Covid Updates
Masks + Vaccines + Boosters
As of 2/14/23 we have downgraded to masks optional at all times in the studio.
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Mask and vaccine policies are subject to pandemic conditions, and we reserve the right to change them as needed.
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We hope you understand that the health and safety of our community is our top priority.
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FAQ
I can't make it to the class I signed up for, can I get a refund?
Our Returns & Refund Policy is listed on all of our classes:
Per company policy, we do not offer refunds. If you find you can't make it to your scheduled class, we require two weeks' notice before the start date in order to reschedule you for another session. If you need to reschedule within two weeks of your class there is a $30 rescheduling fee. We do not allow rescheduling within 24 hours of class. You are welcome to gift your class to a friend at any time before your class starts
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If you would like to appeal for an exemption from this policy due to extenuating circumstances you can fill out this application explaining your situation and a manager will be in contact with you within a week to let you know of our decision.
How long does it take for my work to be fired?
Depending on our event schedule and kiln availability, you can usually expect your work to be fired in 1-2 weeks. This also depends on the size and nature of your pieces. Only a small number of larger pieces fit into each firing and more complicated shapes may need to wait to find their perfect spot in the kiln. Date Night work, having to go through both firings, takes about 2-4Â weeks depending on the time of the year. The cold months are our busiest!
Is there a way to know if my work has been fired without coming in?
If it’s difficult for you to get to the studio regularly, or you took part in one of our classes and are wondering if your work is ready to pick up, give us a call or email us. It’s helpful if you have pictures or can describe your work. Please always remember to sign the bottom of your work, so we can sort it correctly. If you took a Date Night class, we’ll call you once your work is ready.
Where can I find my work once it’s been fired?
Our sorting system has a designated spot for everyone’s work.
Members: we place your fired work right on your shelf- but be sure to sign it so we recognize it. All unsigned work is placed on the white shelves next to Classroom 1
Classes: We'll call you as soon as everything's ready, your pieces will be in the office on the first floor. Just come in and talk to whomever is watching the desk.
How much time do I have to pick up my work?
Work that has been waiting for pickup for more than 3 months will be considered abandoned. We don’t have the capacity to hold onto work forever and are not liable for missing work after this grace period. If unexpected circumstances are keeping you from picking up your work on time, contact us and we’ll happily work something out with you.
Why do I need to fire my work twice?
It is studio policy that you'll need to fire your work once before you move on to glazing. This first firing is called ‘bisque firing’ and fires to a lower cone than glaze temperature, making your work stronger and not dissolvable in water, while leaving it porous and able to soak up the glaze you dip it in. The first firing also removes impurities, organic materials, and plasticizers from the clay, reducing the chance of glaze faults like pinholing.
Can I fire work I've made at home?
Yes! We offer firing services to a number of makers in the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky area. If you'd like to bring something in, please review our Firing Policy to see if Core Clay is a good fit for your firing needs. Be sure you know what cone (or temperature) your pieces need to be fired to.
What are cones?
Cones are a measurement of heat in the world of ceramics. At Core Clay, we bisque fire to Cone 05 (top temp ~1880 °F) with a one hour hold and glaze fire to Cone 5 (top temp ~2200 °F) with a ten minute hold. We will occasionally fire our gas kiln to Cone 10 (top temp ~ 2380°F).
What does this mean for you? Your clay and glaze should never be fired at a temperature higher than what the manufacturer has recommended. If you do over-fire them, at best it will come out looking blistered or crusty. At worst, it'll melt down into a gooey puddle. Always check what the manufacturer has recommended they be fired to either on the label of the clay/glaze or from the information they've posted on their website.
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What are the benefits of being a member?
As a member you have unlimited access to our studio during our business hours. Use of studio glazes are free and you also receive a 5% discount on clay, firing packages, tools, and highly discounted prices for our workshops and classes. As a member you get to be part of our vibrant and diverse creative community in which we support and inspire each other.
I’m a complete beginner, can I buy a wheel and/or kiln for myself right away?
Even if you took classes in high school or college, we recommend taking a class with us or working in the studio as a member before taking the plunge and buying your own large equipment. Wheels and kilns are an investment, so it’s best to know exactly what you want before you buy something too cheap or too small/big. These items cost thousands of dollars, it's a big decision. We’re happy to talk you through buying options once you decide to get your own equipment, so you can be confident in your purchase.
What’s up with your sinks?
We use a recirculating sink system in the studio for rinsing equipment. Clay is filtered out as it settles to the bottom. We regularly change the water and empty the sediment. Not only does this option let us place sinks freely throughout the studio, but it saves water and keeps much more sediment and chemicals out of the water system. Be sure to wipe down your buckets and drip trays and pour all clay water into the reclaim buckets before using the sinks. We want as little clay as possible to go in there!
Can I bring a friend to the studio?
Yes! Feel free to show your friends around the studio anytime. However, if you plan on working with them on the wheel or any other clay related studio activity, they will have to buy a day pass that allows them to work in the studio all day. Come talk to us if you’re unsure about your situation.
Can I share a single shelf with my friend/relative?
Additional shelf renters are determined by either being declared as a dependent on taxes or being on each other’s insurance. (living at the same address, being a dependent, married, or a parent you are a caregiver for). Those shelf renters are eligible for studio access for an additional $5 a month.
What’s the difference between Boot Camp and a 6-week wheel class?
Our 6-week classes run for 2-hour sessions once a week for 6 weeks. Boot Camp runs for one weekend for 4-hour sessions on both Saturday and Sunday with a 2-hour evening glaze class scheduled a few weeks later. You will be introduced to the entire process of throwing on the wheel in both classes. Both are a perfect introduction to throwing and can prepare you for becoming a member who works on their own time in the studio. During your 6 weeks of class you can use our studio space outside of class hours for practicing. After the Boot Camp weekend, you can use our studio until Friday to practice and finish up any work. The 6-week class gives you more time to practice and explore and talk to your instructor, while Boot Camp is more intensive and good for people with busy schedules who can’t commit to a 6-week class. Firing of work is included in both classes.