Classes & Events

Did you know there are health benefits from working with clay?

Creating from clay with our bare hands can truly bring out our ancestral creative side.
By exploring our creativity, we can feel more connected to our true selves, the natural materials we use and the environment around us.
Clay is incredibly tactile and the sense of touch is of high importance in reducing stress levels, grounding us in the present moment and creating a purposeful yet meditative like practise.
Because there is no right or wrong way, you can truly be free to create however and whatever you wish.
Instead of worrying about thing in your life, pottery allows you to shift your full focus toward your creation.
During the process, outside influences dont affect your work as your total focus is required to complete each stage.
By dedicating your total time and energy to concentrate solely on your project, you help your mind relax and expand which in turn helps you focus further on other daily tasks.
Creating with clay is a way for many people to forget their sadness and grief (even if its just for a moment), which ultimately results in improving your mood.
We can also improve other features of our mental health such as confidence, self-expression, self-esteem, self-identification and spontaneity.
Seeing your pottery in its final form will bring a real sense of accomplishment and satisfaction.
Most archaeological digs all over the world have yielded many wonderful artifacts made from pottery, as they withstand the elements and can survive thousands of years to be discovered and treasured by new future civilizations.
Your ceramic artwork has the same potential to last forever and be discovered, immortalized or even just admired and past down to future generations.
Expressing yourself through an art form such as pottery, creates an outlet where you can produce something both beautiful and functional starting from just a simple lump of clay and basic tools.
As you progress and learn more you will try out new techniques and stretch your imagination and develop your own style, as you become more intuitive with your work.

Clay & Wine Classes with Tessera Wines

Classes will be held at the private home studio of Melanie Hardy Ceramics in The Gap, Brisbane. Australia.
Dates: TBC
Wine & Clay Classes run for a 3 hour period and include all materials, tools, aprons, kiln firing, guided tuition, wine & cheese tasting plus afternoon tea.
$150 pp TBC
About the pottery vase class
In this class we will be using natural white Australian clay to create a small coiled built vase. This vase can be adapted to a sculptural form or a functional vase form. A step-by-step guided tuition is provided using ancient hand building techniques that are both suited to beginners and those with some clay experience who wish to be more daring with their pieces.
You will be provided with enough material to create a small vase approximately 15cm high. Tea, coffee and cake is served at the end of the class.
After the class your ceramics will be slowly dried, glazed in a white milk satin glaze and then double kiln fired for functionality and durability.
All work can be collected approximately 4 weeks after the class date.
Please note: Only natural Australian clays and non-toxic materials are used to create the pieces.
About the wine tasting
Over the duration of the ceramics class, you will relax and indulge in a selection of wines and cheese pairings focusing on local food artisans. On arrival, enjoy a glass of Sparkling Pinot Noir, and move through the selective range of whites and rosé, with our exclusive premium reds will also be available on request.
You will be transported to the vineyards of McLaren Vale and Adelaide Hills, South Australia with this unique and intimate tasting experience by Tessera Wines.
Find out more about Tessera Wines here.

Christmas Ornament Classes

Classes will be held at the private home studio of Melanie Hardy Ceramics in The Gap, Brisbane. Australia.
Two dates proposed are:
First two weekends in November
Time: 2pm-5pm
Classes run for a 3 hour period and include all materials, aprons, kiln firing, guided tuition and afternoon tea.
$120 pp
About the class
Each year I run a few Christmas ornament workshops which are allot of fun. We cut out our own shapes, decorate them with textures, carving or paint them using underglazes.
Natural jute twine is supplied with the ornaments for hanging.
Only natural Australian clays and non-toxic materials are used to create our pieces.
All work is kiln fired so it is functional and durable for its purpose.
Collection
Work will be ready for pick up approximately 3-4 weeks after the class (depending on weather for drying time) but ready in time for posting to friends and family or to hang on your Christmas tree.
What is included
All materials to create up to 12 ornaments, tools, apron, kiln firings and guided tuition and afternoon tea with tea, coffee and cake.
Maximum class size
12 students
Please note:
My studio dog, Beau may be present. He is gentle and great with visitors but please advise if you are allergic or uncomfortable around dogs.
Toilet facilities available, wheelchair access and on-street parking.
This class will be taught by Melanie Hardy. Melanie holds a current Blue Card and is fully insured to teach in her home studio setting.

School Holiday Classes

Classes will be held at the private home studio of Melanie Hardy Ceramics in The Gap, Brisbane. Australia.
January weekdays - 10am-12pm
CLASS DATES WILL BE CONFIRMED CLOSER TO THE TIME.
Kids Pottery Classes run for a 2 hour period and include all materials, aprons, kiln firing, guided tuition and a light snack.
$50 pp
About the class
Kids classes are generally between 2 hours which provides enough time to work in detail without loosing focus. We work on a range of hand-building techniques. A theme is provided eg. pot plants, miniature modelling etc. however, everyone is welcome to create whatever they wish using the materials provided.
Only natural Australian clays and non-toxic materials are used to create our pieces.
All work is kiln fired so it is functional and durable for its purpose.
Collection: Work will be ready for pick up approximately 4 weeks after the class (depending on weather for drying time).
What is included: All materials, tools, apron, kiln firings and guided tuition, water and biscuits for a quick snack.
Ages: This class is suited to school aged children ideally 6yrs-12yrs. All children must be able to focus for the duration of the class.
Maximum class size: 8 students
My studio dog, Beau may be present. He is gentle and great with visitors but please advise if your child is allergic or uncomfortable around dogs.
Toilet facilities available, wheelchair access and on-street parking.
This class will be taught by Melanie Hardy. Melanie holds a current Blue Card and is fully insured to teach children in her home studio setting.

Hi, I’m Melanie and I run all the classes in my home studio.

I am a fully insured member of The Australian Ceramics Association with both Product and Public Liability cover and I also hold a current Queensland Blue Card (approved for working with children check).

Card number: 1944239 / 2, Expiry: 16 June 2026, Card Type: P

Name: Melanie Kate Hardy

Click here to validate a Blue Card.