Online Classes – the school holiday program and term two will be online

Online Classes – ClayMotion Classes are ceasing this Week – the school holiday program and term two will be online

I am so sorry to be closing our classes for the remainder of term one and most likely term two…. but I do have lots of ideas in the pipeline to help us all stay connected and happy … click on the image below to check out the video for more info and scroll down to read more info.

So here is what’s happening in dot points

  • ClayMotion will be open 11-3pm Tuesday to Friday for buying clay and art materials and care packages. Once online classes begin works created can  be dropped off for kiln firing. Hygiene protocols and social distancing will also be observed during these short visits.
  • Pottery, mosaics and drawing students will be affected by this last week cancellation and will be contacted individually with info about an online tutorial for this final class.
  • The school holiday program will go ahead online as much as I can – by that I  mean the time I have to make online tutorials…. I will doing my best to get all the info out so people can enrol.
  • Term two will be online classes …. I will try to get as many videos up as possible for pottery, mosaics, drawing, acrylic pouring, etc – enrolments will be taken online or over the phone as has always been the case. I will put out another newsletter when all this is in place.
  • Arty Crafty Care Packages – these packages will be available online & in store. If purchased online they will be picked up from my door and delivered to your door with touch-free delivery. These care packages are great for the school holidays, for those self isolating, if you are preparing for self isolating or know someone who is,  and make great gifts. They are not on the website as yet and I am working hard to get everything in place – another newsletter will be sent to update you on their availability.

Arty Crafty Care Packages ClayMotion Ballarat Victoria

Finally – the situation is very dynamic and the above could change at any moment, such as the shop front remaining open – but even if this happens I will be working from home to create online classes and prepare care packages as I believe doing arty crafty activities helps us refocus our mind and this helps alleviate stress and anxiety which allows us to relax, and this is very important in our current worrying situation where the news and our thoughts seem saturated with just one thing – both for me and for you too.

Stay positive and healthy everyone and stay tuned for future updates.

And be sure to check out the BLOG and follow the ClayMotion Facebook and Instagram pages for lots of images and even more info.

 

Christmas shopping night at ClayMotion Ballarat Victoria

Christmas Shopping Night at ClayMotion, Ballarat.

ClayMotion has been operating from the shop in Ballarat now for a little over a month, and everything is going well – the kiln is connected and operational, new stock is arriving in the way of art and ceramic supplies, the casual studio space is finished and ready for use, and the gallery space looks great.

Another ClayMotion mission is to support local artists and crafters by taking their creations on consignment and displaying them in the shop window.  We have some fantastic handcrafted gifts, and more are coming for our Christmas Shopping Night on December 8th from 5-8pm.

Christmas shopping night at ClayMotion Ballarat Victoria

Enjoy a glass of complimentary champagne while getting your shopping done and supporting local makers. Gift wrapping will also be available …. so spread the word and share this post with your friends 🙂

In the meantime check out some pics of the new space, and hope to see you next Friday 🙂

ClayMotion has moved! Art Classes now in Ballarat.

Its Official – we have moved! I haven’t had much time to post about the move on the blog, but have tried to do a bit of a story on the Instagram page. But – yes – we are now in…. classes began this week in the new space, and from now on, this is the space to be!!

And today (Sunday) we are having a grand opening – all welcome – I know it is a bit late notice for blog followers, but hopefully you can make it 🙂

ClayMotion Pottery in Ballarat

This past weeks classes have been in the new space, with everyone loving the new studio.

Remember that mid term enrolments are welcome for both adults and children’s classes.

And also remember that new classes are being offered this term in Mosaics …. enrolments are open – see the SHOP to enrol 🙂

ClayMotion Mosaics in Ballarat

Services in the new shop will include:

Pottery classes
Mosaics classes
Art classes
Birthday Parties
Hens Afternoons
Kiln Firing Service
Teambuilding
Locally Made Giftware
Casual Studio Space hire
Exhibition Space
Ceramic & Art Supplies
I am so looking forward to being in Ballarat and being more accessible to to the community!!

