Wheel throwing courses for beginners and advanced potters.
The Process
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Cut clay to the desired size and “throw” it onto the bat. Gather tools. Get acclimated to the wheel speed and components.
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Position the clay in the middle of the wheel and stabilize it with hand pressure so it spins evenly. Cone the clay to make the particles more even and easier to work with.
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Press a hollow into the center with your thumbs or fingers to create the space for bowls or vessels.
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Form the walls of the vessel through controlled pulling and shaping; refine details with pressure and tools.
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Take the piece off the wheel and let it dry evenly until leather-hard. (Attachments can be made during this time)
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Once the piece is leather-hard, remove excess clay and neatly finish the base and foot ring.
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The dried piece is fired by Andreas, making it stable and porous so it can take glaze.
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Apply glaze by dipping, pouring, brushing, or spraying; the glaze and technique you choose shape the final surface color and texture.
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Andreas fires the kiln. The glaze fuses and the stoneware fully hardens, making the piece functional and long-lasting.
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Group Size, Course Schedule
Group size: maximum 5 people.
Course length: includes a short break and cleaning your workspace.
Multiple courses can be combined on the same day.
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Material costs: charged separately, payable at pickup. Flat rate: CHF 25 per kg of fired and glazed ceramics (stoneware clay). Additional prices (bisque or glaze firing, porcelain, special glaze applications, etc.) are available at the studio.
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Warranty and liability: No liability for glaze defects or breakage during firing. No firing service is offered for pieces made elsewhere. Insurance is the responsibility of participants.
Payment: by credit card when booking (Stripe), or on site in cash or via TWINT. Special student rates available on request.
Cancellation: free up to 48 hours before the course starts (full refund). Later cancellations are charged the full course fee. You may send someone in your place at no cost.
Requirement: minimum age 18.
The Details
Lesson Types
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Lesson Types -
Beginner course
Over five sessions, you'll go through all the steps involved in creating a finished ceramic piece: throwing, trimming, and glazing. At the end, you'll take five to ten finished vessels home with you.
• Duration: 5 × 3 hours
• Cost: CHF 450.–, payment before the course begins or on the first day of the course
• Implementation: from 2 participants (decision one week before the course begins)
16. November 2026/ 23. November / 30. November / 7. Dezember / 14. Dezember
12. Oktober 2026 / 19. Oktober / 26. Oktober / 2. November / 9. November
22. Oktober 2026 / 29. Oktober / 5. November / 12. November / 19. November
Open pottery course
(beginners and advanced students)
After completing the beginner's course or with comparable experience. You will receive individual, step-by-step guidance; the focus is on technique, feel for form, and understanding of materials.
A one-off "taster" session is also possible as part of the "open pottery course" to gain initial experience and get to know the studio. However, a finished ceramic piece will not be created during this session, as several steps and appointments are required for that.
• Duration: 3 hours
• Cost: CHF 100.–
• Implementation: from 2 participants (decision 48 hours before the course begins)
Share the joy of ceramics
!
Share the joy of ceramics !
5 pottery lessons for 1 person · CHF 450
Give the gift of time at the wheel. Over five 3-hour sessions at Barzkeramik in Männedorf, by Lake Zurich, you’ll go through every step of making a finished ceramic piece: throwing, trimming and glazing. At the end, you’ll take home five to ten finished vessels. Beginners and experienced potters are both welcome, and lessons are shaped around your level.
At a glance
Duration: 5 sessions of 3 hours each
Price: CHF 450, plus CHF 25 per kg of fired and glazed stoneware (not included in the gift card pricing)
You take home: 5 to 10 finished vessels
Minimum: each course runs with at least 2 participants. We confirm one week before the start date.
What you’ll learn
Preparation: wedge the clay to remove air bubbles and set up your workspace.
Centering: steady the clay in the middle of the spinning wheel.
Opening: press a hollow into the center to start your bowl or vessel.
Shaping: pull up and shape the walls, refining details with your hands and tools.
Drying: take the piece off the wheel and let it dry until leather-hard.
Trimming: remove excess clay and finish the base and foot ring.
Bisque firing: the first firing makes your piece stable and ready for glaze.
Glazing: choose a glaze and apply it by dipping, pouring, brushing or spraying.
Glaze firing: the final firing fuses the glaze and makes your piece durable and food-safe.
Good to know
Small groups: a maximum of 5 people per class.
Each session includes a short break and cleaning your workspace.
Materials are charged separately when you pick up your pieces: CHF 25 per kg of fired and glazed stoneware. Prices for porcelain and special glazes are available at the studio.
Payment: before the course begins or on the first day. Pay online by card, or in person in cash or with TWINT. Student rates are available on request.
Cancellation: free up to 48 hours before your lesson. After that, the full fee applies, but you’re welcome to send someone in your place.
Please note: we can’t take responsibility for glaze defects or breakage during firing, and we don’t fire pieces made elsewhere.
Buying and gifting
Where to buy: online or in person at the studio.
Gift cards: available as a digital card or a physical card.
Redeeming: the gift receiver checks the current course schedule and emails barz@barzkeramik.com to book their dates.
