In this story:
- Is a pottery hobby worth it?
- 1. Craft a concrete pot for less than $50
- 2. DIY a charcuterie board for $50
- 3. Make a matcha bowl ceramic for $50
- 4. Try wheel throwing pottery for $60
- 5. Picnic with friends and hand build pottery for $80
- 6. Play with clay and sip wine for $85
- 7. Master modern kintsugi for $90
Did you know—you can try some pottery classes in Los Angeles for less than $100? Whether you're looking to de-stress, try something creative, or make ceramics for your home, pottery workshops are having a serious moment, and you don’t need to spend a fortune to get started! From beginner-friendly concrete pot making to hand building with a glass of wine, these workshops prove that learning a new skill doesn’t have to come with a triple-digit price tag. We’ve rounded up seven of the best clay classes in LA for under $100, so you can sculpt, shape, and sip your way through a fun experience or even start a pottery hobby without breaking the bank.
Is a pottery hobby worth it?
Thinking about giving pottery a go? Spoiler alert—it’s worth it, and we’re about to show you why. The activity is grounding and creative, allowing you to make something unique with your hands. While it can get expensive over time, especially if you buy your own clay wheel, kiln, or studio, it doesn’t have to be at first. Taking casual clay workshops is a budget-friendly way to enjoy the process without going all in, and is a perfect introduction to the hobby to see if you’re interested in pursuing it in the long term.
Many ceramicists turn their side hustle into a successful brand by selling small-batch ceramics, offering workshops, or building community through their work. Whether you're here for fun or exploring a long-term passion, pottery offers flexibility, joy, and real creative payoff. So let’s dive in!
1. Craft a concrete pot for less than $50
When you think of pottery, you may not think of concrete making, but this trending craft is something you should give a go, especially for only $40-$45 a session! At a Concrete Pot Workshop in Glendale, you’ll learn how to mix, pour, and set a geometric pot, perfect for housing a succulent or sprucing up your shelf. The class is led by artist Krizia, whose creative concrete designs have garnered her over 40k followers on Instagram. She’ll guide you through using molds, pigments, and textures to craft a pot that feels uniquely yours.
The best part? For under $50, you walk away with a finished piece, new skills, and a beautiful handmade pot that’s truly one of a kind. It can even be more affordable than buying a similar unique piece off the shelf, giving your space a personal touch without the boutique price tag. You may even get inspired to start a new hobby, like this happy concrete crafter.
“Krizia, the instructor, was friendly, very accommodating, and great at explaining what we could expect from the experience. The concrete was easy to work with, and having tried it, only makes you want to make more!! Definitely thumbs up. In fact, I think a couple of my friends are now hooked!” - Barndi Kim
2. DIY a charcuterie board for $50
If you love mixing creativity with functionality, a Charcuterie Board Pottery Class in Chinatown is a wonderful, budget-friendly option. For less than dinner for two at a nice restaurant, this $50 experience gets you a customised ceramic you can cherish for a lifetime, perfect for serving cheese, fruit, and snacks in style. This hand building workshop is an ideal treat for foodies, entertainers, or anyone wanting to add a personal touch to their kitchenware collection.
Guided by experienced instructors and artists at Element Art Center, you’ll learn pottery techniques that transform simple clay into a stylish, useful piece. Whether you’re crafting a gift or something for yourself, this workshop is a great way to combine art and practicality, all for an affordable price.
3. Make a matcha bowl ceramic for $50
Carving out mindful moments for yourself doesn’t have to be pricey. For only $50, you can make a Matcha Bowl Ceramic and begin cultivating a calming tea ritual with a handmade piece that’s uniquely yours. Held in Downtown LA, this unique hand building workshop is led by Daisy Mendez, a ceramicist with over 10 years of experience who, along with her partner Mitchell, founded the studio to share the peacefulness pottery can bring.
In this hands-on class, you’ll learn how to shape a matcha bowl using traditional techniques, then customize it by choosing from 12 beautiful glaze colors. The finished food-safe bowl will be ready for pickup in 2–3 weeks, giving you a unique piece to enhance your tea ritual or gift to a loved one. Whether you’re seeking a creative outlet, a memorable date idea, or a meaningful gift, this workshop offers a calming, artistic experience with expert guidance. Just ask this beginner!