Term Four Starts this Week and ClayMotion is Moving – Pottery in Ballarat

Tonight was the first Tuesday Adults night class for term four. Other classes are on Wednesday mornings and Thursday nights … dates and times can be seen on the CLASSES page or you can ENROL online. Children’s classes start next week… and again you can ENROL online.

ClayMotion Pottery in Ballarat

But the BIG news is that ClayMotion is relocating – we are moving into Central Ballarat – 34a Mair street to be exact …. which we are very excited about. We love that we will now be more central to the Ballarat community – drive, catch a bus, walk, or ride your bike!

As part of the move we will also be able to offer more services including more class choices, such as mosaics; casual studio space hire; exhibition space; locally made giftware; and a wider range of pottery and art supplies; plus continuing our existing services of birthday parties; firing service; mums and bubs; teambuilding and professional development.

ClayMotion Pottery Art and Mosaics in Ballarat

Before moving into the new premise we have had to repaint, remove carpet and build work benches…. followed by moving in all the tools and equipment – a huge job! The first week of classes are being held in the Dunnstown studio, but we plan to be operating in Mair street for week two of classes, and we are well on schedule to do so!

And our first new class for the premise we are offering MOSAICS – this class is a unique blend between pottery and mosaics because students will create a sculpted centrepiece for their piece and build a mosaic around it using ceramic shards – click HERE for more info.

 

ClayMotion Mosaics in Ballarat

Children’s CLASSES will begin in the new premises, and will be held on Wednesday afternoons and Saturday mornings. ENROL HERE

ClayMotion School Holiday program in Ballarat, Victoria

We are super excited about our new development at ClayMotion and hop you are too !!

 

Studio Renovation

For those of you who follow ClayMotion on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram you will know that there have been some major renovations happening in the studio… and, yay, they are now all finished!

The renovations were begun during the last two week school holiday break in response to growing class sizes. I decided I needed  separate glaze room and additional storage space. So in we plunged, “we” being the hubby and I!

I am happy to report that most of the structure, and all of the shelving and storage units were made using upcycled materials. The only new materials we bought were the flooring, ceiling, walls, beading and insulation. The frame was built using recycled timber and the roofing recycled tin, and the windows came from 1) an old tabletop and 2) my house – a window that had been removed when building a verandah onto the back of the house. The paints were left overs from previous projects.

ClayMotion renovations

I’m really happy with the ‘recycling’ concept, as it offsets the footprint I leave with things like gas firings and transporting clay and glaze ingredients.

As mentioned the renos were started during the last school holiday period with the intention of having them finished by the time classes resumed, but we all know building projects never go to plan!! The main structure was complete by the two weeks, but there were a few bits & pieces that needed finishing – a bit of beading, for example – but the biggest delay was getting the kiln reconnected!!

However, the delay has perhaps been a little serendipitous. It gave me time to think about needing another kiln, which I did!

I decided I needed a new bigger kiln or another average sized kiln to service my growing business and I thought I should try to purchase one asap so that both kilns could get connected at the same time. I was lucky enough to find one really quickly – and a bargain – by posting a Wanted to Buy in some local Buy Swap & Sell Groups on Facebook. I received a reply quite quickly – a port o kiln which was about thirty years old, but that had never been connected or used…. just sitting in someone’s shed – in new condition!! (rubs hands together). They are both now reconnected, after a few weeks delay, so I am now in catch up mode on class work. I must the stents have been very understanding which has been great!

ClayMotion Kilns

 

The renovation has basically added two open space areas on the side of the existing studio. these spaces have become a glazing room and storage area. The other part of the renovation I love is the new ‘library’ area – perfect for sitting with a cuppa and browsing books or developing ideas in my visual diary. This corner in the existing studio was the old glaze area, but with everything being moved into the new room I could create this cozy space, something I have always wanted to do.

ClayMotion Studio

 

Creating the library cleared a space in a cabinet (where I used to store books) and this has now become a display cabinet for tools and equipment for sale – yes I also sell ceramic supplies and post Australia wide. the postage is included in the prices which are in the online shop on the CLAYMOTION website.

