Do you have space for new members?

Usually we do, but sometimes there is a waiting list. Just send us an email, and we can tell you more.

Do I need to become a member before doing a course?

No. Usually, it’s better to first finish a course, so you are capable of working independently. We only recommend this if you want to spend a lot of extra time practicing, while doing a course.

Do I need to follow a course before becoming a member?

Kind of. Working in a communal studio requires a certain level of skills and autonomy. For wheel throwing we advice new member to have at least followed an 8 class course before taking place behind the wheel. This does not have to be a course at studio Pansa. If you follow a course at our studio and want to be a member at the same time, that is of possible, if we have member spots available.

When you become a member for the first time or haven’t used the studio and its facilities for at least a year, you have to book an Introduction. A mentor will show you how the studio operates and answer any question you might have. After this, your studio time is yours to use how you please. (How to book a time slot is explained after becoming a member)

What do i need to bring as a member?

Not much. Different kinds of clay are sold in the studio. Most tools are available in the studio for general use, including glazes. However, we do recommend you bring your own apron, specific tools and any other things you might need. Bring some coffee, tea or cookies as well if you like.

Do you sell clay?

Yes! We have different kinds of clay for sale in the studio, so you don’t have to bring your own. The most commonly used clay, 254 for wheel throwing, costs around €12, and prices vary for different kinds. If you prefer to bring your own clay, please have it checked by the mentor on duty for firing temperature and stoneware properties.

A membership is too expensive for me. Are there ways to volunteer?

Yes, you can ask to become a mentor if there is availability, and earn your membership that way. You work one shift of 6 hours per week, in which you help out people in the studio, and take care of some small tasks. During this time, you can also work on you own work. Please email us, if you’re interested.

Is the studio cleaned regularly?

Yes, by all of us, you included. Clay dust is a health risk when left unchecked, so we clean every day. We ask everyone in the community to pitch in and clean the areas they work in, for at least 20 minutes before leaving. Additional cleaning is done by the day’s mentors, but we depend on all of you to keep our communal work space tidy.

Can I cancel a membership at any time?

If you want to cancel your ongoing membership, we ask you to tell us so at least 1 month in advance. So if you’d like to stop at the end of March, we would need to know before the end of February. Please inform the administrative team of your cancellation by filling out the cancellation form. Telling a staff member in the studio does not count as cancellation.

The monthly membership requires you to be a member for at least 2 full months. If you need more flexibility, we also offer the 1 Month Prepaid membership, which starts at any date you choose and runs for 1 month.

6-month memberships run for 6 months, after which they will automatically transition into a Monthly membership. If you instead want to cancel after the 6 months, you should let us know before the end of month 5.

I am new to ceramics. Is a course something for me?

Yes, we welcome people of all levels. You don’t need any prior knowledge or diplomas. Just start with one of our beginner courses, and you will have a basis from which to work. Just bring some enthusiasm and patience!

What do I need to bring for a class?

For workshops and courses, you just need to wear some comfortable clothing that can get dirty (don’t worry, clay usually washes out quite easily). The rest is all provided for: clay, tools and aprons. If any other things are needed, this will be mentioned in the course description.

Why can’t I book my course of choice?

Our courses fill up pretty quickly, so it is probably fully booked! But not to worry. Next month, we will put new courses online, so you will have another chance. Sign up for our newsletter in the meantime, so you will receive the announcement of new dates before they appear online!

Can I pre-register for the next course?

To keep things fair, we announce new course dates at the same time for everyone. We do not take reservations for courses that have not been announced yet.

Why is there a 1 day workshop for handbuilding, but not for wheel throwing?

Learning to throw on the wheel is a process that takes a lot of time and practice. We want to honour this by teaching you in the right way, over the course of several weeks. Your first pots will fail, and even the successful ones will need to dry before you can trim them, fire them, glaze them, and fire them again. There is attention for throwing in the 4 week intro course, but in order to learn properly, we highly recommend doing a longer course.

What happens when I miss a class?

Missed classes can’t be rolled forward. Most of our courses get sold out. This means we cannot let you participate in another running course if you missed a class. It is important to have guidance during your course so it is not possible to catch up on a missed class independently. Did you miss a glazing class? Make sure to sign up for one of our glazing workshops. You can find our current workshop / courses schedule here.

How much does firing and glazing cost?

