Casual Studio Use

At Prickly Pear Studios we believe strongly in the healing qualities of clay
and embrace its use as a therapeutic tool,
therefore we are excited to offer
Casual Studio Sessions
where experienced potters are able to use our facilities to create wonderful pieces of art,
meet like minded people, and expand their talents….

FAQs
for Casual Studio Sessions

  • Casual Studio Sessions are for Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced Potters, everyone right from Hobby Potters to Professional Ceramicists.

    As the Casual Studio Sessions are not overseen by any tutors we need to ensure that anyone undertaking Casual Studio Sessions are familiar with a studio setting and competent to work without guidance during these times.

    Everyone who wishes to use the studio is required to complete an Induction with a Prickly Pear Studios staff member prior to using the studio and be a minimum of 18 years of age.

    This covers off studio etiquette, OHS procedures and Terms and Conditions of studio use.
    We want to make sure everyone understands how to use the studio properly and safely.
    If our Terms and Conditions change we may require you to complete an updated Induction.

    Casual Studio Session Terms and Conditions are available below.

    If you are very new to Pottery we prefer that you take a few of our Workshops before using the studio so you can learn the ceramics basics to increase your chances of success and the general operation of the studio ie: what to do with scrap clay ect.

    Can my friend came and watch me?
    No. If you have not been Inducted by a Prickly Pear Studios Staff Member and purchased session time online you may not attend Casual Studio Sessions.

  • For our Casual Studio Session members who have already been inducted, Casual Studio Sessions are priced per hour, or part thereof.

    You may purchase studio time in 1 hour, 3 hours, Full Day and Full Week increments.

    1 hour: $10
    3 hours: $25
    Full Day: $40

    We also offer 7 days of Unlimited** Studio Use for a flat rate of $50.

    We are also looking at starting up Monthly Memberships which would be more cost effective over time, and include your own dedicated storage shelf to use.
    Please let us know if this may be of interest to you.

    PURCHASE YOUR CASUAL STUDIO SESSION TIME HERE

  • The studio is open from approx 9am to approx 6pm Tuesday to Saturday.

    On Mondays, if the main roller doors are not open, the studio can be accessed via the side door through Petes Place Cafe on Blinco Street between 7am and 1pm.
    Please note you must leave when the cafe closes or you will be locked in.

    On Sundays, the studio is usually open approx 10am to approx 6pm, but please pop me through an email in advance so I can confirm this for you to save disappointment.
    Otherwise the studio can be accessed via the side door through Petes Place Cafe on Blinco Street between 8am and 1pm.
    Please note you must leave when the cafe closes or you will be locked in.

    Please note: We list our opening and closing times as "approximate" as we often rely on our warehouse neighbours to open and close the main warehouse doors for us, so if their hours vary slightly then so do ours.

    When we are running Workshops or Private Events the studio is not available for use.
    Check the Studio Availability below or click HERE

  • No, you do not need to pre book. Once you have completed an Induction just purchase your time online, come in within our opening hours and enjoy!
    PURCHASE YOUR CASUAL STUDIO SESSION TIME HERE

  • Included in the Casual Studio Sessions is the use of all our studio facilities including:

    - A large range of tools for both Handbuilding and Wheel work, such as carving and trimming tools, metal wooden and silicone ribs and kidneys, banding wheels and much more!

    - Our Shimpo and Venco Pottery Wheels, most of which also have a left handed option.

    - Custom built, easy clean tables perfect for studio use such Handbuilding, Wedging and Glazing.

    NOT included are consumables including the use of our Studio Glazes, Clay and Firing Services.

    Click here to purchase your CLAY

  • Clay
    At Prickly Pear Studios we have 3 types of Clay available to purchase for your convenience.

    For more info or to purchase:
    click HERE

    Firing Services
    We are happy to fire your creations in our kilns for you, whether made at Prickly Pear Studios or elsewhere.

    We have a very reasonably pricing structure:
    Bisque - Cone 06 = $9 per kilo
    Mid Fire Glaze - Cone 6 = $11 per kilo
    High Fire Glaze at cone 8 = $12 per kilo
    (Minimum fee $6 per Firing Request form)

    For more info please refer to the Firing Terms & Conditions and Firing Request Form. A copy of which can be obtained from the Studio or by emailing cathy@pricklypearstudios.com.au

    Glaze
    For those who have experience using dipping glazes, we have a stunning range of carefully crafted dipping glazes available for use.

    When using these glazes the pieces must be fired at Prickly Pear Studios.

    There is a small fee for glaze:
    For pieces 200 grams and under: $1.50
    For pieces 200 gram to 1 kg: $2.50
    For pieces 1 kg+: $0.50 per 100 grams

    When using the glazes you must have paid for and signed into a Casual Studio Session.

    Drying / Storage Shelf
    If you have any pieces under construction, or that are drying before firing or trimming, we have shelves available for hire for just $5 per week, saving the need to travel with extremely fragile pieces.
    Book your drying / storage shelf HERE

    Shelves should be booked at the start the use of the shelf, not in advance.

    When we release our Monthly Membership offer one shelf will be included.