ClayMotion pottery supplies

 

There is still a bit of re-organising and tidying up to do, especially outside in the yard, but here are some pics this far:-)

 

Pottery in Ballarat – Term Three Class Dates & More

Term Three Pottery Classes

Term three classes for adults & kids begin on the 15th & 22nd of July and enrollments are available online HERE or call me on 0438382522.

AND GREAT NEWS – new class times have been introduced : Adults Tuesday evenings 7-9pm and Children Saturday mornings 10-12noon

The next weekend workshop to be held will be a pit firing workshop over the weekend of  26-27th September. This workshop is suitable for all skill levels, and casual classes can be undertaken to make ceramic works suitable for the workshop. Information on this workshop can be seen HERE.

Picture 051_18_1_1_1

Remember also that clay and ceramic tools are available to purchase online and at the studio, and some glaze ingredients can also be purchased at the studio (these will soon be available online also).

clay and tool combo

clay and tool combo

Don’t forget to follow ClayMotion on Facebook and Instagram!

See you soon 🙂

 

 

Pottery Classes Begin Next Week: don’t miss out on Small Business Day Specials

October 4th Vistorian Small Business day - receive 10% discount storewide - use coupon code SMALLBUS at checkout

October 4th Vistorian Small Business day – receive 10% discount storewide – use coupon code SMALLBUS at checkout

The 4th October is Support SmallBusiness Day in Victoria, and in celebration of this ClayMotion is offering a 10% discount storewide all day on Saturday. This offer applies to classes, gift certificates, clay, tools – the works!!

Simply place your order in the SHOP as usual and enter coupon code SMALLBUS at the checkout to receive your discount – and remember shipping is FREE Australia wide.

This is a great opportunity to get some early Christmas done, and a great opportunity to get a discount on term four CLASSES for yourself or the kids

Adults classes start Wednesday 8th October, and children the following week Wednesday 15th October…. classes are filling fast so be to enrol on Saturday!!

:-)

April 2014 Newsletter

          

 

APRIL 2014 NEWSLETTER

 

Hello ClayMotioners… Hope everyone is staying cool in this summer weather J

TERM TWO is only two weeks away and there are not many vacancies left, so ENROL EARLY and don’t miss out!

 

Enrolling is easy – Book or leave a deposit online via the WEBSITE

Or call me on 0438382522 

HAVE YOU CONSIDERED A GIFT CERTIFICATE FOR 2014 CLASSES OR WORKSHOPS THEY WOULD MAKE A GREAT GIFT!!

AND CAN BE ORDERED ONLINE OR BY PHONE TO BE DELIVERED VIA SNAIL MAIL OR ELECTRONICALLY.

CHILDRENS SCHOOL HOLIDAY CLASS

CLAY THONGS

Wednesday 8th April 10-12noon $32.00 including materials and firing.

This project is a tactile project encouraging the children to ‘squelch’ their feet in the clay to make imprints for a set of clay thongs.

Children will roll out clay, imprint their feet into the soft clay, cut out the shape of their feet, and make their imprints into thongs.
The thongs will then be decorated by hand moulding flowers, animals, abstract designs – whatever the children prefer, and then will be painted using brightly coloured slips.

Parents will be contacted when the thongs are fired and ready to pick up. LIMITED NUMBERS – ENROL ONLINE HERE

PENCIL HOLDERS

Wednesday 16th April 2-4pm $32.00 including materials and firing.

Children will create the pencil holder by using the ‘pinching’ method. Techniques for modelling and joining clay will also be explored.

The pencil holder will then be decorated by hand moulding additions, such as eyes and tails, and will then be painted using brightly coloured slips.

The pencil holder is a useful object the children can use everyday while also being proud of having created it.

Parents will be contacted when the thongs are fired and ready to pick up.

