A Clay Night out in Napier

Written by Andrea Johnston-Taylor

Shop local they say, be mindful of present buying, just be ‘present’. How do you incorporate all that?

One of Napier’s newest businesses ‘ Pottery Studio’ in Hastings Street is a craft/workshop venture to bring the social creative out in you. Perfect I think – I can shop local, learn a new skill and make my own Christmas presents! Now I just needed to rope in a couple of liked-minded friends! 

One of Napier’s newest businesses ‘ Pottery Studio’ in Hastings Street is a craft/workshop venture to bring the social creative out in you. Perfect I think – I can shop local, learn a new skill and make my own Christmas presents! Now I just needed to rope in a couple of liked-minded friends! 

It was easy to book with the bonus of a ‘Clay & Wine’ evening – how can my friends say no! Two hours of quality media downtime and something tangible at the end. Win! 

Raewyn our guide, is an enthusiastic potter herself and showed us how to get the best from our clay. There were lots of examples and tools we could use to create our ‘masterpieces’, even old doilies to create patterns. Some nights apparently have themes to help get people started. Xmas gifts a big one for this time of year – nana’s mug, clay Christmas trees, ornaments and the like. 

I have to say just the pounding and shaping of the clay was therapeutic! Wine in hand and a catch up gossip and we were off! It has to be the first time one glass of wine has lasted me two hours – so ‘present’ and busy were we! Raewyn always there for a helpful hint, tactfully suggested my ‘cup’ – (I use that term loosely!) was possibly not stable enough, and showing techniques for shaping to ensure it was ‘fit for purpose’, then onto the glazing. Two hours flew by. 

It will be a week or so for me to pick up my ‘creations’ as they will be fired in the onsite kiln. I did have a bit of ‘pottery envy’ of a couple of my friends’ creations. If my artistic endeavors will be ‘present’ quality we will wait and see! 

The Pottery Studio is open Tuesday to Sunday – bookings essential – with day and night classes and special group bookings (min 12) 18 Hastings Street, Napier penny@potterystudio.co.nz 021 616900. Adult $40pp, Children 8-14yrs $35pp.