North Carlton Ceramics

Incredible experience - a hidden gem in North Carlton. Stumbled upon this bespoke boutique ceramic studio while walking through the streets with my partner. Met Val the owner who was extremely patient and knowledgeable regarding all of our questions. Val is a master ceramicist and runs classes for people interested in throwing clay/pottery/ceramics. As an activist Val also makes beautiful pieces that talk about the plight of disenfranchised cultures and communities and works with these themes to produce works that speak about empowerment. - Well worth a visit and if you're lucky enough to meet Val you will enjoy her company.

I love working with Valerie at North Carlton Ceramics. Having had a few years of classes many years ago, I really appreciate her individual attention and tailoring of the lessons to my ability. She's taught me several techniques I hadn't explored yet like closing shapes, making plates, and creating bottles. Valerie is super patient and very knowledgeable. She's even helped me dive into a couple of really tricky special projects like making a French butter bell. I definitely recommend Valerie for her fab teaching and wonderful stories. The studio has great ambiance and equipment. I highly recommend it for beginners and advanced students alike. Thank you, Valerie!

I love coming here. Val is a great teacher and she encourages your own creativity in what you create on the wheel or hand building with clay. The studio is a great place to spend time and everyone I've met there is very friendly.

A lovely studio with beautiful, unique art as well as flexible classes to learn pottery at your own pace and make what you want, using a gorgeous range of clay and glazes.

The owner is a ceramics artist herself who makes quite lovely pieces. A real joy in the neighbourhood

Lovely studio and space, lessons with Val are great value

I love my Carlton experience especially the work of north Carlton ceramics

A beautiful, relaxed space to work, with good direction and honest feedback from a true expert.

A cosy and tranquil studio - however an austere and challenging learning experience.Would NOT recommend.

Valerie was generous with the use of clay in the class and it was useful to be provided with time to independently work with the clay.
What was not useful was the lack of specific feedback and the unfriendly, unsupportive learning environment she created through negative remarks.

The class price was also quoted as $50pp for free clay (firing was said to be cheap), however when wanting to take the pieces home - she insisted on $20 per kg and was unaccommodating of students who wanted to complete their pieces and fire elsewhere.

An uncomfortable experience. Would recommend learners try a different studio.

Overpriced ( I thought I was getting a good deal until I left and realised that I was taken advantage of).....sloppy handling of fired products by owner Valerie ....to the point where sometimes they break. Constant disrespectfulness towards others works.....sometimes makes fun of them behind their backs.

Owner back stabs most customers, especially regulars.

If you buy anything you want to eat out of, please make sure the glaze used is safe....owner does not care and commented "oh well, I'll be dead by the time anything happens ".

DO NOT GO HERE! Extremely disappointed. Bought a pottery class for my girlfriend and her friend. They completed the 1st class, but had to do a 2nd class to glaze their mugs so they would be finished and able to use. The lady told them to come back in no longer than 6 weeks, otherwise they can't store the pottery any longer than that. We called after 4 weeks to book the next class and the lady had thrown out their work. Instead of doing the decent thing and offering another complimentary or discounted class, she simply said bad luck, and if they wanted to do it again they would have to pay for another full class, and then still have to do another class after that to glaze their work. Extremely frustrating and disappointing. There are lots of places to do pottery around the inner northern suburbs, and I would recommend you go to any other one than this.

Disrespectful and wouldn’t apologise nor take responsibility for the lost pieces that I mad and paid extra for firing. Even though only few were found in the sales section, but refuse to explain and denies that the rest is gone.

I went in to buy a gift because they have some beautiful pieces, but unfortunately the owner was quite unwelcoming and rude so I left.