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Kids Summer Holiday Pottery – Handbuilding with Clay
🕒 Duration: 2 hours 👧 Ages: 6+ 📍 Clay Talk Studio, Montsalvat, Eltham
January school holiday dates now open!
Looking for a creative, screen-free way to fill the summer holidays? This two-hour workshop gives children a hands-on pottery experience in the beautiful surrounds of Montsalvat.
With guidance from our friendly, experienced tutors, kids will learn traditional handbuilding techniques like pinching, coiling and sculpting, then use them to shape their own imaginative creations. Think summer-inspired bowls, sea creatures, garden critters or anything their imagination dreams up. It’s a chance for young makers to get their hands dirty, try something new and take home something they made themselves.
What’s included
- All clay, tools and materials
- Glaze firing of up to 3 pieces per participant
- Studio time in our ceramic centre, Clay Talk
What to bring
- Clothes that can get messy (clay washes out, but glaze may not)
- A water bottle
- Long hair tied back
Can parents join in?
Yes! Parents are welcome to book their own place and create alongside their child. It’s a lovely way to share a creative moment together. If you’d prefer to watch, please do so from a little distance so the tutor and children can work without interruption.
🔥 Firing & collection
Each child can have up to 3 pieces glaze fired by our studio team. We’ll let you know by email or SMS when their work is ready, usually within 3 to 4 weeks (sometimes sooner). Pieces can be collected from Montsalvat Reception, Wednesday to Sunday, 10am–4pm.
Made more than 3 pieces? Extra work can be:
- Taken home unfired (we’ll provide newspaper for wrapping), or
- Glaze fired for $15 per 3 extra pieces, payable by QR code on the day
Going away after the holidays or can’t collect? Just email claytalk@montsalvat.com.au and we’ll make other arrangements.
💬 Can’t find a date that suits?
If your preferred session is booked out, please get in touch at claytalk@montsalvat.com.au. We may be able to open more spots.
Holiday sessions fill quickly, so book early to secure a place. We can’t wait to welcome your young maker to Clay Talk this summer!
Details
You will learn
- Sculpture & handbuilding techniques
You will get
- An exciting and creative clay experience at the beautiful setting of Montsalvat
Appropriate for
School aged children 5+ looking to have fun and get creative!
Preparation
What to bring
- Apron
- Towel
What to wear
Casual / older clothes and covered or closed-in shoes - clay can get messy!
Planning a Private Event?
From corporate team building to birthdays and hen's parties, Montsalvat Arts Education can tailor a private kids activities experience for your group.
Your Teacher
Our Clay Talk teaching team is made up of passionate, highly skilled ceramicists who are not only certified with Working With Children Checks but are also actively engaged in postgraduate art studies or teaching in respected studios and schools across Melbourne. Each tutor brings their own creative perspective, artistic flair, and deep love of clay — nurturing young imaginations through thoughtful guidance and hands-on expertise.
Cancellations & Refunds
If the organiser cancels the class:
You are entitled to a transfer or credit note.
If you can't attend the class:
You’re welcome to send someone in your place.
OR
You may cancel anytime before class starts and claim a full refund or transfer or credit note.
We recommend the refund upgrade option upon checkout in case you’re not able to attend the class. Learn more about refund upgrade option.
Terms & Conditions
TERMS & CONDITIONS
Refunds, Credits & Transfers
All bookings are final. Refunds are not provided for change of mind, incorrect selection, scheduling conflicts, inability to attend or failure to attend.
Before Program Commencement
Requests made prior to the scheduled start date may be considered as follows:
- Transfers to another program or participant may be approved, subject to availability.
- Where a transfer is not possible, a credit may be issued, valid for a specified period.
- Refunds are not standard and will only be provided where required under law or approved at the sole discretion of Clay Talk.
- Any approved refund will incur a 10% administration fee.
After Program Commencement
No refunds, credits, or transfers will be provided once a program has commenced.
Non-Attendance
Failure to attend any scheduled session does not entitle the participant to a refund, credit, or transfer.
Illness or Extenuating Circumstances
Where a participant is unable to attend due to illness or other unforeseen circumstances:
- Clay Talk may, at its sole discretion, offer a transfer or credit.
- Refunds will not be provided except where required under law.
- Any approved refund will incur a 10% administration fee.
Cancellation by Clay Talk
If Clay Talk cancels a program, participants will be offered:
- A full refund; or
- A transfer to an alternative program (subject to availability).
Consumer Rights
Nothing in these Terms & Conditions excludes, restricts or modifies any rights or remedies available under the Australian Consumer Law.
Gift Vouchers
Gift vouchers are available exclusively through:www.claytalk.weteachme.com
Minimum value: $20
Valid for three (3) years from purchase
Redeemable only for Clay Talk programs via the online portal
Not redeemable for cash and non-transferable
Gift vouchers are intended to support your creative learning and artistic development.
Firing of Work – Clay Talk Term Classes Only
Many workshops and classes include firing and glazing of a specified number of pieces. Please refer to individual course listings for details.
General Requirements
All work must be clearly labelled with the name used for booking.
We take great care with all work; however, ceramics involves inherent risks.
Clay Talk cannot guarantee successful firing outcomes and accepts no liability for breakage, cracking, or firing faults.
Clay Talk Term Classes – Firing Conditions
For most term classes:
Up to 10kg of finished work per student is included in fees
Additional firing will incur extra charges
All pieces must be labelled with your Maker’s Mark(Initials + Class Code, e.g. John Adam Smith = JAS)
Unmarked work will not be fired.
Damage of pieces in Clay Talk only
Damage caused by inappropriate clay bodies or glazes may result in replacement costs for kiln shelves.
Significant kiln damage may incur additional repair fees, assessed by the Studio Coordinator.
Fire & Clay Festival – Work & Firings
For Fire & Clay Festival participants:
Firing allocations and work limits are outlined in your festival registration pack.
All work must be labelled clearly and handled in accordance with staff instructions.
Due to the experimental nature of atmospheric and wood firings, outcomes cannot be guaranteed.
Collection of Work
Processing, firing, glazing, and packaging typically takes 2–4 weeks after program completion.
You will be notified by email when work is ready for collection.
Work must be collected within one (1) month of notification.
Uncollected work, materials, or tools may be disposed of or donated to Clay Talk fundraising initiatives after this period.
Contact
For all enquiries relating to bookings, attendance, or policies, please contact:
\U0001F4E7 claytalk@montsalvat.com.au
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Kids Summer Holiday Pottery - HANDBUILDING
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