  • Yes, you are most welcome to bring your own tools and clay to use in the studio.

    At Prickly Pear Studios we primarily use Walkers #10, PB #103, and Feeneys BRT.

    Should you not wish to recycle your own clay scraps we can accept these 3 clay types.

    Clay types must NOT be mixed for recycling as you may contaminate our Studio supply and be financially liable to reimburse Prickly Pear Studios for any losses.

    Due to space constraints we cannot store your tools for you,
    however we do have shelving available to hire for $5 per week.

    Clay can be stored on the floor underneath the hire shelves.

  • Please contact Cathy via email and she will be able to assist you with any other questions or queries you may have
    cathy@pricklypearstudios.com.au

Terms and Conditions
for Casual Studio Sessions

  • • Do not enter the kiln room at any time.

    • Dress Code – We recommend always wearing closed toe shoes, and avoiding baggy clothing that may get caught in machinery, particularly the Pottery Wheels.

    • We recommend removing certain items of jewellery e.g. dangling necklaces or large rings to prevent damage, loss or injury.

    • Tie back long hair that may get caught in machinery and tools.

    • Always adhere to any signage around the studio or instruction given by Prickly Pear Studios staff, particularly that relating to Health and Safety.

    • Do not handle other peoples work or remove plastic from work in progress.

    • Equipment can be easily damaged by incorrect use. If in any doubt consult with a member of staff before use.

    • Please report any damage immediately.

  • Good housekeeping is extremely important in a Ceramics Studio where there are multiple Health & Safety risks, especially in a shared environment.

    • When finishing up your session you must clean up thoroughly after yourself.

    • To properly clean up clay you must WET wipe and or rinse with clean water all items the clay has come into contact with.

    • Cleaning with a dirty sponge or not regular changing water will only spread clay around which will show up after it is dry.

    • Failure to clean up efficiently after yourself can result in additional charges if Studio staff are required to clean up after you.

    - Remove the bulk clay from all tools used and dispose of it appropriately.

    - Dispose of contaminated clay in the rubbish bin.

    - Store your clay scraps in a closed bag, or bucket.

    - If you choose not to recycle your own clay we will accept Walkers #10, PB #103 and Feeneys BRT to recycle.

    - Wipe all surfaces you have used ie: Wheels, Tables, Fibre Cement Boards, Batts etc.

    - Put away all tools where they live.
    Tools, sponges ect are not to be left out on the bench or tables.

    - Remove clay from the sink to prevent blockages.

    - Mop the area you have used with clean water.

  • • Clay and clay materials are safe to use in their wet states, however all clay and clay materials contain Silica which may be dangerous when not managed.

    • Overtime the inhalation of Silica can lead to irreversible lung damage. 


    • Silica becomes dangerous when it is airborne - here at Prickly Pear Studios, all kinds of sweeping and dry dusting are banned. 


    • Do not create dust. 


    • Always use a wet sponge, towel or mop to clean the studio. 


    • Always wet wipe the benches after use, clean your tools, and mop the floors - change the water frequently.

    • 
Do not dust or 'air out' dirty clothes. Instead put them straight into the wash or soak to release any big chunks of clay.

    Before leaving the studio, please wipe your feet on the mat at the door. 

  • • Keep your workspaces clear of debris and hazardous materials.

    • Spills are to be cleaned up immediately with appropriate signage used if required.

    • Fire escapes and corridors are to be kept clear at all times.

    • Waste is to be placed in bins and clear walkways must be maintained in the studio.

    • Familiarise yourself with the correct operating procedures for tools and machinery.

    • Observe safety instructions, and unless you are absolutely confident to undertake an operation safely, do not proceed.

    • Safe lifting practices are to be adhered to. Use a buddy system for lifting, or utilise the trolleys for moving heavy objects.

    • No extension leads where moisture or spills can get to. DO NOT operate electrical switches with wet hands.

    Studio users have a responsibility for their own safety and for that of others.


  • • At Prickly Pear Studios it is of the highest priority to us that we maintain a safe and welcoming environment, therefore we ask you to always be respectful of other studio users.

    • As we are located in a shared space we ask that you are at all times respectful of our neighbours inside and out of the warehouse.

    • We are in close proximity of a variety of other business including a Tattoo Studio, Accountant, Artist and others we ask that you take particular care not to enter the other businesses unless you specifically have business there.

    • This is simply to respect privacy and their Health and Safety protocols of others.

  • • All accidents and injuries, no matter how minor, MUST be recorded in the First Aid Book, which is kept inside the First Aid Kit above the sink in the Studio

  • • In case of an emergency such a fire, there are several possible evacuation routes:

    • Exit out the main entrance out onto Amherst Street.

    • Exit out the rear fire exit to the back alley way, then take the safest route to either Blinco Street or Amherst Street.

    • Exit out via “Pete’s Place Cafe” onto Blinco Street.

Upcoming Studio Availability

Unless we are running a Workshop or it is otherwise specified,
the studio is open TUESDAY to SATURDAY from approx 9am to approx 6pm.
(Opening hours may vary over the holiday period)