Equipment provided:
Disposable aprons and towels will be provided for your course. We do not have safety equipment to offer those with skin conditions or breathing problems. We ask that in these circumstance, clients bring appropriate equipment with them. If you aren't sure, please contact us in advance and we will do our best to make suggestions. Please be aware however, we are artists, not medical professionals.
Ceramic Firings:
Included in the cost is glazing and firing of a single pot unless otherwise stated. You can purchase additional pot firings when booking the course or during the session. Please note that if you select pots to be fired, they are chargeable regardless of if they make it through the process or if you change your mind once the process has started. Please allow 4-6 weeks for your work to be fired following your course, we will be in touch via email to inform you when the work is ready. Please also note that with any type of ceramics there is always a risk that your item might not make it through the firing process.
Payment Terms:
Course fees are payable at the time of booking. We reserve the right to refuse attendance on the course if payment is not received prior to the course date.
Name transfer:
You can transfer your place on the course at any time prior to the course start. No charge will be made for this providing there is no change to the course or date.
Cancellations by you:
Should you need to cancel your booking your cancellation must be received in writing at least 14 days prior to the event. A full refund will be made of any fees paid. We are unable to process a refund for cancellations received less than 14 days prior to the event.
Cancellations by us:
Should it be necessary due to reasons beyond our control to cancel an event then our liability is limited to a full refund of the event fee paid.
Transferring Course Dates:
Should you need to transfer your booking date you will need to contact us in writing at least 14 days prior to the event. Within this period we will be able to rearrange your course date. We are unable to change your date when notice is received less than 14 days prior to the event. In some cases we may need to assign a charge for the change of date if this conflicts with other events or is during our scheduled closing times/days.
Course Suitability:
Whilst we are happy to offer advice for each course, which is for guidance only, it remains the responsibility of the delegate to decide whether a course is deemed suitable for them. All bookings are taken subject to these conditions.
Photography Disclaimer:
Please note that on occasion photography and/or filming may take place during a course, workshop or event and material from this may be used publicly for marketing or social media purposes. Parents/carers of children are required to complete a photography disclaimer form – please speak to a member of staff regarding this.
Gift Cards:
Our gift cards are valid for 12 months from the date stated on the voucher (after this date the voucher is no longer valid). You can redeem your voucher online with the voucher number against the specified course. Booking the course is subject to availability and we recommend booking your place as soon as possible. Details of the course, age recommendations, and duration are a guide only and are subject to change. Our gift vouchers cannot be exchanged for cash and are non-refundable.
Glaze Firings:
You are welcome to return to glaze your items. Underglazes are free. Single glaze items are priced at £5, drippy or multi glazed items are charged at £10 per item*
*Birthday parties and four-week programmes are exempt from charge.
*Special events and group bookings are offered free glazing via a return booking. In the event that you choose not to return for a glazing session, you have three options which should be agreed upon prior to the event:
1. Collect the Bisque Fired Piece and paint at home using Acrylic Paints or similar.
2. A £10 fee can be paid for a basic colour wash of a maximum of three colours or a single colour dip glaze (when available). If this avenue is chosen the glazes used will be simple celadons and colours may not be true to request (see glazing information below). Due to the extra burden on staff to complete glazing, the pieces will take considerably longer to be completed, with turn around usually 4-6 weeks outside busy periods.
3. A £30 fee can be paid for a master glazing finish, This is only offered outside peak times with turnaround extended to 4-6 weeks.
Ceramic Firings, Timescales & Process Risks
Firing Timescales
Please allow 2–4 weeks for your ceramic work to be fired following the completion of your course or workshop. This timescale allows for essential drying periods, kiln scheduling, firing cycles, cooling time, and quality checks.
Once your work has completed its final firing, we will contact you via email to let you know that your pieces are ready for collection. We kindly ask that work is collected within a reasonable timeframe once notified.
Understanding the Nature of Ceramics
Ceramics is a beautiful but inherently unpredictable craft. From the moment clay is shaped through to its final firing, it undergoes significant physical and chemical changes. While every care is taken by our experienced staff, there is always a risk that ceramic work may crack, warp, or fail during the firing process.
By participating in pottery sessions at Clay and Craft, you acknowledge and accept that ceramic firings carry an unavoidable element of risk, and that failed pieces are non-refundable.
Bisque Firing Risk
The bisque firing is the first kiln firing, during which clay transforms from a fragile, dry (greenware) state into a permanent ceramic form. This stage is particularly vulnerable, and problems may occur due to:
Damage at this stage is unfortunately common in ceramics and cannot always be predicted or prevented.
Glaze Firing Risks
The glaze firing introduces further complexity. During this stage, glaze melts, flows, and bonds to the clay body, which can result in additional issues, including:
If glaze causes a piece to fuse to the kiln shelf or another item, removal may damage or destroy the work.
Construction & Technique Considerations
Participants are guided carefully throughout sessions, however outcomes are also influenced by individual making choices. Issues may arise where:
Staff may occasionally decline to fire work they believe presents a significant risk to the kiln or other pieces.
Acceptance of Risk
While we fire work with care, experience, and best practice, ceramics cannot be guaranteed. Breakages, cracking, glaze faults, or complete loss of work are an accepted part of the ceramic process.
By leaving your work with us for firing, you confirm that you understand and accept:
If you have any questions about firings, glazes, or construction techniques, our team is always happy to advise during your session.
If you book with Clay and Craft, Cowbridge, it is assumed you have read and accept all of the above conditions.