For a delightful and creative gift, I had the exciting idea of treating my mother-in-law and sister-in-law to an engaging hands-on experience. After some research, I settled on attending the Saturday Soul workshop at Soul Clay Studios.

Zeynep, the proprietor of Soul Clay Studios and a former English teacher, graciously accommodated our last-minute request, making us feel genuinely welcomed throughout the day.

The workshop kicked off with a comprehensive demonstration and tutorial led by Adrian, focusing on the art of pottery wheel throwing. Adrian guided us through the initial steps of placing clay on the wheel, emphasising the importance of precision. I quickly learned that aligning the clay with the centre of the wheel was more challenging than anticipated, but Adrian's assistance made the process smoother.

The hands-on experience of moulding the clay into various shapes was undeniably enjoyable. Witnessing the clay respond to my creative touch, taking shape under my hands, added a fascinating dimension to the artistic process.

Participants were encouraged to let their creativity run wild, and while many started with simple bowl-like shapes, my mother-in-law surprised everyone by skillfully crafting a near-perfect plate. Adrian explained that making plates is typically reserved for advanced potters, making her accomplishment even more impressive.



A well-deserved break came in the form of morning tea, featuring Marcus, Zeynep's husband and fellow studio worker, treating us to his award-winning white chocolate and raspberry muffins. As we indulged in these delectable treats, the studio team continued their pottery-throwing process.

By the end of the workshop, each of us had crafted three to five pieces, though not all survived the journey to the kiln. Nonetheless, we were thrilled with the three completed pieces per person, a testament to the enjoyable and educational experience.

Engaging in pottery at Soul Clay Studios was not only a fun gift but also an opportunity to delve into the artistry of pottery, making us feel like professional potters, if only for a few totally engaging hours.