LIMITED NUMBERS: ENROL ONLINE HERE

*** Please note that firing will be increasing this term. I have held fast on firing costs for about four years, but can no longer do so due to increasing gas costs.
Firing will now cost $15.00 per kilo. I appreciate your understanding

 

TERM TWO CERAMICS CLASSES

Adults Classes: ten week term
23rd April – 26th June
Wednesday 10am-12noon or Thursday 7-9pm
Beginners to advanced
Wheelthrowing and handbuilding
Set projects or self initiated
$150.00 per term (materials and glazing not included: these costs will vary dependent on what a student makes)

 Mums Classes– Time Out Sessions : ten week term
22nd April – 24th June
Tuesday 1pm-3pm
Beginners to advanced
Wheelthrowing and handbuilding
Set projects or self initiated
$150.00 per term (materials and glazing not included: these costs will vary dependent on what a student makes)

Childrens Classes: eight week term
3oth April – 18th June
Wednesday 4-5.30pm
Set projects are explored using a range of handbuilding techniques.
$90.00 per term (materials and glazing not included: these costs will vary dependent on what a student makes)

UPCOMING WORKSHOPS

 Pit Firing Workshop: DATES TO BE ANNOUNCED DEPENDING ON FIRE SEASON – PLEASE REGISTER YOUR INTEREST VIA EMAIL OR PHONE.

Cost $150.00 Discount* $120.00

*If you are currently enrolled in any ClayMotion classes you can participate in workshops at a discounted rate.

This workshop will be conducted over two days, is for all skill levels and will introduce participants to all aspects of pit firing. Participants are invited to bring a picnic lunch to share. Accommodation  is available close to the workshop site.

Participants are to bring 1-2 pots that have been burnished and bisque fired to between 780-820°. This will ensure the sheen is maintained on the pot after pit firing. Wide rimmed bowls and plates should be avoided. Images of Dawn’s pit firing procedure can be viewed here.

If participants need lessons and/or clay to make pots for the firing casual participation in a weekly class can be organized

OR

If there is enough demand a separate class can be scheduled specifically to make works for the pit firing.

**Remember WORKSHOPS can be given as a gift using ClayMotion a gift certificate**

GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE ONLINE : GREAT BIRTHDAY, EASTER OR  MOTHERS DAY GIFT

ClayMotion gift certificates can be purchased for adults and children’s classes and workshops, and are a unique gift.

Upon receipt of payment a gift certificate can be either sent to you in hard copy or emailed to you which can then be printed and presented as a gift.

 

 CREATIVE TEAMBUILDING WORKSHOPS/REFLECTION DAYS FOR BUSINESS

Recently ClayMotion held a reflection workshop for a group of Berry Street employees. Participants were asked to make a clay bowl while reelecting on how they felt twelve months ago and then a sculptural piece while reflecting how they felt now. The group then had a teram discussion over afternoon tea, followed by free time where some had a try on the pottery wheel and others had some play handbuilding. Overall the session was a great success, and everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves. You can see more about the day on the ClayMotion blog.

Do you own a business or know someone who does that would benefit from a creative

teambuilding or refelction workshop?

Creative teambuilding programs are a great way to build upon your employee’s communication skills, company morale and overall productivity.

More information about the projects available are on the website.

 

CHILDRENS BIRTHDAY PARTIES

ClayMotion offers two hour childrens parties of a weekend and from 4pm during the week. (except Wednesdays)

Children make and decorate a treasure box each, and the party child receives a bowl that each guest has contributed to decorating. After the creative activities a birthday cake is supplied.

Price includes materials (clay, glaze, etc), kiln firing, birthday cake $32.00 per child. Maximum of 12 children, minimum of 6 children.

 

MOTHERS GROUP

ClayMotion offers two hour ceramic sessions to Mothers Groups, where mums and babies can relax in a creative environment. Mums makes a bowl, plate or cup for baby, and baby decorates with his/her handprints or footprints, creating a unique keepsake to treasure into the future.

Afternoon tea or morning tea is provided.

$32.00 per mum and baby. Maximum of 12 pairs, minimum of 6 pairs.

Price includes materials (clay, glaze, etc), kiln firing, and morning or afternoon tea.

PRIVATE CLASSES/PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT CLASSES

One to one private classes are also available, and are especially beneficial to teachers, those wanting to undertake intensive tuition or those wanting to consolidate existing skills. Email or telephone to discuss payment & time options.

