Student progress photo drop: - 6 week pottery course
Celebrating Our First Pottery Students' Creations!
We're thrilled to share the wonderful creations from our very first group of pottery students! In just six weeks, they have produced an array of beautiful and functional pieces, showcasing their creativity and skill development.
Our students explored various pottery techniques, including slab building, pinch pots, and coil building. The results are stunning:
Slab-Built Soap Dishes and Oil Burner: These pieces highlight the versatility and precision of slab building.
Pinch Pots for Spoons: Perfectly sized and shaped for kitchen use, these pots demonstrate the tactile and intuitive nature of pinch potting.
Gorgeous Coil-Built Planters: These planters not only serve as functional items but also as decorative art pieces, showcasing their skills.
To add the finishing touches, the students used a variety of decorative techniques. Underglaze decals provided detailed patterns and images, while glossy and matte glazes added both shine and texture. Ceramic stains were used to enhance the natural beauty of the clay, resulting in unique and personalized pots.
Join Our Next Pottery Class!
Inspired by these beautiful creations? Our next pottery class starts in September, and we would love for you to join us. Whether you're a complete beginner or looking to refine your skills, our classes offer a supportive and creative environment to explore the art of pottery. We can't wait to see what you'll create!
About Our Location
Deeside is easily accessible, situated just 24 kilometers from Liverpool and well-connected by public transport, making it convenient for students from nearby cities such as Chester and Wrexham.
Hire our kilns!
Are you a ceramic artist, hobbyist, or just someone passionate about exploring the world of pottery and ceramics? We’re excited to announce that we now offer kiln hire, perfect for all your firing needs. With our top-of-the-line kilns and a wide range of accessories, you can achieve the best results for your projects.
Meet Our Kilns
We are proud to offer two exceptional kilns for hire, designed to meet you diverse needs.
The Ecotop 43 Toploader
Volume: 43 litres
Maximum Temperature: 1260°C
Int Dimensions (mm) - ø400 x 340(h)
Features: This compact yet powerful kiln is ideal for most ceramic projects. Its efficient design makes it perfect for artists who need a reliable kiln that doesn’t compromise on performance.
The Ecotop 60 Toploader
Volume: 60 litres
Maximum Temperature: 1260°C
Int Dimensions (mm) - ø400 x 455 (h)
Features: This larger kiln from the Ecotop series is perfect for those bigger projects or for artists who need extra space. The Ecotop 60 Toploader offers the same exceptional performance as its smaller counterpart but with additional capacity.
We understand that firing ceramics is not just about having the right kiln. That’s why we provide a variety of accessories to ensure your projects turn out perfectly:
Kiln Stilts: Ideal for keeping your pieces elevated, ensuring even heat distribution and preventing glaze from sticking to the kiln shelf.
Props: Available in various sizes, our props help you support your work securely, allowing for more intricate designs and multiple layers.
Shelves: We offer shelves in different sizes to accommodate your specific needs, whether you’re firing small test pieces or larger works of art.
Contact us to discuss your project and specific needs. We’ll help you choose the right kiln and accessories.
Student progress - 6 week pottery course
It has truly been an incredible journey observing the progress of those enrolled in the 6-week hand-building course at our studio. Witnessing our students not only acquire new pottery skills but also refine and customize them to create remarkable pieces has been a delight. Many participants have shared experiencing an immediate boost in their overall well-being and sense of relaxation during each session. The tranquil ambiance of the studio, complemented by soft piano melodies from our playlist, has effectively facilitated a soothing environment that has allowed students to immerse themselves in the meditative art of handcrafting pottery. Throughout the weekly classes, they have delved into the techniques of pinching and coiling pots, as well as constructing various forms through slab building. Venturing into the realm of creativity, they have explored the applications of underglaze decals, ceramic stains, brush-on and dip glazing. Each week, they meticulously assessed their creations, dedicating conscious efforts to refining the finishes under the guidance of Mat, our skilled resident ceramic artist here at Earth Sand & Fire.
Our studio is easily accessible from North Wales, Wrexham, Chester, Ellesmere Port, Wirral and the surrounding areas. Gift vouchers are also available if you would like to gift someone an unforgettable experience in clay. The next 6 week course will begin in September 2024 details of which can be found here 6 WEEK HANDBUILDING COURSE
We look forward to meeting our next group of future potters!
Gift Vouchers for Pottery Classes
The perfect gift has arrived on our website. Gift Vouchers are now available for purchase! These vouchers make for perfect presents to give to your loved ones for birthdays, anniversaries, or simply as a special treat to show your appreciation. Giving the gift of pottery is a truly wonderful gesture, as each recipient is guaranteed to thoroughly enjoy creating memories through the experience you gift them. Our gift cards come in convenient denominations of £20 each and can be easily redeemed for any of our exciting courses at Earth Sand & Fire ceramics studio in Deeside.
A new door opens.
From The Barn to Earth Sand & Fire
After years of honing my craft as "Potter in Residence" at The Barn, I am embarking on a new adventure with the opening of Earth Sand & Fire pottery studio in Deeside, Flint.
My time at The Barn was nothing short of transformative. From the moment I first stepped through its weathered doors, I knew I had found a place where my passion for pottery could flourish. The community of artisans and craft enthusiasts that call The Barn home welcomed me with open arms, and I am forever grateful for the guidance, inspiration, and camaraderie they have provided.
