POTTERY
lessons
workshops by:
Experience the timeless art of pottery on the wheel with our knowledgeable and passionate instructors at our pottery workshops. As you immerse yourself in the relaxing and creative process of shaping clay, you'll gain a deeper appreciation for the ancient origins of this craft. The Minoans, who lived on Crete over 4000 years ago, were among the first to use the pottery wheel, and their influence can still be seen in the skilful creations of today's professional wheel-throwing potters on our island.
Under the guidance of our instructors, you'll learn the intricacies of using the pottery wheel and how to transform a lump of clay into a unique piece of pottery. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced potter, our workshops offer a fun and engaging way to develop your skills.
At the end of the lesson, you'll have a personal and unique clay pot that you can take home* as a cherished reminder of your time in Crete.
"Make a Clay Pot"
For all ages we invite you to make a small clay pot on the wheel. Every pot is made within 10-15 minutes and the price is 12€ per pot. You can choose to make more than one pot per person. Create your own clay pot to take home* (please read details below*), perfect for a first-time pottery experience and for younger children.
Booking is required
"Pottery Workshop"
Our one hour workshop on the wheel offers a comprehensive experience for individuals aged 12 and above in either English or Greek. It is perfect for beginners and intermediate throwers. Learn the basics and experience the local techniques of pottery while using a local rare earthenware clay.
The duration of the workshop is one hour and the price is 40€ per person.
(Semi-Private, up to 4 people)
Minimum participation 2 people
Booking is required
Need more time on the wheel? We now offer an extra hour of practice time right after the one hour workshop, with unlimited pugged (ready-to-use) clay. The extra fee is 15€ per person. You will be able to opt in for the extra practice hour during the booking process following the link below.
A completely free introductory video for beginners can be found HERE
Read reviews on our airbnb experience page HERE
Workshops with young children, bigger group or solo participant?
Please send your request or questions at info@cretanspiral.com
*Finishing
YOUR POTS
*We are also offering:
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Bisque firing* (from 3€ per piece)
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Glaze firing** (from 7€ per piece)
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Shipping the pots directly to your home once they are ready (10-15€ per pot on average)
*Bisque firing is the process of firing a clay piece in a special kiln which slowly raises the temperature until it reaches around 1000°C (1832°F). In that process the clay becomes ceramic. Cretan clay in particular forms a red terracotta look and feel.
**Glaze firing requires the initial (bisque) firing and yet another similar firing for the applied glaze to form. The pieces are then suitable for everyday use.
Average times for firing with us are 5 days (for bisque) and 7 days (for glazing). Pots usually dry within 1-2 days. At no extra charge, you can choose to bring your unfired pots home carefully. Then, you have the option to either fire them at a local pottery studio or keep them as decoration. Also, you can paint dried clay with acrylic paints.
Find your local studio on kiln share
Our New Pottery
studio
In December 2019, Konstantinos Spyridis, the owner and instructor of our workshops, personally designed and constructed our unique pottery studio. With stunning views of the local gulf and surrounded by olive trees, our studio is equipped with silent potter's wheels and two hand-building tables, all in a private, clean, and organized air-cooled environment. Come and experience the perfect setting to learn and immerse yourself in the local pottery craft.
