Spinning into the New Year: Pottery Throw Down Inspires a Year of Trying

The New Year brings new beginnings for many, making it the perfect opportunity for a fresh start. People focus on new goals, taking on new hobbies to become a better version of themselves. Whether that's through physical or mental means, the new year is the time to restart and focus on what really matters for the upcoming year. Traditional resolutions tend to centre around fitness and productivity; recently, more people are focused on making a more meaningful change, experiencing new adventures and taking on hobbies in their spare time. 

Psychological research has indicated that experiences provide longer lasting and more meaningful happiness than material possessions. It improves people’s overall wellbeing as experiences become a fundamental part of our identity and help to create social connections. New hobbies, such as pottery workshops, help to take the pressure off New Year's resolutions and make individuals less susceptible to comparing their journeys to others.

Pottery workshops have been proven to reduce stress, enhance creativity and problem solving skills. It creates a sense of accomplishment for individuals looking to build connections and take a break from technology.  From exploring new abilities to taking time away from the stresses of everyday life, pottery making makes the perfect hobby to adopt this new year. There are many lessons to be taken from pottery making as anything can go wrong with the clay and pottery, but it’s about embracing mistakes with growth. 

The benefits of learning pottery as a hobby

Pottery making is a form of self-expression, where people can express themselves through artistic means, experimenting with new shapes, textures and colours. Kneading, moulding, and shaping the clay can also help people to process their feelings. It's the perfect way to push yourself and work on your own development. Your patience and perseverance will be tested, as clay can be unpredictable, but with time and dedication, you’ll become an expert within a few months. Overcoming these kinds of challenges will help to build resilience and grow your mindset.

Pottery workshops help to:

• Stress relief
• Skill development
• Creativity boost
• Sense of accomplishment
• Building social connections

Whilst workshops like pottery making are known for reducing stress, they can also place those into a state of meditative flow, which helps to lower cortisol levels. It also improves breathing and allows your body to relax. 

Top Five Ultimate Pottery Experiences at WonderDays

Ultimate Pottery Experience In London- A fun introduction into the world of pottery, where you'll get to experience crafting your very own pot on the pottery wheel.   

Wheel Thrown Pottery - Just starting out, this is the perfect way to find your way around the wheel, with small class sizes and one-on-one guidance from a tutor. Based in Margate, Kent, you will learn how to centre the clay and throw a pot within a two hour session.

Couples Pottery Class- The perfect date night for two, making memories through the art of clay in a 2.5 hour experience. Once your masterpiece is complete, it will be fired and glazed, ready to take home.  

Taster Pottery Throwing- Learn how to throw a cup, bowl or even a small plate in a cosy studio space where your mind can relax from everyday life.

Pottery At World Of Wedgwood- You will be guided through a step-by-step process, learning how to make your own Jasperware pot. It makes the perfect decorative piece to have in your home.

The new year is an important time for most people, looking to reinvent themselves or just looking to improve their daily routines. With shows like  Channels 4's 'The Pottery Throw Down' bringing a new light to the industry, pottery making has become a passion. So why not start the year the way you mean to go on by experiencing a pottery works