Shellharbour Clay Workshop: Make a Flower Frog in 1.5 Hours

Read the full experience

On a sunlit afternoon in Shellharbour, New South Wales, a compact ceramic studio on Wentworth Street invites visitors to slow down and make something by hand. Spring Sessions: Flower Frog is a short, social clay workshop — 1.5 hours of shaping, stamping and underglaze painting designed for families and anyone who wants a quick creative reset. Participants choose to fashion small mugs, whimsical animal figures or a low-profile "flower frog" that fits over a standard jar and holds a handful of freshly collected blooms. The format is straightforward and beginner-friendly. Templates and pre-cut flower holes simplify the shaping so newcomers and children (minimum age six) can focus on texture, stamp decoration and color. The studio supplies underglaze paints and stamps; instructors guide glazing choices and firing basics so you leave with a painted piece that will be kiln-fired by staff after the session. The workshop’s real charm is how it bridges indoors and outdoors: gather a few coastal wildflowers during a walk along the nearby shoreline, then arrange them in your handmade flower frog to carry a pocket of Shellharbour home. Located on Wentworth St, Shellharbour NSW 2529, the studio sits within easy distance of the village waterfront and beachside rock platforms, making it an ideal stop after tidepooling, surfing lessons or a picnic. The space has a wheelchair-friendly entry; note that the bathroom is currently too small to accommodate larger mobility aids. The session accommodates mixed-age groups, and group limits and check-in details are provided at booking. What makes this offering stand out is its focus on a single, useful object — the flower frog — combined with simple surface decoration that yields immediately satisfying results. For families, it’s a tolerant, low-pressure way to introduce kids to clay without committing to a full course. For visitors, it’s a hands-on souvenir that captures a season: a jar-top carrier for spring blooms collected along the coast. Local artists run the sessions with a friendly, practical teaching style that highlights material choices and quick glazing techniques. Bring enthusiasm, a few flowers and clothing you don’t mind getting dusty. Sessions are short enough to fit into a day of coastal exploration, and the finished pieces create lasting reminders of a Shellharbour afternoon spent making rather than scrolling. Bookings are handled through the studio’s online reservation page; check the session length (1.5 hours) and the minimum age of six before reserving. Finished pieces are fired and available for later pickup or postage depending on studio policy, so ask about turnarounds at check-in. Sessions run year-round but fill quickly in spring; reserve early if you’re pairing clay time with weekend beach plans or a visit to the Shellharbour waterfront. Bring sunscreen.

Trip highlights

Difficulty

easy.

Duration

1.5 hours.

Fitness level

Minimal physical effort required; suitable for most fitness levels including active children aged six and up

Frequently asked questions

Do I need prior pottery experience?

No—sessions are designed for beginners with templates, stamps and step-by-step instruction to simplify forming and decorating.

How long is the session and what is the minimum age?

Each session runs about 1.5 hours and is open to participants aged six and up.

Can I take my piece home the same day?

Finished pieces are kiln-fired by the studio after the session; pickup or postage options and turnaround times are provided at booking.

Is the studio wheelchair accessible?

The front door is wheelchair friendly, but the bathroom is currently too small to accommodate larger mobility aids.

What should I bring to the workshop?

Bring clothes you don’t mind getting dusty, a small towel, and optional small flowers if you plan to make a flower frog arrangement.

How do I book a session?

Reserve via the studio’s online booking page using the provided referral link; weekend and spring sessions often fill up fast.

Local insights

Wildlife

shorebirds and gulls
small tidepool crabs and intertidal fish

History

Shellharbour developed as a coastal village and weekend destination; community arts and craft workshops are part of the town’s evolving local culture.

Conservation

Collect flowers responsibly—avoid protected species and take only a few stems. The studio encourages low-waste glazing and careful materials use to limit environmental impact.

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.

Base locationShellharbour, New South Wales

Tours offered25+

Adventure tips

Wear easy-to-clean clothesClay dust and underglaze paint can stain — wear clothes you don’t mind getting dusty or bring an apron.

Collect flowers after low-tide walksIf you’ll use coastal blooms in your flower frog, pick responsibly after a shoreline walk and avoid protected plants.

Book ahead for weekend slotsSessions are short and fill up quickly in spring—reserve your 1.5-hour slot online to secure a space.

Plan for finished pickupFinished pieces are fired by the studio; confirm pickup or postage options when you check in to avoid repeat trips.

Recommended gear

Clothing you can get dusty: Comfortable, older clothes or an apron protect from clay dust and underglaze stains.
Small hand towel: Useful for wiping hands between steps and keeping your workspace tidy.
A few small flowers or foliage: Bring locally collected (and ethically picked) blooms to arrange in your finished flower frog.
Sunscreen: If you plan to combine the workshop with a beach or shoreline walk, protect your skin between activities.