About Us
We offer handbuilding classes only. See our FAQs for the benefits of handbuilding.
We are always offering new projects. Check back often for what's new and join our email list for class schedules right in your inbox! If you have an idea for a project, email Cheryl to see if we can make it happen.
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​If you’re looking to have some muddy fun with your friends, we’re always happy to arrange a private class. We’ll work with you to find the right project for your group, and a convenient date. Send us an email to cheryl@clayfulpotters.com!
Our process includes:
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Session One - make the piece
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Minimum two weeks of drying time to minimize potential of cracking
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Bisque fire pieces in kiln within 3rd week
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Sesson two - glaze the piece
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Glaze drying time
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Glaze fire pieces in kiln within 2 weeks
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Pick up your piece!
Our Story
Our story begins with the pandemic. Cheryl Caswell, owner of CPS, was the owner of Dogs at Camp Ottawa, a dog boarding business on her beautiful farm just outside of Pakenham, Ontario. The pandemic was tough on dog boarding and in the fall of 2020, Cheryl sadly decided to close Dogs at Camp Ottawa.
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Cheryl has always loved all things made with clay. Her favourite thing to do was collect mugs at One of a Kind craft shows. So she decided to take a pottery class and learn to make her own mugs. She quickly fell in love with the craft and built her own studio in her now empty barn. Handbuilding became her passion and she learned to make so many different things... mugs, platters, trays, bowls, trinket dishes and dog figurines, to name a few. She started posting them on social media and friends began asking to learn how to make mugs. This turned into a few fun evenings of making mugs, bowls, and even chickens! Cheryl's passion for entrepreneurship, teaching and pottery came together and The Clayful Potters Studio was created.
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Cheryl and Barb met through Dogs at Camp Ottawa. They soon discovered they both had a love for pottery and after DAC closed, they became friends through their shared love of the craft. When Cheryl first had her studio idea, she called Barb and together they designed a unique studio for non-potters where everyone has the potential to create something unique and beautiful.
Cheryl Caswell
Cheryl's new-found love for pottery has led to learning and honing her craft since 2020. Specializing in handbuilding, she loves making a variety of projects from beautiful tea sets to dog-themed mugs to funky chickens.
Cheryl's hands-on teaching approach and ability to break down a project into simple and manageable steps has made her a knowledgeable and patient instructor.​
Cheryl has been an entrepreneur since 2001 when she opened her first successful business in Toronto. The Clayful Potters Studio is her third venture and allows her to combine her passions for entrepreneurship with love for teaching and pottery.​
Cheryl's other passions include dogs, curling and her family.
Barb Ryan
Barb is the owner/operator of Wicked Earth Pottery and Design and after a 2 year hiatus... she's back!!! She has been designing and creating pottery for 10 years and loves, loves, loves the craft, the process, the learning experiences and triumphs alike. Her experience centres mostly around functional pieces, dipping her hands into the muddy world of pottery both with hand building and wheel thrown creations. Her preferred clay mediums for creating are earthenware and stoneware, one being great for creating planters and garden pieces and the other for both ornamental and functional uses, such as mugs, bowls, etc. She has also had opportunities to create Raku pieces which is probably one of the more exciting and satisfying forms of creating for experienced potters.
"I’m so looking forward to sharing my love of pottery making with you and hope to create a fun and enjoyable experience. Come and join us for fun and creative classes. There is nothing better than saying “I made that”."
Contact Us
Address
4220 Upper Dwyer Hill Rd.
Arnprior, Ontario
K7S 3G7
Contact
Hours
We are a workshop-based studio only and do not have drop in hours. If you wish to visit our studio, please email to make an appointment.
We service Ottawa and the surrounding area including Kanata, Stittsville, Pakenham, Arnprior, Kinburn, Carp, Almonte, Carleton Place, Renfrew, Pembroke and Petawawa.