“Daisy was super awesome, and her class was very peaceful and straightforward. I took the matcha bowl class with two friends and we learned how to make the bowls pinch pot style. We will definitely be going back!” - Hayley Yamamoto
Runs regularly
Chinatown
1 to 10 guests
$65
5 years in business
4. Try wheel throwing pottery for $60
Wheel throwing pottery doesn’t need to be intimidating. For only $60, a One-Time Pottery Wheel Throwing Class in LA is a fantastic entry point for this mesmerising craft. Hosted at Fahrenheit Ceramics studio in the Highland Park neighborhood, this experience is well worth its budget-friendly price tag.
The experienced team at Fahrenheit Ceramics has been throwing clay and getting their hands messy at their cozy studio since 2018, so you can be sure they know a thing or two about the fundamentals of wheel throwing. Guided by them, you’ll quickly gain confidence shaping clay into bowls, cups, or vases. Smaller class sizes ensure personalized attention so you can fully dive into the tactile, meditative process of pottery making. Whether you want to discover a new hobby or deepen your creative practice, this affordable class offers a hands-on experience that’s both fun and fulfilling. Try wheel throwing with someone special, like this happy student.
“Awesome experience. The instructor was very knowledgeable and helpful. Definitely recommend to anyone trying to have a cool experience with a partner or by themselves.” - Alonso Castro
5. Picnic with friends and hand build pottery for $80
Searching for fun outdoor activities? Make pottery with friends at a Pottery Picnic Handbuilding Workshop in the serene Alhambra Park for $80. This beginner-friendly pottery class in the sun invites you to bring a blanket, some snacks, and your favorite drinks to enjoy before or after the session.
Under the guidance of tech startup CEO turned ceramics teacher Ana from Scandal Crafts, you'll learn the basics of hand-building pottery and create a unique ceramic piece. After a demonstration of techniques, you're free to work on your idea, with Ana offering tips and fun facts along the way. Once completed, your piece will be fired and glazed, ready to pick up and adore. Whether you're flying solo, planning a date, or gathering with friends, this workshop offers a fun and welcoming space to unwind with clay and conversation.
6. Play with clay and sip wine for $85
Planning a creative and social night out doesn’t have to blow the budget. At a Wine and Clay Pottery Handbuilding Workshop with Scandal Crafts, you get to sip wine and chat with friends while engaging in a fun activity, all for just $85 a head. Hosted in Ana’s warm and welcoming studio in the Arts District, you’ll learn easy techniques to shape your own mug, bowl, or planter, all while enjoying great vibes and even better company.
Bring wine, bring a friend, or come solo and meet other clay-curious creatives. From fun date nights to bachelorette parties, this class transforms social gatherings into much more, as noted by this first-time potter!
“Ana taught us so many techniques, worked with our different skill levels, and guided us to what we wanted to make. You’ll definitely come out of the experience with something you can call your own. Definitely try this fun experience!” - Shannon Yee
7. Master modern kintsugi for $90
Who says embracing your imperfections has to cost a lot? At a Modern Kintsugi Ceramics Workshop in Venice or West Hollywood, you’ll discover the Japanese art of fixing broken pottery using the modern method, which instead utilises mess-free glue and shimmering powder. For just $90, this beginner-friendly class gives you a chance to slow down, relax, and enjoy making something beautiful out of something broken—all while trying a fun craft.
Guided by Nataliya Rogachkina from Hand Made in Venice—whose own inspiring work has been featured in publications like Inc Magazine and Shoutout LA—you'll learn to mend a small bowl, plate, or handmade piece and turn it into a meaningful, one-of-a-kind treasure. This Kintsugi crafter recommends you give it a go with your colleagues.
“What a fun event, this was. 10 of us took this class as a team building activity to step away from our very busy work days for a bit, and it was a dream.” - Jasmin Ortega
You don’t need a big budget or a ceramic arts degree to try your hand at clay. These affordable LA clay classes offer the perfect mix of play, purpose, and possibility for under $100. Whether you’re throwing your first pot, sipping wine with friends, or mending ceramics with gold, there’s a workshop waiting for you to roll up your sleeves and dive in.
Cover image by Concrete Geometric