5 pottery lessons for 2 people - 3 hours each
Give the gift of time at the wheel. Over five 3-hour sessions at Barzkeramik in Männedorf, by Lake Zurich, you’ll go through every step of making a finished ceramic piece: throwing, trimming and glazing. You and a partner, friend or family member will get lessons shaped to your experience level. Beginners and experienced potters are both welcome!
At a glance
Duration: 5 sessions of 3 hours each
Price: CHF 450 per person (900 CHF), plus CHF 25 per kg of fired and glazed stoneware (not included in the giftcard).
Minimum: each course runs with at least 2 participants. We confirm one week before the start date.
What you’ll learn
Preparation: wedge the clay to remove air bubbles and set up your workspace.
Centering: steady the clay in the middle of the spinning wheel.
Opening: press a hollow into the center to start your bowl or vessel.
Shaping: pull up and shape the walls, refining details with your hands and tools.
Drying: take the piece off the wheel and let it dry until leather-hard.
Trimming: remove excess clay and finish the base and foot ring.
Bisque firing: the first firing makes your piece stable and ready for glaze.
Glazing: choose a glaze and apply it by dipping, pouring, brushing or spraying.
Glaze firing: the final firing fuses the glaze and makes your piece durable and food-safe.
Good to know
Small groups: a maximum of 5 people per class.
Each session includes a short break and cleaning your workspace.
Materials are charged separately when you pick up your pieces: CHF 25 per kg of fired and glazed stoneware. Additional pricing for special request such as porcelain and special glazes are available at the studio.
Payment: before the course begins or on the first day. Pay online by card, or in person in cash or with TWINT. Student rates are available on request.
Cancellation: free up to 48 hours before your lesson. After that, the full fee applies, but you’re welcome to send someone in your place.
Please note: we can’t take responsibility for glaze defects or breakage during firing, and we don’t fire pieces made elsewhere.
Buying and gifting
Where to buy: online or in person at the studio.
Gift cards: available as a digital card or a physical card.
Redeeming: the gift receiver checks the current course schedule and emails barz@barzkeramik.com to book their dates.
One 3-hour session · CHF 100
This pottery course at Barzkeramik in Männedorf, by Lake Zurich, is for anyone who has finished the beginner course or has similar experience. You’ll get individual, step-by-step guidance, with a focus on technique, a feel for form, and an understanding of materials.
New to clay? You can also book a single session as a taster to try the wheel and get to know the studio. At a glance
Duration: 3 hours
Price: CHF 100, plus materials
Level: continuing students, or a one-off taster for beginners
Minimum: each session runs with at least 2 participants. We confirm 48 hours before the start.
Good to know
Small groups: a maximum of 5 people per class.
Each session includes a short break and cleaning your workspace.
Materials are charged separately when you pick up your pieces: CHF 25 per kg of fired and glazed stoneware. Prices for porcelain and special glazes are available at the studio.
Payment: online by card, or in person in cash or with TWINT. Student rates are available on request.
Cancellation: free up to 48 hours before your session. After that, the full fee applies, but you’re welcome to send someone in your place.
Please note: we can’t take responsibility for glaze defects or breakage during firing, and we don’t fire pieces made elsewhere.
Buying and gifting
Where to buy: online or in person at the studio.
Gift cards: available as a digital card or a physical card.
Redeeming: the gift receiver checks the current course schedule and emails barz@barzkeramik.com to book a session.
A perfect gift for someone who’s caught the pottery bug, or who’s curious to try it for the first time.
One 3-hour session for 2 people · CHF 200
Spend an afternoon at the wheel together. This one-time session at Barzkeramik in Männedorf, by Lake Zurich, is open to all levels. Try pottery for the first time side by side, or keep building your skills together with individual, step-by-step guidance on technique, a feel for form, and an understanding of materials.
New to clay? This session is a relaxed way to try the wheel and get to know the studio. A finished piece takes several steps and sessions, so you won’t take one home from a single session.
At a glance
Duration: 3 hours
Price: CHF 200 for two people, plus CHF 25 per kg of fired and glazed stoneware (not included in gift card pricing).
Level: all levels, from first-timers to experienced potters
Minimum: each session runs with at least 2 participants. We confirm 48 hours before the start.
Good to know
Small groups: a maximum of 5 people per class.
The session includes a short break and cleaning your workspace.
Materials are charged separately when you pick up your pieces: CHF 25 per kg of fired and glazed stoneware. Prices for porcelain and special glazes are available at the studio.
Payment: online by card, or in person in cash or with TWINT. Student rates are available on request.
Cancellation: free up to 48 hours before your session. After that, the full fee applies, but you’re welcome to send someone in your place.
Please note: we can’t take responsibility for glaze defects or breakage during firing, and we don’t fire pieces made elsewhere.
Buying and gifting
Where to buy: online or in person at the studio.
Gift cards: available as a digital card or a physical card.
Redeeming: the gift receivers check the current course schedule and email barz@barzkeramik.com to book a session.
A memorable gift for couples, friends, or anyone who’d love to share a creative afternoon.