Pottery on the Wheel
Pottery on the Wheel Workshop
An immersive experience in wheel throwing guided by our expert instructors. You’ll learn how to center, shape, and form your own ceramic piece on the wheel. A great introduction for first timers and an inspiring session for returning makers.
All materials included
Everything you need is provided
Beginner-friendly
No experience needed
Over 100 students so far
Join a growing community of happy participants in Dubai
⚙️ The Step-by-Step Process of Wheel Throwing
Transforming a Simple Lump of Earth into Functional Art
Preparing & Wedging the Clay
The Foundation: Kneading and folding the clay to remove air bubbles and create even moisture. This preparation prevents cracking during throwing and firing.
Centering the Clay
The Critical Skill: Attaching the clay to the spinning wheel and applying even pressure to guide it into a perfect, wobble-free rotation. Requires core strength and patience.
Opening the Form
Defining the Base: Pressing your thumbs/fingers into the middle to create a hollow. This motion determines the thickness of the base and the vessel's weight.
Pulling Up the Walls
Gaining Height: Using one hand inside and one outside, apply gentle, consistent pressure to coax the clay upward. This phase defines the height and thickness of your vessel.
Shaping the Pottery
Artistic Refinement: Using ribs or fingers to smooth surfaces, form curves, and add character. Encourage creative exploration while maintaining structural integrity.
Trimming & Removing
The Separation: Trimming the rim for an even finish and then gently separating the piece from the wheel using a wire cutter. The piece is then left to dry to "leather-hard".
Drying, Firing & Glazing
The Transformation: The piece is dried, bisque-fired, glazed with your chosen colour, and then glaze-fired for a final, durable, and vibrant finish. (Completed by Limbaceramics).
Experience the full journey in our Limbaceramics Workshop!
What to Expect in Our Wheel Throwing Workshop
Our Pottery on the Wheel Workshop is designed for beginners and returning makers alike. Each session begins with an introduction to the tools and materials you will use pottery wheels, stoneware or earthenware clay, water, a sponge, wooden and metal ribs, a needle tool and a wire cutter.
We provide all materials, so you only need to bring yourself and a willingness to explore. After a brief orientation, our instructors demonstrate the sequence of steps involved in throwing a vessel, emphasising posture, hand positioning and the importance of breathing through each movement. Participants then work at their own wheel under guidance, learning how to prepare the clay, centre it, open the form, pull up the walls and shape it into bowls, cups, or vases. Our teacher‑to‑student ratio ensures that everyone receives individual attention, and at the end of the class you’ll have a piece that’s truly your own.
✨ The Transformative Power of Clay
Mindfulness, Creativity, and Wellness through Wheel Throwing
🧘 Improving Focus and Presence
The rhythmic, repetitive motion of centering the clay encourages **mindfulness**. The steady spin of the wheel quiets your mind, allowing stress to dissipate and fostering a sense of calm and being present.
🖼️ Enhancing Artistic Skills
Working with clay stimulates imagination and illuminates your creative side. Experimenting with shapes, forms, and glazes deepens your **sense of artistry** and allows for unique personalization.
⏱️ Encouraging Patience and Resilience
Pottery takes time to master. Learning to center and shape teaches **patience and perseverance**. Challenges become opportunities to practice adaptability and accept that imperfections are part of growth.
😌 Providing a Soothing Experience
The tactile engagement and the motion of the wheel offer a therapeutic release. Many describe a sense of release as they get lost in the process, making it an effective way to **cope with daily pressures**.
🖐️ Developing Motor Skills
Crafting on the wheel requires precise, well-controlled hand movements. With practice, you gain mastery over your fingers and hands, improving **fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination**.
🤝 Fostering Social Connections
Joining a class is a great way to meet like-minded individuals. Workshops build a sense of **community**, where students exchange ideas, offer support, and form friendships that extend beyond the studio.
🌟 Why Choose Limbaceramics
The Core Benefits of Our Pottery on the Wheel Workshop
Comprehensive Instruction
Our curriculum covers the complete process from wedging to glazing, ensuring you gain foundational skills that you can build upon.
Professional Equipment
We supply professional-grade tools, smooth-spinning wheels, and high-quality stoneware clays for an optimal learning experience.
Personalised Attention
Small class sizes allow our expert instructors to provide focused, one-on-one guidance, helping you advance at your own pace.
Mindfulness & Therapy
We integrate mindfulness practices and breathing exercises to help you fully engage with the process, reducing stress and enhancing focus.
Vibrant Community
Limbaceramics is a supportive hub. We host exhibitions and social gatherings to build connections among participants.
Eco-Friendly Approach
We prioritize sustainability by recycling clay scraps and using energy-efficient kilns, promoting mindful consumption.
The Environment and Atmosphere
The Limba studio is designed to evoke calm and inspiration. Earthy colours, natural materials and soft lighting create a warm atmosphere that reflects the organic nature of clay. Each workstation is spaced comfortably to allow personal focus while still encouraging conversation among participants. Background music and the gentle whir of the wheels provide a steady rhythm that enhances concentration without intrusion. Our studio also features a small gallery where you can view finished pieces by our instructors and past participants, offering inspiration for your own creations. On-site storage allows pieces to dry safely before they are fired in our kilns. We take care of the entire process firing, glazing and final finishing so you can return to pick up your completed work without worry.
🌟 Limbaceramics: The Journey's Enduring Value
Tradition, Creativity, and Therapy on the Wheel
A Living Tradition
Wheel throwing connects you to artisans across millennia. You learn a timeless craft, bridging the gap between ancient heritage and modern creative expression.
Unleash Creativity
The workshop is a space for self-discovery. We provide the tools and guidance to transform imagination into tangible, functional art, personalized entirely by you.
The Therapeutic Rhythm
The steady spin of the wheel offers a meditative escape. It enhances focus, fosters patience, and serves as a soothing outlet for emotional expression and stress relief.
📜 The Limbaceramics Story
A Journey of Passion, Community, and Creative Grounding
1. The Passion Project
Limbaceramics began as a passion project by founder Layla, born from a deep love of clay and the desire to merge craftsmanship with mindfulness.
2. Addressing Dubai's Pace
Layla recognized that Dubai's fast-paced environment left little room for creative, grounding practice. This sparked the need for a tranquil artistic retreat.
3. Creating the Welcoming Space
The studio was established with natural light, comfortable seating, and professional equipment, making it accessible for people of all skill levels to explore creativity.
4. Sharing the Joy of Throwing
The mission is to share the therapeutic joy of wheel throwing and encourage people to reconnect with their hands and the present moment.
5. Fostering Community
Workshops now serve families, couples, friends, and solo learners, building an inclusive, inspiring community that nurtures artistry beyond just the technique.
Limbaceramics: Where craftsmanship and mindfulness meet.
🔨 Essential Tools & Setup
The Foundation of Your Wheel Throwing Experience
Primary Equipment ⚙️
- Professional Wheels (Adjustable Speed)
- High-Quality Stoneware Clays
- Water and Sponges
- Comfortable Stools
Shaping & Forming Tools 📏
- Wooden and Metal Ribs (Refining)
- Needle Tool (Trimming/Scoring)
- Wire Cutter (Removing Piece)
- Variety of Hand Tools
Studio Environment 💡
- Organized Shelving for Drying
- Cleaning Tools (Dust Control)
- Thoughtful Lighting
- Focus-Oriented Setup