Hands engaged in the art of pottery, creating beautiful clay masterpieces at The Art Department, Newcastle

At Home

Pottery Kit

What's Included:

- 1kg of either Clay (Air Dry)
- Set of Tools, Colour Acrylic Paint Set, Paint Brushes
- The Clay Playbook: QR Code, step-by-step videos + inspo galore

Includes Free Shipping.
Ships within 1-2 business days.

HOW-TO-GUIDE

The Clay Playbook

You’ve got the clay — now what? Below you’ll find a series of short, easy-to-follow videos taught by our own Art Department legends. They’ll guide you through the essentials: setting up, making, drying, and decorating your handmade masterpiece.Whether you’re creating a mug, a mini plant pal, or an abstract creation even your mum will pretend to love, this guide is your go-to.
Explore the videos

Throwing off the hump

One lump of clay, many cups. This is what's possible with a pottery wheel, not something your air-dry kit needs, but a good look at where the craft can take you.
Skill Level: Beginner

Your first time on the wheel

Molly walks through centering, opening, and pulling walls on the wheel. Your kit doesn't need a wheel, but if you're curious what that side of pottery looks like, this is it.
Skill Level: Beginner

From class to kiln

Your air-dry kit doesn't need glazing or firing, but if you've ever wondered what happens to a piece made in the studio, here's the process from wet clay to finished glaze.
Skill Level: Beginner

Build a vase with coils

Grab your kit and build along with us. Bianca shows how to build a vase from coils, no wheel needed, just your hands and a little patience.
Skill Level: Beginner

Advanced Wheel Throwing

A look at what's possible once you've been at the wheel a while: 2.5kg of clay centred, opened, and pulled into a tall vase with a high shoulder and collared rim.
Skill Level: Beginner

FAQs

Frequently asked questions for the curious and obsessed, we have the answers to your questions.
Do I need any special tools or equipment?

Nope! Everything you need is in the box — clay, tools, sponge, and a step-by-step guide (aka The Clay Playbook). Just grab a bowl of water, a towel, and clear a little space to get messy.

Can I reuse the clay if I mess up?

Absolutely. Until your piece is fully dry, you can keep squishing, reshaping, and starting over as many times as you like. Mistakes = part of the magic.

How long does it take for the clay to dry?

Usually around 24–72 hours, depending on thickness and weather. Let your masterpiece dry slowly and completely before painting or sealing.

Can I fire this in a kiln?

This clay is air-dry, so you don’t need a kiln (yay!). But if you do want to fire it, have a chat with your local pottery studio first — not all air-dry clays are kiln-safe.

Need a hand (or have a hiccup)?

If something’s not quite right with your kit, or you’ve got questions, feedback, or just want to say hey — we’re here for you!

Drop us a line at hello@theartdepartment.com.au and we’ll sort it out quicker than you can say “pinch pot.”

Ready for more?

Loved getting your hands dirty at home? Come play with clay in real life at our Newcastle studio! From beginner-friendly sessions to full-on wheel-throwing adventures, we've got a class (and a spot) with your name on it.
The Art Department's clay studio in Newcastle: A hub of creativity where hands shape clay into works of art