Frequently Asked Questions
"What are your opening hours?"
We are open for bookings on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday 11am - 4pm, term time. We are also open on the occasional Sunday 11am - 4pm (please telephone 07966 514766 for availability). During school holidays, we also open extra days - half term holidays we are open Monday-Saturday and main school holidays we are open Tuesday - Saturday.
"Do we have to book?"
YES! We operate a booking system - we are always in the studio on a Tuesday and a Saturday, however, on the other days we open by appointment only. Our studio only holds 16 people, so it is essential that you book to avoid disappointment.
"Can we contact you by telephone? How is it best to contact you?"
You can call us on 07966 514766, but only during our studio opening hours. Out of hours, you are invited to leave a message and we will call you back when we are next open. We also accept text messages and messages via our website and our Facebook page. Emails are also welcome to sazsceramics@gmail.com. We will reply to you as soon as possible, during opening hours.
"Do we need to pay a deposit?"
For groups of 6 or more, we do require a £5pp deposit to secure your booking. This can be paid by popping into the studio or by bacs.
"How long does a workshop last?"
Our clay handbuilding workshops are 1 hr, unless otherwise stated. If you are booked in for pottery painting, you will be allocated 2 hrs. If you need longer than this, we charge £5 per hour for extra studio time.
"How long does it take to process our pottery?"
Pottery painted items take approximately a week to 10 days to process. We fire pottery painted items once a week, on a Friday, which means they will be ready for collection after 3pm the following day. Items have to cool down after a kiln firing, to reduce the chance of thermal shock - please do not try to collect your items before 3pm on the Saturday. For clay items, we have to allow them to dry out before firing - therefore we ask you to wait approx. 2 weeks before collection or booking in to paint.
"Will you contact me when my pottery is ready?"
NO. We will advise you to collect in either 1 or 2 weeks, dependant on whether you have done pottery painting or clay play. We will hold your items for 2 months before contacting you for collection, by texting you on the telephone number provided. You will be given a further month to collect, and we will then ring you as a reminder, advising that we will hold your items for 1 further week. After this time, items not collected will be disposed of.
"Can I eat or drink in the studio?"
You are welcome to bring drinks with you into the studio, Food is not permitted, as any grease/food remnants on the pottery will damage the glazing process.
"What age do you need to be to do the Potter's Wheel 'Have A Go' Experience?"
Our Potter's Wheel experiences are recommended for ages 12 and over. This is due to the throwing technique/strength and co-ordination required to operate the wheel and successfully throw a pot.
"Can we bring other family members/friends along to watch?"
Yes and No - during quiet periods they may be able to get a seat. However, during busy times, our seating is strictly for those taking part in an activity, and there is not much standing room. We would advise as few as possible by-standers attending, and to maybe encourage them to visit the rest of the site, or the coffee shop located next door to the studio.
"Do you do parties?"
YES! Please visit our party page for full details - we welcome birthday parties, hen parties, baby showers - any type of party you can think of! We class 8 people or more as making a party. We have space in the studio for 16, however, if you require more people to attend, we can enquire on site as to whether you can be accommodated in an alternative room, or we can bring the party to you in a hired venue.
"Do you do takeaway kits?"
YES! We found these to be extremely popular during the Pandemic, and we have continued to offer this service. We offer pottery painting kits and clay play kits for one week. A cash deposit is required for the kit (£50 for glaze kits and £10 for clay play kits) refundable on return of the kits.
"Can you fire items which I have created elsewhere or used my own clay?"
NO. Under no circumstances will we process items purchased elsewhere or items created from clay where we do not know the source. This is due to protecting our kilns from damage during the firing process.
"Do you do repairs?"
Unfortunately we no longer carry out repairs.
"Do you carry out outside workshops?"
YES! We can bring Saz's Ceramics & Crafts to you! If you have a community group or a school who would like us to visit, please contact us to discuss your requirements and for a quote.