Remember that the ClayMotion website also has a blog where you can stay updated on ClayMotion news; all pages can be shared on social media – so you can spread the love; and the shop now contains clay and clay tools – I will be adding to this over time, so why not bookmark the page?

 you can also find ClayMotion on FACEBOOK so like our page to stay updated on classes and workshops!!

 ORDER UNIQUE GIFTS FOR FRIENDS OR YOURSELF!  did you know I also have an online shop on ETSY, where I sell unique handmade ceramic jewellery and small tableware items: perfect for unique gifts or just to spoil yourself. Again, Shipping is FREE Australia-wide! As a special ClayMotion subscriber offer you can get 20% off anything in the store by using this coupon code at the check out: CLAYMOTION

 

 

 

 

Term One Ceramics Classes 2014

Hello ClayMotioners – hope you are beating the sweltering summer heat!

The website has just been updated to reflect term one class dates and enrolment information, which can be viewed HERE

The January newsletter has also been sent out, so if you missed it check it out below or you can download it, complete with images, HERE

 

January 2014 NEWSLETTER

 

Hello ClayMotioners… Hope everyone is staying cool in this summer weather

 TERM ONE is only two weeks away and there are not many vacancies left, so ENROL EARLY and don’t miss out!

 Enrolling is easy – Book or leave a deposit online via the WEBSITE

Or call me on 0438382522

 HAVE YOU CONSIDERED A GIFT CERTIFICATE FOR

2014 CLASSES OR WORKSHOPS THEY WOULD MAKE A GREAT GIFT!!

AND CAN BE ORDERED ONLINE OR BY PHONE TO BE DELIVERED VIA

                                                                                                                                  SNAIL MAIL OR ELECTRONICALLY

CHILDRENS SCHOOL HOLIDAY CLASS

HERB HOUSES

Wedneasday 22 january 10-12noon $30.00 including materials and firing.

This project is great for children who like to grow things – herbs, cactus or even the old fashioned onion tops!

Children will make clay houses from rolled out slabs of clay which will have no roof so that herbs or cactus can be planted into the house.

Houses will be painted with coloured slip.

Parents will be contacted when the thongs are fired and ready to pick up.

LIMITED NUMBERS: ENROL ONLINE HERE

 

*** Please note that firing will be increasing this term. I have held fast on firing costs for about four years, but can no longer do so due to increasing gas costs. Firing will now cost $15.00 per kilo. I appreciate your understanding J

 

TERM ONE CERAMICS CLASSES

Adults Classes (ten weeks)
29TH January – 3rd April
Wednesday 10am-12noon or Thursday 7-9pm
Beginners to advanced
Wheelthrowing and handbuilding
Set projects or self initiated
$150.00 per term (materials and glazing not included: these costs will vary dependent on what a student makes)

Mums Classes: Time Out Sessions
28th January – 1st April
Tuesday 1pm-3pm
Beginners to advanced
Wheelthrowing and handbuilding
Set projects or self initiated
$150.00 per term (materials and glazing not included: these costs will vary dependent on what a student makes)

Childrens Classes (seven weeks)
19th February – 2nd April Wednesday 4-5.30pm
Set projects are explored using a range of handbuilding techniques.
$90.00 per term (materials and glazing not included: these costs will vary dependent on what a student makes)

UPCOMING WORKSHOPS

 Pit Firing Workshop: DATES TO BE ANNOUNCED DEPENDING ON FIRE SEASON – PLEASE REGISTER YOUR INTEREST VIA EMAIL OR PHONE.

Cost $150.00 Discount* $120.00

*If you are currently enrolled in any ClayMotion classes you can participate in workshops at a discounted rate.

This workshop will be conducted over two days, is for all skill levels and will introduce participants to all aspects of pit firing. Participants are invited to bring a picnic lunch to share. Accommodation  is available close to the workshop site.

Participants are to bring 1-2 pots that have been burnished and bisque fired to between 780-820°. This will ensure the sheen is maintained on the pot after pit firing. Wide rimmed bowls and plates should be avoided. Images of Dawn’s pit firing procedure can be viewed here.

