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Throwing on the potter’s wheel with Aster Caemaert

Throwing on the potter’s wheel with Aster Caemaert

In this course, you’ll learn pottery throwing step by step. Starting with a simple lump of clay, you’ll learn to create bowls, cups, mugs, and dishes. You’ll discover all the essential steps of pottery making: wedging, centring, opening, pulling, and shaping. With passion and expertise, Aster guides you through these basic techniques, supported by detailed video material and valuable advice. This will give you the confidence to work independently at the potter’s wheel.

Price: €

315

Level:

Beginners

10 modules, 66 lessons

Dutch spoken, English subtitles

Learn pottery throwing from home, at your own pace

Aster Caemaert demonstreert spiraalkneden

Have you always wanted to work with clay but don’t know where to start? You want to learn pottery throwing on the potter’s wheel, but local studios are full, or you can’t fit weekly classes into your busy schedule. You search online for information, but you quickly get lost in the maze of techniques and methods that only show fragments of the process. You want the complete picture, but that proves hard to find.

In group classes, you often invest a lot of time but only receive a fraction of that time in actual useful instruction. You’re often sitting too far from the instructor, making it difficult to see exactly what they’re doing. And when you have questions, you have to wait your turn, which can be frustrating, especially when others seem to catch on more quickly. Moreover, you often only get to see a technique up close once or twice, and there’s a limit to how many times you can ask for a demonstration. You’re left feeling like you haven’t quite grasped it, but the class moves on anyway.

What you’re really looking for is a way to learn all the steps and techniques comprehensively from home, at your own pace. Throwing pottery on the wheel isn’t easy. It’s a craft you need to develop muscle memory for, and it requires substantial practice. But that moment when you hold that self-made bowl in your hands? Priceless.

Fortunately, the learning process doesn’t have to be complicated or frustrating. With the right guidance and a clear, structured approach, you can make progress step by step. No rush, no stress – just you, the clay, and an instructor showing you exactly what to do when you’re ready for it. You want to see in detail how to position your hands and repeat the techniques as often as needed, without time pressure or distractions.

Aster praat over gelijkmatige wanden aan de draaitafel

Many people think you need to be exceptionally talented, incredibly creative, or blessed with loads of free time to master pottery throwing. In reality, you only need a bit of determination. Combine that with a good teacher, a clear structure, and crystal-clear instructions, and you’ll be amazed at how quickly you progress.

With the course ‘Learn pottery throwing with Aster’, you’ll discover step by step how to transform clay into bowls, cups, mugs, and dishes. Aster guides you through every aspect of the process – from wedging and centring the clay to shaping and glazing your pieces. No boring theory, no partial explanations, but clear visual material and instructions that truly show you what to do. With professional camera work, you’re always in the front row, with a close-up view of the instructor’s hands.

Aster dompelt kleivorm in glazuur met een tang

And the best part? You do it all at your own pace. No rushing to weekly classes, no fixed schedules, no deadline to complete the lessons – you decide when to be creative. In an online course, you set the pace. You have lifetime access to clear videos, summary texts, and schematic drawings that you can review again and again, without feeling lost. No stress, no waiting times, just learning your way, when it suits you.

Start today with ‘Learn pottery throwing with Aster’, and discover how to transform clay into beautiful, handmade pieces you’ll be proud of.

What's included in the course package?

Immediate and lifetime access to the online platform with all course materials, so you can start straight away. You set your own pace, just like the 500+ students who came before you.
A clear and structured learning path, divided into 10 modules and 66 video lessons. Learn the correct basic techniques step by step, without unnecessary detours or confusion. This helps you avoid common beginner mistakes. From throwing and trimming to making spouts and attaching handles: everything is covered, including firing and glazing your pieces.
Professionally filmed video lessons that show you every detail of the five steps of the throwing process in crystal-clear quality. You'll get a clear view of hand positioning and clay manipulation, helping you learn more quickly and efficiently, without missing anything.
Accompanying texts that complement and summarise the video lessons. These ensure the knowledge sticks, giving you something to refer back to whenever you need a refresher.
Handy, professionally designed PDF documents that you can print and take to your workspace. No need to worry about getting clay on your laptop or phone. With materials lists, sketches and step-by-step guides, you'll learn in an organised way and build your skills gradually.
Always available for questions: if anything is unclear or you get stuck, you can always ask questions. The answers are added to the course, ensuring you get the help you need.
Access to a community of fellow students, where you can discuss, ask for feedback and share your creations with others who are learning pottery just like you. You don't have to do it alone; there's always a group of people to support and inspire you.

