How to Run Pottery Parties and Private Events
Parties, date nights and private classes can be a steady source of income for a studio, and an easy way to meet people who later join as members. They also need more planning than a regular class. This guide covers the essentials.
Pick your formats
- Birthday or group party. A group of friends or family makes simple projects together.
- Date night. Two people, a relaxed evening and usually a drink or snack.
- Corporate or team event. A larger group and a clear time window.
- Private class. One group, one teacher, on a date of their choice.
Start with one or two formats and do them well.
Choose projects that work for beginners
- Hand-building projects are easier to finish in an evening than wheel work. A pinch pot, small dish or a mug made of slabs works well. See make a basic pinch pot.
- Keep everyone's project simple and the same size, so you can load and fire them together.
- Decide in advance whether guests glaze at the event, or return later.
Group size and staffing
- One teacher per 8 to 10 guests is a common starting point, fewer for children.
- Set a minimum and maximum so each event is worth running.
- Add a helper for larger groups to handle clay, cleanup and photos.
Pricing
Include in the price:
- Teaching time and preparation
- Clay, tools and glaze
- Firing, for each piece
- Cleanup
- Any food or drink, if offered
State what is included and what costs extra. Ask for a deposit to reserve the date, with a clear policy for changes.
Event run sheet
Use this as a template for every event.
| When | What |
|---|---|
| Before | Confirm the number of guests, set out tools and clay, prepare aprons. |
| 0:00 | Welcome, safety and apron tips. |
| 0:10 | Demonstration. |
| 0:20 | Guests make their pieces. |
| 1:20 | Photos and cleanup. |
| 1:35 | Names on pieces. Explain firing and pickup. |
| After | Fire, glaze if needed, and message guests when ready. |
Adjust times to your format.
The after-event work
Most of the real work is after the party.
- Label every piece with the guest's name.
- Fire the pieces and glaze them, if the package includes it.
- Message guests when the work is ready, and set a pickup date.
- Follow your policy for uncollected work. See what to do with unclaimed pottery.
Turn guests into students
Hand every guest a card about your classes and open studio. A well-run party is the best advertisement you have. See pottery class booking.
Want this in your studio?
Claybook handles this for your studio: parties, date nights and private events with deposits, guest lists and pickup follow-ups.
Tell us how you run things today and we will tailor it to your studio. See everything we offer studios.