Having previously learned my skills under the guidance of mentors and peers at Baltic Clay, I honed my teaching skills, experimented with new techniques, and found my voice as an artist and teacher. However, it was within the walls of The Barn that I discovered the true joy of teaching pottery—the alchemy of earth, sand, and fire coming together to create something beautiful and meaningful.
As I reflect on my time at The Barn, I am filled with a profound sense of gratitude. Gratitude for the friendships forged over a love of craft, and the more than occasional pint at The Johnny Pie! Gratitude for the countless hours spent shaping, glazing, and firing, each piece a testament to the dedication and passion of this vibrant community. And gratitude for the lessons learned and the growth experienced, both as an artist and as a person.
But as one chapter closes, another begins. With Earth Sand & Fire, I am excited to build upon the foundation laid at The Barn Wirral and continue to create, teach, and inspire. I look forward to working closely with my friends and colleagues from The Barn—my "sisters in craft"—collaborating on projects, sharing resources, and supporting one another as we embark on this new adventure together.
To all who have supported me on this journey—thank you. Your encouragement, feedback, and belief in my work have fueled my creativity and spurred me on to new heights. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to share my passion for pottery with the world, and I can't wait to see where this next chapter takes us.
Embracing Inclusivity: Our Pottery Studio's Commitment to Accessibility
Disability access to our pottery studio.
At Earth, Sand & Fire pottery studio, we believe that art should be accessible to all, regardless of ability. That's why we've made it our mission to ensure that our studio is a welcoming space for everyone, including those with disabilities.
For us, it's important to cater to everyone. We firmly believe that creativity knows no limits, and we're committed to breaking down barriers that may prevent individuals from fully participating in artistic endeavors. From the moment you step through our doors, you'll find that accessibility isn't just an afterthought – it's woven into the very fabric of our studio.
We've worked tirelessly to ensure that our studio is wheelchair-friendly, with wide doorways, ramps, and accessible restroom facilities. We want everyone to feel comfortable and welcome from the moment they arrive, and that starts with ensuring that our space is easily navigable for individuals of all abilities.
Whether you're a seasoned artist or a complete beginner, there's a place for you at Earth, Sand & Fire pottery studio. We invite you to join us in our mission to make art accessible to all and experience the joy of creativity without limits. Together, we can build a more inclusive world, one masterpiece at a time.
We’re almost ready to open our doors!
Freshly painted shelves in our new pottery studio
Getting our new studio up and running has been a joyous journey filled with hard work and dedication. From rolling up our sleeves and painting the shelves in calming green hues that tie the space together, to meticulously sorting out the lighting to create the perfect ambiance for creativity to thrive, every detail has been thoughtfully curated. And let's not forget about the pièce de résistance – our gorgeous plants. They not only add a touch of greenery but also breathe life and freshness into our workspace, making it a place where inspiration blossoms at every corner. Each plant is lovingly housed in handmade pots, of course!
Preparing our studio space for our future members and class attendees has been a labor of love, ensuring it's fully equipped with everything needed to ignite creativity. We've invested in top-notch equipment to cater to a variety of ceramic pursuits, including slab rollers for those who love handbuilding with clay, pottery wheels for budding throwers, and kilns to bring those masterpieces to fruition with a perfect finish. Our goal is to provide a welcoming and functional environment where everyone can explore their creativity and hone their skills with the best tools at their fingertips.
As we put the finishing touches on our studio, we're thrilled to announce an exciting addition to our offerings – a new range of glazes that will soon be available for our members to experiment with and elevate their creations. But that's not all! Our in-house studio potters, Matthew Hughes and Jacquie Seddon, are hard at work crafting a stunning new range of pots that showcase their expertise and passion for pottery. We can't wait to see the beautiful pieces that will come from their fingertips in our studio. Stay tuned for upcoming pottery classes.
Unveiling Our Pottery Haven: A New Studio in Deeside
Step into our newly opened pottery studio in Deeside. Whether you're a seasoned ceramic artist or a beginner eager to learn, we extend a warm welcome to all who share our passion for pottery
Welcome to the world of clay and creativity! We are thrilled to announce the grand opening of our pottery studio nestled in the heart of Deeside. At Earth Sand Fire, we're passionate about pottery and dedicated to providing a space where enthusiasts of all levels can immerse themselves in the art of ceramics. Whether you're a seasoned potter or a curious beginner, our studio offers an inspiring environment to unleash your creativity.
One of the cornerstones of our studio is our diverse range of pottery classes. From introductory sessions for beginners to specialised workshops for advanced techniques, there's something for everyone. Our experienced instructors are here to guide you through each step of the process, from shaping clay on the wheel to glazing your finished masterpiece. Discover the joy of working with your hands and bring your artistic visions to life in our supportive and encouraging atmosphere.
Conveniently situated in Deeside, our studio is easily accessible from Queensferry, Chester, and Ellesmere Port alike. There is a local cafe next door called Zone 1 Cafe where you’ll find amazing coffee. We’re located just off the main road where you’ll be able to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and step into our tranquil oasis of clay and craftsmanship.
At Earth, Sand, and Fire studio we're passionate about fostering creativity and building a community of like-minded individuals who share our love for pottery. Whether you're looking to learn a new skill, unleash your artistic potential, or simply connect with others who share your passion, we invite you to join us at our new studio in Deeside. Come discover the joy of pottery and embark on a journey of self-expression and discovery. We can't wait to welcome you into our pottery haven!