Perfect art? If you made it, it is.
4Cats is all about being happy, making cool (sometimes totally wonky) art, and spending time with people you like. Our workshops and parties are made for beginners, good vibes, and good company.
start with the basics
how the workshops work
catch up with friends, bond with family, make stuff, and wonder how 1.5 hours flew by in what felt like ten happy minutes
see below so you know what to expect 👇
workshop timeline
first 15 minutes
Arrive 5 minutes early! We start on time. You come in, and for the first 15 minutes, someone explains the project, shows you the tools, and gives you just enough info to feel ready to start (or at least mostly confident with strong “let’s wing it” energy).
next 30 mins
Then you get about 30 minutes to work on your piece—chatting, relaxing, and if working with clay, getting surprisingly emotionally attached to a slightly lumpy shape that now feels like your creative soulmate.
still here for you!
Instructors wander around like friendly art fairies—checking in, sharing tips, and jumping in when you raise your hand. If you’ve done it before, you can say “I got this,” and they’ll let you vibe uninterrupted. 🧚♂️ 🧚♀️
the finale
Once you’re ready, they’ll show you the final steps.
Then you’ll have a few minutes to add finishing touches, admire your creation, and maybe wonder why you don’t do this every weekend. ✅
finally
Your piece stays with us to dry, fire, or set—depending on the project.
You’ll come back to glaze (paint it) if clay, or if not clay just float out feeling good about making something real instead of scrolling through other people’s weekends. 😂
the magic number 14
☑︎ when can i book my glazing?
☑︎ when can i pick up my art after glazing?
☑︎ when can i pick up my oven bake clay?
☑︎ when can i pick up my painting?
answer: after 14 days {unless we call you with some not so great news about cracking, mild explosions or kiln errors we need to deal with (all a natural part of a potter's life) in which cases we will give you a new timeline}
just remember 14 - got it? 🪄
book your glazing
clay workshop glazing
we charge for glazing by the hour — it’s like booking a seat at the glaze bar. not sure how much time you’ll need? start with one hour and top it up if needed!
🎨 you’ll need 3 coats
except for black and red — those only need 2! trust the process and don’t skimp, or your piece might come out lookin’ a little... meh.
💨 let it dry between coats
glaze layers need to dry before you add more — otherwise it can crawl, peel, and throw a tiny tantrum in the kiln. patience = pretty results.
🚫 don’t paint the bottom
no glaze on the base, please! it can stick to the kiln shelf (yikes) and cover your name, which means your piece could go missing. if it ends up there anyway, we’ll wipe it off before firing.
🎲 surprise! it's unpredictable
glaze can be wild. colours may shift, things might drip, and occasionally you’ll get a happy accident. part of the magic!
🔥 glaze. fire. cool. magic.
your piece will be ready for pickup in 14 days. we’ll do the kiln part — you just mark your calendar!
clay workshops: we build from scratch
What makes our workshops different? You don’t start with some pre-made thing and pretend you made it. You start with a lump of clay. Just clay. Then you turn it into something real, something yours, something that didn’t exist before you walked in the door.
beginning
finale 🎉
⚠️ the rules & what you need to do...
raise your right hand and say...
⏰ i will arrive on time
more than 10 mins late? we may need to reschedule — or you'll have to rush. neither is fun, so please be on time 🕒
👂 i will listen to the 15-minute demo
talking over the instructor = not cool. you’ll have plenty of time to catch up once we start creating — deal? 🤝
🎉 i understand this is for fun
4cats is fun, affordable, and all about enjoying the process. no grades, no pressure — just a joyful way to make art part of your life. this isn’t a college-level course (and we think that’s a good thing) 🎈
📏 i’ll follow the project plan
our projects are carefully designed to fit the drying racks and kiln and give your piece the best shot at success. adding extra stuff? it probably won’t make it — and we want your piece to succeed!
📧 i’ve read the policies — and i’ll email if i have questions
our hands are usually full (literally), so email is the best way to get clear answers. plus, it’s hard to answer questions when we’re elbow-deep in clay.
📦 i know pickup is sat & sun, 2–6pm
unless it’s a long weekend or staff break — we’ll always update the calendar and send a note if things shift 🗓️
👕 i’ll dress for mess
we don’t have aprons — so wear something you won’t cry over if it gets painty, clay-y, or glazed.
🔁 i know things don’t always go as planned
sometimes we cancel for weather or staff illness. no refunds, but we’ll credit or reschedule — promise!
👯 i’ll make sure my crew knows the rules too
bringing friends or family? i’ll fill them in — no surprises, no confusion, just good vibes all around.
🧱 clay workshop promises
because clay is fragile (and sneaky)
🧱 i’ll make clay thick & smooth
we’re not bossy — just good clay coaches. your piece needs to be thick enough to survive the kiln. too thin? it’ll crack. too sharp? it might cut. smooth + sturdy = success.
🐉 i promise not to add tiny bits
they’re cute, but they crack. long ears, spiky tails, and delicate extras rarely survive — and seeing them broken is the worst 😢
🌀 i’ll scratch, slip, and stick it like i mean it
just pressing clay together won’t cut it. scratch + slip = staying power (and less heartbreak later).
🛑 i’ll keep my hands off other people’s art
please don’t touch the art shelves or display demos — they’re for eyes only. every piece deserves a safe trip through the studio.
✨ communication + mindset
we’re here to help — but we need your help too
🪄 i’ll speak up if i’m stuck
we’re always checking in, but if you need help, don’t wait — raise a hand and we’ll be right there ✨
🌟 i’m making art, not perfection
every piece is a step forward — even the weird ones. it’s all part of the journey ✨
⏱️ i understand art takes the time it takes
each project takes about 1 hour to make, plus 20–30 minutes for smoothing or finishing details. some folks work fast, some take their time — either way, enjoy the process!
🚫🧒 i won’t sneak into the wrong age group
adults-only means 16+. other grown-ups came for quiet vibes and no tiny voices — but don’t worry, we’ve got family sessions for that! 💛
🧒 i’ll supervise my kids during the workshop
in family workshops, grown-ups stay too — to help, supervise, and create together. no observers, please — everyone is a paid participant, whether you're making your own project or sharing one with your child.
