing the wrong clay can damage both your work and our kilns. By using studio clay, we can confidently fire everyone’s pieces together and maintain a safe, reliable process.
We offer a selection of high-quality clay bodies for purchase, and our instructors are happy to help you choose the one that’s right for your project.
Want to work with a clay body we don't offer? Drop us a suggestion!
At Clay Space, all pottery is fired in our two electric kilns to Cone 5/6, a mid-fire temperature that produces durable, food-safe stoneware when paired with our studio glazes.
Each piece goes through two firings:
Bisque Firing: After your piece has completely dried, it’s fired for the first time. This removes moisture and transforms the clay into a durable, porous ceramic that’s ready to accept glaze.
Glaze Firing: Once glazed, your piece is fired a second time to Cone 5/6. This melts the glaze into a smooth, glass-like finish and fully vitrifies the clay, creating a strong, functional finished piece.
To ensure consistent results and protect our kilns, all work fired at Clay Space must be made using clay purchased from our studio.
Come dressed in comfortable clothes and shoes that you don’t mind getting a little clay on. Don’t worry—most clay washes out easily, though some darker clays may occasionally leave stains. (Consider it a badge of creativity.)
We also recommend leaving rings, bracelets, and other jewelry at home. Clay has a funny way of finding every tiny nook and cranny, and your jewelry will thank you.
If you love a good apron, feel free to bring one! If not, we’ve got them available for purchase in our retail area.
A basic pottery tool kit is required for students enrolled in our 6-week classes. Don’t have one yet? No problem—we carry everything you’ll need in our studio shop.
*Joining us for a one-time class? We’ve got you covered! Aprons and all the tools you’ll need are provided—just bring yourself and a willingness to get your hands dirty
Need More Time? If your piece isn’t quite finished by the end of class, you have options! Continue your project by enrolling in another class, becoming a Clay Space member for ongoing Open Studio access, or booking additional Open Studio sessions.
Open Studio Add-On for Students: Students enrolled in a multi-week class may book open studio time to work on their projects outside of scheduled class hours. Available Open Studio sessions will be shared during your first class and can be reserved throughout your session.
One-Time Classes & Workshops
Projects in one-time classes and workshops are thoughtfully planned to be completed during the scheduled class.
We understand that life happens! If you miss a class during your 6-week session, you may attend up to two (2) makeup classes during that same session, space permitting.
Makeup classes are available on a walk-in, space-available basis only and cannot be reserved or guaranteed. There is no need to email or contact the studio in advance. Simply arrive early to another compatible class of the same type and level. If there is an open spot after the regularly enrolled students have been accommodated, you’re welcome to join!
Please keep in mind:
-
A compatible class must be offered during your current 6-week session in order for a makeup opportunity to be available. If there is no other class of the same type/level on the schedule, we may not be able to offer a makeup.
-
Makeup classes do not carry over to a future 6-week session.
-
A maximum of two (2) makeup classes is permitted per 6-week session.
-
Space cannot be held or reserved for makeup students. Regularly enrolled students always have priority.
-
Makeup availability is not guaranteed, even if another compatible class is scheduled.
Because our classes are intentionally kept small, we appreciate your understanding that makeup opportunities depend entirely on available space.
-
Absolutely! If you’d like to reserve all of the seats in one of our one-time classes, we’d love to host your group.
Whether you’re planning a corporate team-building event, family gathering, or a night out with friends, booking the entire class gives your group a private, shared experience while enjoying one of our guided pottery workshops.
Contact us to discuss availability, group size, and the best class option for your event.
Pottery is a process! Your work needs time to dry before it can be fired, glazed, and fired again, so your finished pieces won’t be ready to take home the same day.
For one-time classes, we’ll notify you by email as soon as your pieces are ready for pickup.
For 6-week class students, you’re welcome to stop by during our Open Studio hours to pick up any remaining pieces. If you’re continuing into another session or become a member, we’ll happily keep your work at the studio to roll over into the next session.
6-Week Classes
Cancellations made 14 or more days before the start of your session are eligible for a refund, less a $50 processing fee.
One-Time Classes
One-time classes are non-refundable. If you’re unable to attend, please let us know at least 14 days in advance, and we’ll issue a studio credit that can be used toward a future one-time class. Can’t make it? You’re also welcome to transfer your reservation to a friend or family member—just let us know who will be taking your place.
Because our classes are intentionally small and often sell out, cancellations made with less than 14 days’ notice are not eligible for a refund or studio credit.
Street parking is available along Castro Valley Boulevard and is often the most convenient option, but it can fill up quickly.
Don’t worry—we also have a large rear parking lot! You can access it from 2535 San Carlos Avenue, with easy rear entry to the studio.
At this time, all of our classes—including Family Classes—are designed for participants ages 11 and up.
We’ve found that pottery is most enjoyable when students have the patience, focus, and fine motor skills needed to work safely with clay and follow multi-step instruction. Setting a minimum age helps create a positive experience for everyone in the studio.
As Clay Space grows, we may introduce classes designed specifically for younger children. Be sure to join our email list to stay up to date on new class offerings!