Firing and glazing of objects for members is currently priced at €3 per liter (1.000 cubic centimeters) per firing. We have a measurement system in place for measuring how large your objects are. Flatware (plates and such) will be counted double, because of the space they take up in the kiln.

All sizes are noted down, and paid later. Glazes are free for in-studio use. The mentor in the studio can explain to you how the firing system works.

Can I use my own clay and glaze?

You can, but they have to be tested for our firing temperatures. If you don’t, your materials could cause damage to the kiln and other people’s work, and you will be held responsible.

What are the firing temperatures?

We have regular firings for members at around 960 degrees Celsius (bisque) and around 1.220 degrees (glaze) (cone 6).
Additionally, we occasionally do low firings (~1.080) and high firings (~1.260). For the firing schedule, please check in the studio.

Does Studio Pansa take on commissions?

We have a large network of potters with different styles, among which we can find the best potter for the objects you require. Just send us an email with your request, and we will forward it in our community. We do not take on commissions as a studio directly.

Can I fire my ceramics (made elsewhere) at your studio?

We do not fire single objects that are not made in the studio, with an exception for things made with the Clay Kit. For that, we have our Firing and Glazing service.

Who can use the clay kit?

Anyone! It’s not difficult to get started and make something. You will get better and can make more complicated shapes as you practice.

Can you teach me how to get started?

We organise workshops called Taster Classes. For all workshop dates, please subscribe to our newsletter. We are always working on more ways to get you started, and will update you on this via the newsletter as well.

When will I get my clay kit?

We are a small team, so we handle Clay Kits once a week. All orders that come in until Thursday 12:00 (noon) will be prepared on Friday. If you miss this time, your Kit will be prepared in the following week.

If you have chosen to have your order shipped, we will mail it to you on Fridays, by regular mail. How long it exactly takes is up to the Dutch mail system, but we can send you the tracking code to follow your package. Please allow for enough time for your package to arrive.

Where do I bring my finished clay kit pieces for firing?

Clay kit drop off’s will be processed at Studio Pansa Amstel on: Monday till Thursday 19:00 - 21:00 And Saturday 13:30 - 15:30

Can I fire my work made with a clay kit?

Yes! For this, we have our Firing and Glazing Service. A form for this is included in your Clay Kit. You can have up to 4 pieces fired, for €19,95.

Can I fire more than 4 pieces with the Fire and Glazing service?

Yes, but only if they are made with a Clay Kit. You can simply print another Firing & Glazing form. You will pay €19,95 for every 4 pieces.

Please make sure to arrive before the start of the workshop or class, so you have time to get settled before we start.

For taster classes:

If you arrive late for your taster class, you will have to wait for the switch between hand building and wheel throwing half way through the class to join. Our teachers do their very best to help every participant. Showing up late can happen, but it disrupts the instructions of the class. That’s why we want you to have the opportunity to still participate, but at a convenient moment for everyone.

For courses:

The class times are specific to each course, and it is each participant’s responsibility to be there. Classes that are missed, for any reason, can not be caught up. Most of our courses get sold out, so there is no option to participate in another running course if you missed a class. It is important to have guidance during your course, so it is not possible to catch up on a missed class independently.

Did you miss a glazing class? Please sent us an e-mail at info@studiopansa.com. We can offer you a separate glazing class with 40% discount. You can find our current workshop / courses schedule here.

When you cancel a minimum of 1 week (7 days) before the start of a course or workshop you will receive 100% of its value as a voucher to be used for any of our services or products. 

When you cancel between 7 days and 48 hours before the start of a course or workshop you will receive 50% of its value as a voucher to be used for any Studio Pansa service or product.* 

Any cancellations less than 48 hours in advance of the start of a course or workshop will not be compensated. Illness or personal circumstances are no exception. We can unfortunately not bear the risk of individual people getting ill, as this means we lose spots that we could have offered to other people, and we have no way to fill these spots on such short notice. We rely on income from our classes to keep the studio running. Most of our workshops and classes are booked out, meaning that we also cannot offer you a spot in a future class or course.

However, it is always possible for you to offer us a substitute participant and change the registration name, even without confirmation via email. (We usually do not answer emails in the weekend.) Your substitute can simply show up and inform the teacher.

* In the case of unforeseen circumstances related to participants (like illness) outside of the aforementioned timeframes, we cannot refund courses or offer extra classes to make up for missed time. (see: Running late or missing a class)