Who is the instructor?

Aster Caemaert

For Aster, ceramics is much more than just creating an end product. It's about the continuous process of discovering and rediscovering the possibilities of clay. With nearly 30 years of experience in ceramics and more than 20 years as a passionate teacher, Aster has guided both beginning and advanced potters - and everyone in between. She is known for her ability to explain every step of the throwing process clearly and comprehensibly. Hundreds of students have mastered pottery thanks to her guidance, and Aster makes this learning process accessible to everyone. Her greatest passion is sharing her love for clay, both with students and colleagues. Over the years, her studio has grown alongside her enthusiasm and dedication to this beautiful craft.

What our students say

"Excellent explanations! Very detailed with lots of helpful tips. The course is highly recommended! You learn everything step by step. I had taken a course elsewhere but still learned so much more. I'm glad I took the plunge with this online course."

Els R.

"The course is very well structured. Everything is explained clearly with excellent videos. I was sceptical about online courses, but now I'm truly convinced that it works."

Nathalie H.

"For me, this was a very useful and educational course that you can follow at your own pace. Aster explains everything well and you can always rewatch the video lessons. I've caught the pottery bug and this year there's no need to search for Christmas presents - they'll all be handmade!"

Lieve M.

"I already had some experience from a live course, but was missing some technique and explanation. I found this to be an excellent course! I learned so much! Clearly explained and well demonstrated in the videos. Highly recommended!"

Marjam R.

What do you need to take this course?

The course includes a detailed materials list with everything you need to get started with clay and a potter’s wheel.

In the first module, Aster explains step by step which clay works best, how to sit comfortably at the potter’s wheel, and which tools you need. She’ll tell you which materials you can get from a pottery supply shop and which useful items, such as a sponge and bucket, you can simply gather from home. A potter’s wheel is essential, preferably an electric one, along with some basic tools from the pottery shop.

Here you’ll find a list of pottery supply shops. If you have any questions about materials or shops, we’re happy to help.

What will you make after completing this course?

What is covered in the course?

Module 1: Preparation

We begin the first module with an explanation of the ceramics process, types of clay, and the various possibilities in terms of colour and texture. Aster demonstrates different clay labels, which tools you need, and how to sit ergonomically at the potter’s wheel. You’ll also learn how to recycle clay and work safely and cleanly. There’s even a special lesson for left-handed potters.
Module 2: Wedging

In Module 2, you’ll learn the ram’s head and spiral methods for wedging clay, how to make it uniform, and remove air bubbles. You’ll understand why preparing the clay is so crucial.
Module 3: Centring

In this module, you’ll learn the first step in the process: centring clay on the wheel. You’ll learn about the two stages of centring and why it’s so important. Once you’ve mastered the basics of centring, we’ll refine the technique further.
Module 4: Opening

Now you’ll learn how to open up the centred ball of clay. Aster explains how to manage the base, compress the walls, check thickness, and avoid the dreaded ‘mushroom’ effect.
Module 5: Pulling up

The fifth module focuses on pulling up the walls of your pot. Aster shows you different hand positions and gives tips on pulling your walls evenly and efficiently. You’ll also learn about common mistakes students make and how to avoid them.
Module 6: Basic shapes

In module 6, Aster introduces playful exercises to help you master the techniques. Then you’ll learn to make a straight cylinder, an angled beaker, a coffee cup, and a bowl. In this module, we really focus on design and developing prototypes. Aster also explains how to work with bats.
Module 7: Trimming

Module 7 is all about trimming. You’ll learn about the tools, steps, and aids. Aster explains how to trim different forms and how to finish pieces that are too dry. She also provides information about the drying process.
Module 8: Appendages

In module 8, we work on additions. You’ll learn how to make a pouring spout for a bowl or jug, and how to ‘pull’ and attach handles for coffee cups, beakers, or mugs.
Module 9: Glazing

In this module, you’ll get an introduction to glazing: you’ll learn about different glazing methods and how to prepare and use a dip glaze. The final touch for your handmade ceramics – adding colour!
Module 10: End goal

In Module 10, everything you’ve learned comes together in a challenge from Aster. The goal is to be able to throw a cylinder 10 centimetres wide and 20 centimetres high using 1 kg of clay. Good luck!

