What is the minimum age to participate?

Participants must be 18 years or older for this adult-only session.

Is the finished plate food-safe?

Yes — the workshop produces items finished with food-safe glazes and kiln firing suitable for light use; ask the studio about specific care instructions.

How long until I can pick up my piece?

Finished pieces are fired and returned to Shellharbour about 4 to 6 weeks after your class; the studio will email pickup options.

Do I need prior pottery experience?

No — the class is designed for absolute beginners with step-by-step instruction and prepared clay forms.

Can I ship my finished piece?

Pickup is typically handled in Shellharbour; ask the studio during checkout if shipping arrangements are needed and whether any fees apply.

What is the cancellation policy?

Cancellation and refund details are provided at booking; check your confirmation or contact the booking provider for the studio’s current policy.

Hands-On Ceramics: Make & Paint a Plate at The Imaginarium, Shellharbour | Workshop

On a bright morning in Shellharbour, New South Wales, The Imaginarium—on the corner of Addison and Wentworth Streets in Shellharbour Village—offers a hands-on ceramic class that turns curiosity into a usable keepsake. Adults - Make & Paint a Plate is a 1.5-hour session geared to beginners who want to create a food‑safe snack plate or trinket dish under calm, step‑by‑step guidance.

The studio sits a short walk from the village shoreline, where sandstone ledges and ocean pools shape the town’s character; that coastal backdrop influences the palettes and stamps you’ll find on the worktable. Participants shape a round plate—formed from prepared clay—and then choose from stamps, underglazes, and brushwork to layer texture and color. Instructors streamline every step for stress‑free progress: shaping, decorating, and preparing pieces for firing. Finished items are kiln‑fired and returned 4 to 6 weeks later, with pickup details communicated by email.

What makes this class stand out in Shellharbour is its balance of craft and context. It’s not a technical pottery wheel lesson but a design-driven escape that produces a practical, food‑safe object. The Imaginarium’s approach suits people who want to make something tangible in a single session without prior pottery experience. The setting—Shellharbour Village’s tidy streets, nearby cafés, and ocean outlook—makes the class easy to pair with a morning coffee or an afternoon stroll.

Plan to arrive at The Imaginarium meeting point a few minutes early; the workshop starts promptly and materials are prepped to keep the session moving. The age limit is 18 and up, so it’s an adult-focused creative experience. Expect a relaxed, social vibe: participants swap design ideas, experiment with stamps and glazes, and leave with a wrapped damp plate that will be transformed in the kiln.

Practical details matter: pieces require firing and several weeks before pickup in Shellharbour; the studio will notify you when your work is ready. Classes are compact and best enjoyed with an open mind and a willingness to get your hands a little dirty. Whether you’re on holiday or live nearby, this workshop is a quick, memorable way to take home a handcrafted souvenir that reflects the textures and colors of the South Coast.

Book a slot through the provided referral link and bring a reference photo or pattern if you have a specific design in mind. This workshop is a small creative detour that pairs well with Shellharbour’s seaside walks, local cafes, and the steady rhythm of coastal life. Materials and glazes are chosen to be food-safe for finished pieces; if you require specific dietary-safe certifications or want to commission additional items, ask the studio team during checkout. Shops nearby also offer light refreshments, so plan a relaxed schedule around your class time and enjoy.

About Black Duck Studio Pty Ltd

Black Duck Studio Pty Ltd operates a hands-on ceramics studio offering classes, workshops and a local firing service. The studio runs after-school and homeschool clay clubs, term-based kids programs, multi-week handbuilding courses, one-off open hand-building sessions, and school holiday workshops. Many classes accept deposits to secure places, including Term 1, 2026 bookings with limited availability; if a preferred day is full the studio offers alternatives or refunds deposits.

Programs include dedicated kids courses for ages eight to teens with materials provided, 10-week after-school terms, and casual homeschool sessions. Adult learners can join an 8-week handbuilding and glazing course with expert guidance, or participate in open workshops designed for experienced potters wanting 90 minutes of clay work plus a painting session. The studio also runs themed workshops such as make-a-mug, make-a-dish, make-a-platter, and seasonal Christmas activities.

Black Duck Studio accommodates NDIS clients with two-hour workshops offering hand-building or glazing and complimentary beverages. A firing service supports local artists and crafters from drop-off through firing with pick-up updates. Event inquiries include private parties, donut tower involvement, and bespoke bookings for celebrations.

Bookings, deposits, and workshop details are published for each offering, and all class descriptions list included materials, session lengths, and post-firing pickup times where applicable. Black Duck Studio Pty Ltd presents practical, activity-based ceramics experiences aimed at learning, creativity, and accessible studio access for students, hobbyists, and community participants. Finished pieces are typically fired and available for pickup within two weeks when specified in the class description. Bookings are required online.