If participants need lessons and/or clay to make pots for the firing casual participation in a weekly class can be organized

OR

If there is enough demand a separate class can be scheduled specifically to make works for the pit firing.

**Remember WORKSHOPS can be given as a gift using ClayMotion a gift certificate**
GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE ONLINE : GREAT BIRTHDAY OR EASTER GIFT

ClayMotion gift certificates can be purchased for adults and children’s classes and workshops, and are a unique gift.

Upon receipt of payment a gift certificate can be either sent to you in hard copy or emailed to you which can then be printed and presented as a gift.

 

CREATIVE TEAMBUILDING WORKSHOPS/REFLECTION DAYS FOR BUSINESS

Recently ClayMotion held a reflection workshop for a group of Berry Street employees. Participants were asked to make a clay bowl while reelecting on how they felt twelve months ago and then a sculptural piece while reflecting how they felt now. The group then had a teram discussion over afternoon tea, followed by free time where some had a try on the pottery wheel and others had some play handbuilding. Overall the session was a great success, and everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves. You can see more about the day on the ClayMotion blog.

Do you own a business or know someone who does that would benefit from a creative

teambuilding or refelction workshop?

Creative teambuilding programs are a great way to build upon your employee’s communication skills, company morale and overall productivity.

More information about the projects available are on the website.

 CHILDRENS BIRTHDAY PARTIES

ClayMotion offers two hour childrens parties of a weekend and from 4pm during the week. (except Wednesdays)

Children make and decorate a treasure box each, and the party child receives a bowl that each guest has contributed to decorating. After the creative activities a birthday cake is supplied.

Price includes materials (clay, glaze, etc), kiln firing, birthday cake $30.00 per child. Maximum of 12 children, minimum of 6 children.

 

MOTHERS GROUP

ClayMotion offers two hour ceramic sessions to Mothers Groups, where mums and babies can relax in a creative environment. Mums makes a bowl, plate or cup for baby, and baby decorates with his/her handprints or footprints, creating a unique keepsake to treasure into the future.

Afternoon tea or morning tea is provided.

$30.00 per mum and baby. Maximum of 12 pairs, minimum of 6 pairs.

Price includes materials (clay, glaze, etc), kiln firing, and morning or afternoon tea.


PRIVATE CLASSES/PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT CLASSES

One to one private classes are also available, and are especially beneficial to teachers, those wanting to undertake intensive tuition or those wanting to consolidate existing skills. Email or telephone to discuss payment & time options.

Remember that the ClayMotion website also has a blog where you can stay updated on ClayMotion news; all pages can be shared on social media – so you can spread the love; and the shop now contains clay and clay tools – I will be adding to this over time, so why not bookmark the page?

you can also find ClayMotion on FACEBOOK so like our page to stay updated on classes and workshops!!

ORDER UNIQUE GIFTS FOR FRIENDS OR YOURSELF!  did you know I also have an online shop on ETSY, where I sell unique handmade ceramic jewellery and small tableware items: perfect for unique gifts or just to spoil yourself. Again, Shipping is FREE Australia-wide! As a special ClayMotion subscriber offer you can get 20% off anything in the store by using this coupon code at the check out: CLAYMOTION

 

Muddy Christmas Presents

Today is the 10th of December – where has the year gone?? There are only 15 shopping days left till Christmas!!

Luckily here at ClayMotion we have Christmas wrapped up for you – especially if you have arty family members or friends:  whether they be adults or children.

In fact we currently have a CHRISTMAS SPECIAL: Buy a 10kg bag of stoneware clay and receive a pottery tool kit half price!!

clay and tool combo

clay and tool combo

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OR how about a gift certificate? There are several options available…. a general use certificate which can be used for classes, workshops or pottery supplies, such as clay or tools. Or  certificates redeemable for specific workshops or classes.

There are also lots of ceramic supplies available for purchase in the shop, such as tools and clay.

kidney tools

kidney tools

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

All items in the shop include free postage – except for clay (including the CHRISTMAS SPECIAL) which is pick up at the studio.

So, hopefully we have solved some of your shopping dilemmas!!

Have a great Christmas 🙂