How does it work?

The course is conducted entirely online. After purchase you will receive an automatic confirmation email with your personal login details within 15 minutes. With that, you can log in to our course platform. That’s the place where you can find all your purchased online courses.
On the course platform you will find all video lessons, accompanying texts and pdf documents with overviews, step-by-step plans and lists. That way you can start learning right away. You don’t have to be at your computer at a specific time, all material is continuously available.
You take classes from home, with your own tools, at your own pace, when it suits you.. No spare time for a while? Or would you like to revisit the lessons again (and again) at a later time? No problem! The course remains available for life. You can read about the benefits of an online course here.
Don’t have all the materials at home? Each course includes a detailed materials list of things you will use during the course. You’ll find a list of ceramic stores here.
No ceramic oven? No problem. Here you will find an extensive list of addresses in Belgium and the Netherlands of ceramic studios and individuals who bake work for third parties for a fee. You can probably find an address near you!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take this course as a beginner?
Yes, absolutely! The course is specifically designed for beginners. Even if you’ve never worked with clay before, this is an excellent way to start. Aster uses a structured approach and guides you step by step, making everything easy to follow. You’ll learn all the basic techniques, and then it’s up to you to practice. For those with some experience on the potter’s wheel, the course offers many new insights, particularly about centring, opening, pulling, and shaping. Are you a complete beginner? Then it might be helpful to consult our beginner’s guide.
What do I need to take this course?
The course includes a detailed materials list with everything you need to get started with clay and a potter’s wheel.

In the first module, Aster explains step by step which clay works best, how to sit comfortably at the potter’s wheel, and which tools you need. She’ll tell you which materials you can get from a pottery supply shop and which useful items, such as a sponge and bucket, you can simply gather from home. A potter’s wheel is essential, preferably an electric one, along with some basic tools from the pottery shop.

Here you’ll find a list of pottery supply shops. If you have any questions about materials or shops, we’re happy to help.
Do I need a kiln to take the course?
To preserve your thrown pieces, they need to be fired in a kiln. However, a kiln is a significant investment, and you don’t need to purchase one straight away. We’ve compiled a comprehensive list of ceramic studios and individuals who fire work for others for a fee. You’re sure to find somewhere near you!
When does the course start, and how long do I have access?
As soon as you purchase the course, you can log in and begin. You have lifetime access and can set your own pace — the course adapts to your schedule.
How does an online course work in practice?
The course is entirely online. After registration, you’ll receive a confirmation email within thirty minutes with your personal login details for the course platform. There, you’ll find all video lessons, accompanying texts, and PDF documents with overviews, step-by-step plans, and lists. You can start learning immediately, from home, with your own materials and at your own pace. Whenever it suits you! Need a break? Or want to review the lessons later? No worries – the course remains available for life. Read about the benefits of an online course here.
I'm not very good with computers, will I manage?
The online learning platform is user-friendly and intuitive. You’ll receive clear emails with practical instructions on how to use the platform. Having trouble? Don’t worry! We’re always here to help with technical questions. Just send us an email!
What if I don't have enough time to watch the lessons?
Don’t worry! You have lifetime access to the complete online course. Plus, you automatically get access to all future updates and additions to the course.
Where can I go if I have questions about the course?
You can ask questions with every course from the Cursist. We believe it’s important that you receive good guidance during your online course so that you can progress smoothly. You can ask questions via our online question form or via email. We add the questions and answers to the course so other students can learn from them too. Additionally, you’re always welcome to join the Facebook group for ideas and feedback from fellow students.
Can you really learn ceramics online?
I had my doubts at first too. The Cursist started as an experiment. During a workshop in 2019, the idea emerged to create an online video course about ceramics. Quite daring, as nothing like it existed yet. I often saw students filming during workshops with their phones: shaky footage, poor audio…

As a professional videographer, I thought: we can do better! A few months later, we launched the first Dutch-language online video course in pottery throwing. For the first edition, 95 enthusiastic students enrolled, from complete beginners to people with throwing experience.

After our focus on throwing courses for beginners and advanced students, we’ve expanded our offering with more courses on various themes with different instructors. By now, more than 1,500 students have taken one of our online courses. The feedback is overwhelmingly clear: learning ceramics online works!

On this page you will find all frequently asked questions