Frequently Asked Questions
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The Wheelhouse has NO hidden costs for our class, term & workshop bookings. All clay, tools, glazes and firing costs are included in your course fees*
Some studios may have other hidden costs, such as:
Other studios may charge for more than your initial bag of clay. The Wheelhouse has unlimited use of clay for your classes*
Other studios may charge you to purchase a tool kit. The Wheelhouse has a large range of tools for all students‘ use.
Other studios may not supply aprons. The Wheelhouse always has a fresh supply of clean aprons for use during your classes.
Other studios may charge you to fire your work in the kiln. The Wheelhouse fires all your classwork.
Other studios may require you to purchase glazes other than a few basic bulk colours. The Wheelhouse has a wide range of beautiful glazes for you to choose from. All our available glaze range is for your use during classes. See our online store for our glaze colour range.
Other studios may charge you to make up missed classes (or require you to forfeit altogether). The Wheelhouse has scheduled complimentary ‘catch-up’ classes for those who couldn’t make their usual 'in-term' scheduled class.
What else?
*The Wheelhouse also has Open Studio sessions, offered at least once weekly for current students, which is private unsupervised access to practice on the wheel or for hand-building. This is only $40 for scheduled 2 hour sessions, plus $30/kg for any work you wish to keep. More detailed information is given in class and you can book via the QR code in studio.
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Just bring yourself and be ready to have fun.
We provide everything that you need including aprons, clay and all the necessary tools & equipment.
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We advise you to wear clothes and shoes that you won’t mind getting some clay on. Aprons are also provided. Closed toe shoes are best, as are shorter nails.
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Students of all skill levels.
Classes are suited to ages 16 and above. Students must be supervised by a guardian attending the same class if under the age of 18.
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The Wheelhouse facility covers two levels. We offer classes on both levels.
Studio 1 is on our ground floor and has no stairs at entry/exit, nor throughout the entirety of the ground floor. Our bathroom/toilet and kitchenette is also fully accessible. There is plenty of room to manoeuvre around our potter's wheels and handbuilding table. Please ensure you book Studio 1 if you have accessibility concerns. Please contact us if unsure or have any questions.
Studio 2 is on our first floor and has one level of stairs to access. There is no elevator. This floor also has a bathroom/toilet and kitchenette.
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Single Classes (non-term) :
If a student misses a class (such as Taste of Clay, Date Night or a Workshop) then unfortunately that class is forfeited. There are no refunds or replacement classes.
Term Classes:
If a student misses a class during a term, it is the student's responsibility to schedule a catch-up class.. The date of the catch up class must be after the date of the missed class. If a suitable catch-up class is available, it must be within the same term. Note: If you are on a 4 week term, you may attend only 1 complimentary catch-up class. If you are on an 8 week term, you may attend up to 2 complimentary catch-up classes. All additional catch-up classes will be at a cost of $40.
We do run a scheduled weekly Catch-up Class. Please email us for the day/time and availability.
If you have missed a class or are aware of a class you cannot attend during your term, please contact us as soon as possible so that we can try to accomodate you.
Please understand that the terms have a set structure to make sure that you have completed pieces by the end of the course and to allow time for drying and firing.
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Class Rescheduling, Cancellations and Refunds
Rescheduling of any single class or full term requires at least 7 days notice prior to your initial class date. This is necessary in order to allow our team time to find a suitable replacement class/term and alter schedules. Rescheduled classes must be completed within 6 months of the initial booking date.
If you are unable to attend a single class or a full term, we can offer a credit for a rescheduled session/s up to 6 months from initial class start date.
Refunds are on a case by case basis, at the discretion of The Wheelhouse management.
Please understand that we have a maximum number of seats per class.
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Your finished work pieces will be ready 4 weeks after completion of your final class.
Please pick up your pieces at the following times, once your 4 weeks have passed:
DURING TERM:
Monday/Tuesday: 10am - 3pm (please call prior to ensure someone is in attendance)
Friday: 5pm – 8pm
Saturday: 11am – 2pm
OUTSIDE TERM DATES:
Monday/Tuesday: 10am - 3pm (please call prior to ensure someone is in attendance)
Saturday: 11am – 2pm
We would appreciate you picking up your work at the earliest opportunity at the times above. The Wheelhouse will hold your work for 8 weeks, and after this time they may be rehomed - donated to charity. Please let us know in advance if you have any issues collecting as per these times.
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The Wheelhouse Studio is located at 174 Gladstone Street in South Melbourne.
Public transport is available close by - the 109 tram (stop 126 Montague Street) is just a short walk away.
Metered parking (Mon to Fri / 8am-6pm) is available on Gladstone Street. Free parking is available evenings & on weekends.
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Gift vouchers can be purchased using either ‘Class Gift Vouchers’ via our website menu OR ‘Store Gift Vouchers’ on our online shop page.
CLASSES
If you have a gift voucher purchased for classes, this voucher can only be redeemed to book classes or terms. It is not available to use at our online shop or in our studio for products.SHOP
If you have a gift voucher purchased for our online store, this voucher can only be redeemed for product orders online. It is not available to book classes or terms.Please understand that our team are unable to transfer vouchers between products and classes.
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For Online Sales - Shop
Pick-up orders: there is no shipping fee. You can collect from our Sth Melbourne Studio. You will receive an email confirming when your order is ready for collection. Please allow 3 business days and follow the pick-up times shown at the checkout (and on your order confirmation email).
Shipping: Your order will be packed and dispatched within 3 business days. Deliveries are made using Aus Post & other priority carriers. You will receive tracking numbers via email.
Prices following are for shipping to all Australian states & territories. Accessories include Brushes, Tools and Raw Materials. Clay is Pick-up only.
