FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

 

  1. If I miss a class, can I make up my class during another day of the week? Not to worry!  You can come into another class that is similar to the one you are taking on another day of the week at whichever time works best for you.  If you're in Intro or Next Step we have multiple Intro and Next Step Classes throughout the wheek you can come in for! 
  2. What safety practices are you taking at CBTB regarding COVID-19? Please visit the link HERE for more info about our safety procedures.  
  3. What should I wear to class? Please come prepared to get messy!  Wear clothing that is comfortable and close toed shoes.  We recommend bringing an apron and a rag that can get a lil dirty.  You'll be able to store these on your shelf if you are in a 6-week or 12-week class.  Clay and glaze will wash out, but it's still best to not wear your favorite shirt.  Please remove all jewelry on hands and wrists and place those items in your personal pockets or bag. Long hair MUST be tied in a bun when working on the pottery wheel.  
  4. What can I expect on my first class? During your first class you will receive a tour of the studio, review the course syllabus, meet your instructor and classmates, and then we start working with clay right away!  The first weeks of introductory classes are focused on creating simple forms such as cylinders on the wheel or pinch pot bowls by hand.  Each week, as you gain comfort and control with the new materials, we will expand our forms and projects.  
  5. Do I need my own tools? The student classrooms are stocked with all the basic tools you will need for class.  Some advanced students will need to purchase tools from our Retail Area.  Members provide their own tools, but there are a handful of communal tools, such as bisque molds, rolling pins, a slab roller, extruder, etc. 
  6. Can I buy clay elsewhere and bring it in? Only clay purchased at CBTB can be used and fired in our studio.  This is because there are many different clays out there and they all require different firing temperatures and glaze formulas.  Our studio clays and glazes are formulated to fire well with our kilns.  We fire between cone 5-6. We also factor in all firing and glaze fees into our clay costs.  Clay is $30 per bag.  We offer over 10 different clay bodies to choose from + slip for slip casting. 
  7. Do you charge firing fees? Firing and glaze fees are incorporated into the cost of clay. No additional fees needed!
  8. Do the 6-week classes follow a specific curriculum? Yes.  Our courses guide students through specific projects and processes that build upon one another so you can see progress in your work and skills.
  9. Will the clay wash out of my clothes? Most likely.  It is best to wear something you would paint or garden in.  We also recommend bringing in an apron to wear while working in clay.
  10. What will I make during my 6-week class? Depending on your course curriculum, you will make a collection of pieces that you can take home after they have completed their final baking/firing.  Intro to Pottery Wheel classes will take home cups, mugs, small dishes/trays, and bowls.  Intermediate/advanced students will take home sets and projects that build upon one another such as nesting bowls, pitcher and tumbler sets, teapots, dinnerware sets + more!  Check out our current class and workshop descriptions or give us a call for up to date projects! 
  11. What will I make during my 1-Time Class? You will make a cup and a bowl.   You will get to try the potters wheel too! 
  12. When will my work be ready? Please allow for drying and firing time.  The pieces have to dry out completely before going into the kiln.  The firings can take up to 24 hours and then have to cool for another 24 hours.  We cannot bake/fire your pieces until they are completely dry to the touch.  Pieces are ready for pick up 2-6 weeks after they have been placed on our baking/firing racks.
  13. What cone do you fire to and what kind of kilns do you have? We have electric Skutt kilns and fire cone 5/6.
  14. Can I bring my friend to the studio with me? Due to safety and occupancy regulations, we can't allow for guests to come into the studio unless they are also taking a class.  We suggest inviting them to take a 1-Time Clay Session!  
  15. Can I bring my kid to the studio with me? Due to safety regulations, unfortunately we can not allow children to accompany adults into the studio.
  16. Can I bring my dog to the studio with me? Unfortunately not.  We have very fragile work and people moving around carrying fragile work as well.  Due to safety regulations, we cannot allow dogs in the studio, unless they are legal service animals.  It is also dangerous for pets to be present in the studio because they are so low to the ground and they breath in any little bits of clay- though we mop rigorously at CBTB.  These lil bits of clay dust are harmful to pets.  Our goal is to keep you and your loved ones safe, happy, and creating!  Please contact us if you have any questions about this.  
  17. Who is teaching my class? To keep our teachers excited about their material, and offer flexibility in their schedules, the teachers rotate each session.  Every clay artist has a different teaching approach and style.  Though we are all united in our pedagogical philosophy of CBTB, we encourage each instructor to teach what they love.  Please reach out to us to discuss what you are looking for specifically and we can help you find the best fit.  There are several classes that instructors are assigned to as soon as the session schedule comes out.  You can find that HERE at the top of the webpage.
  18. What are open studio hours? Monday-Sunday 10 AM-6 PM and 
  19. Is my pottery food safe? As long as you use the clays and glazes provided by CBTB, your pottery is food safe, microwave safe, AND dishwasher safe.  BOOM!  
  20. What is your cancellation policy? Please follow the link HERE to find out more about our cancelation policy.  
  21. What is your make up policy? Not to worry!  You can come into another class that is similar to the one you are taking on another day of the week at whichever time works best for you.  If you're in Intro or Next Step we have multiple Intro and Next Step Classes throughout the week you can come in for!  Recordings of previous classes taught online can be sent to you upon request as well.  

 

If you don't find the answer to a question you have, please feel free to call or email us anytime!

 

1618 Pacific Ave, San Francisco

(located on Polk and Pacific)

 

 info@claybythebaysf.com

(415) 416-6475