1-4 Accessories (no Glaze Tubs) - Flat fee $11
1-4 Glaze Tubs (+ 1-4 Accessories) - Flat fee $25
5-8 Glaze Tubs (+ 1-4 Accessories) - Flat fee $41
9-12 Glaze Tubs (+ 1-4 Accessories) - Flat fee $56
13+ Glaze Tubs (+ Accessories) - Flat fee $70
Pottery Studio orders or Wholesale/Resellerenquiries: please email info@thewheelhousestudio.com.au or call 0428 138 894.
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For our online SHOP (products, not classes)
Afterpay is available* at our online store, for delivery purchases only. Afterpay is not available for pick-up orders.For CLASSES/TERMS
Afterpay is not available for studio class/term bookings. However, we do offer PayPal Pay In 4 (see below).You can also check with your bank to see if they have a ‘buy now, pay later’ option available. Banks that provide this service to their customers will provide you with a card number to use at the Wheelhouse checkout.
How does Afterpay work?
When you use Afterpay, you pay for your items in 4 equal instalments over 6 or 8* weeks, without incurring any interest.
*Please see the Afterpay website for eligibility and terms.
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Pay for classes/terms or products with 4 interest-free payments*
No sign-up fees or late fees.How does it work?
Choose PayPal at checkout to pay later with Pay in 4.
Complete your purchase with an initial 25% payment.
Remaining payments are taken automatically over 6 weeks. It’s easy!
*PayPal Pay in 4 is for eligible purchases between $30–$2,000 AUD. It’s available to Australian residents with an Australian PayPal account. Eligibility is subject to your PayPal account status and a credit assessment, which may require a credit check. Pay in 4 is a form of credit, so consider whether you can afford the repayments as use of the product may impact your credit score. For more information, please see the PayPal website.
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Once fired, Wheelhouse glazes produce a durable, food-safe finish that's both beautiful and functional.
The Wheelhouse provides the following as general information. Differences Between Stoneware and Midfire Glazes:
Temperature:
Stoneware Glaze: Fires at 1280°C.
Midfire Glaze: Fires at 1220°C.
Characteristics:
Stoneware Glaze: Higher temperature results in more vitrified pieces, often preferred for items requiring greater durability.
Midfire Glaze: Slightly lower temperature but still provides strong and durable results, suitable for a wide range of functional and decorative pieces.
Aesthetics:
Stoneware Glaze: Tends to produce deeper, richer colors.
Midfire Glaze: Offers a variety of colors and effects due to the lower firing temperature.
Choosing the Right Glaze
Function: Both glazes are suitable for functional ware, but stoneware may be preferred for items needing extra durability.
Aesthetics and Effects: Midfire glazes offer a diverse range of decorative effects.
Compatibility: Ensure your clay body matches the firing temperature of the chosen glaze.
Consider the specific needs of your project and the desired outcome to select the appropriate glaze.
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Each Wheelhouse colour glaze is made up of different material components. Should you require these details for safety or emergency purposes, please click here for a detailed PDF for each glaze colour.
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When you arrive, please sanitise your hands and we supply masks if you would like to wear one.
The Wheelhouse staff have been fully vaccinated. Your health & safety is our priority. We have a well ventilated studio and clean surfaces down after each and every class.
COVID is still changing the way we work and our guidelines change to reflect the current Government regulations.
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Thank you for booking with The Wheelhouse Pottery Studios. Please read the following Terms and Conditions:
Eligibility:
Students must be aged 16 or over to enrol in classes.
Rescheduling and Refunds:
To reschedule or receive a refund, provide at least 7 days' notice before your initial class date.
Cancellations made after this period are not eligible for refunds or rescheduling.
If your class is cancelled by The Wheelhouse Studio, we will reschedule it to a suitable available date within 6 months of the initial class date.
Catch-Up Classes:
We offer complimentary catch-up classes with limited spots: 1 session for a 4-week term, and 2 sessions for an 8-week term.
Notify us as soon as possible if you will miss a class or have missed a class.
‘No shows’ or cancellations within 24 hours of a catch-up class forfeit the ability to rebook.
For ‘Taste of Clay’ or Private Group students, missed classes are forfeited.
Term students who miss a class should contact us to explore possible solutions, though we do not guarantee a replacement. Any solution must be within that term.
Class Restrictions:
Studio 2 is located on our first floor and requires one level of stairs to access. If you have accessibility concerns, please only book classes on the ground floor - Studio 1.
Not all classes can be replaced, especially those requiring a week between sessions for drying and firing.
If the last class of the term is missed, it cannot be made up.
Your teacher may change at any time without notice.
Collection of Work:
Student work is ready 4 weeks after the final class and must be collected within 2 months.
After this period, uncollected work will be donated to charity.
Pickup times are listed on our website in the FAQs.
No email notifications will be sent for completed work.
Ceramic Process Information:
We provide the most up-to-date information about the ceramic process and our glazes (glaze safety & technical information can be found here).
We recommend conducting your own research and testing before using your pieces for domestic use.
Public Holidays:
We operate on some public holidays. Check your email booking confirmation for dates. If operating on a public holiday, the date will be listed on your booking.
Code of Conduct:
The Wheelhouse is a safe space for relaxation and re-energising.
Disrespectful behaviour towards oneself, others, or studio property may result in being asked to leave and forfeiting the ability to return. The cancellation policy applies in such cases: once the term has commenced, no refund or reschedule will be applied.
Photography and Videography Consent:
By consenting to these terms and conditions, you grant permission for photos or videos taken during class to be used for social media, promotional purposes, and our website.
To request the removal of any images, please email us at info@thewheelhousestudio.com.au
The Wheelhouse Studio has the right to photograph your work made on the premises and use these images for advertising/marketing purposes.
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation. Enjoy your time at The Wheelhouse!
