Question 1

WHAT ARE YOUR CANCELLATION + RESCHEDULING POLICIES?

Accepted Answer

You can find our complete list of policies within the “Refund + Rescheduling Policies” section of our website, which is hyperlinked within the footer of every page. Individual session policies can also be found directly within each class description.
Additionally, a copy of all policies — which must be agreed to and signed off on at the time of booking — can also be found within your confirmation email.

Question 2

I PURCHASED A GIFT CARD, BUT THE RECIPIENT HASN'T RECEIVED IT

Accepted Answer

When purchasing an e-gift card through our website, you’ll have the option to send it immediately or schedule delivery for a future date. Once selected, the e-gift card is automatically sent by our system on the chosen date—ensuring accurate, on-time delivery without the need for manual sending.

Because e-gift cards are sent through an e-commerce platform, they may occasionally be filtered outside of the primary inbox. We recommend checking folders such as Promotions, Updates, or other filtered categories based on the recipient’s email settings. For Gmail users, e-gift cards most commonly land in Spam.

If the email was routed to Spam, please note that spam folders typically do not support standard keyword search. In this case, the recipient will need to manually scroll to the expected delivery date to locate the email.

Still unable to find it? No worries—just reach out to us at info@pinchpotterystudio.com, and we’ll be happy to manually resend it your way!

Question 3

I HAVEN'T RECEIVED AN EMAIL STATING THAT MY POTTERY IS FINISHED.

Accepted Answer

4 common reasons for why you may not have received your pottery completion email:

1. It hasn’t been 6 full business weeks yet.
 Please note that pottery takes roughly 6 full business weeks (excluding holidays and studio closure days) to complete. As mentioned during your session and in our prep/post-class emails, this time allows your pieces to be dried, bisque fired, glazed, and glaze fired—transforming them into food, drink, microwave, dishwasher, and oven safe works of art. It is a true labor of love, as we put just as much care into finishing your work, as we do our own.
As soon as your pieces are complete, the individual who booked your session (our point of contact) will be notified. We truly appreciate your patience!

2. Your email landed in spam or an alternate folder.
This happens frequently and depends entirely on your email provider’s filtering system. Please check your spam, promotions, and other alternate folders regularly, so that your completion notification is not missed!! You can also search your inbox for our studio name, Pinch Pottery Studio, or the subject line “Your pottery is finished!”

3. You’ve unsubscribed or blocked Pinch emails.
If you’ve unsubscribed from, or blocked our emails, our system cannot reach you. Please do not unsubscribe from Pinch messages—doing so will prevent you from receiving important notifications, including your completion email.

4. You are not the individual who booked the session.
All class-related emails are automatically sent to the email address used at the time of booking. This includes your confirmation, pre-class info, reminders, post-class details, and pickup notification. If a friend booked on your behalf, please check with them directly.

A Friendly Reminder:
The ceramic process is a true labor of love and takes time. We kindly ask that you wait until 6 full business weeks have passed before reaching out to check on your pieces. 
Due to holiday closures, pieces made during sessions taking place after 11/7/25 will be ready for pick up in the New Year. We appreciate your patience and understanding!

Important Note:
Pinch Pottery Studio is not responsible for missed communications resulting from customers unsubscribing from our emails or failing to check the suggested folders. These factors are outside of our control, and we appreciate your understanding!

Question 4

IS THERE ANYTHING MYSELF OR MY PARTY SHOULD BRING TO OUR SESSION?

Accepted Answer

Just yourself, an open mind, and the willingness to try something new! We'll provide the rest!! :)

Question 5

WILL I GET MESSY DURING MY SESSION?

Accepted Answer

Part of the fun of working with clay, is that it is a naturally messy activity (think making mud pies, as a kid). As such, we highly recommend wearing clothes/shoes that you do not mind getting dirty. As well as leaving jewelry at home, and putting long hair up.

With that being said, clay is just dirt! We exclusively use non-staining clay that will come right out of clothing when tossed in the wash, or even wiped with a wet paper towel. Given large quantity of people coming into the studio each and everyday, in conjunction with sanitary reasons, we do not provide aprons - please plan accordingly!

Question 6

DO WE GET TO KEEP WHAT WE MAKE?

Accepted Answer

Yes, of course!! Quality over quantity. One finished piece per person comes with the cost of your session, though additional (up to 3 per person) can be finished for $10 each (cheaper than an IPA!).

This $10 fee covers the additional time and materials needed for us to us clean up your extra piece(s), glazing them, as well as firing them twice. A steal if you ask us!

Question 7

WHAT HAPPENS TO OUR POTTERY AFTER WE LEAVE?

Accepted Answer

After you leave your session, a tremendous amount of work goes into the completion of your piece(s). Once dry, your piece is carefully and thoughtfully cleaned up, fired, and glazed by us. 
We first remove excess clay and jagged edges from the base of your piece with a sharp tool called a rasp. After that we gently smooth over all rough edges, before etching your name and session date onto the bottom. From there your piece(s) complete their drying process before being bisque fired, glazed in the color of your choice, wiped down, and fired once more. Each firing takes two days to complete.
Following completion, pieces are gently wrapped, bagged, tagged, and an email will be sent to the individual who booked your session/the email address used at sign up.
This process is a labor of love and can take upward of 6 full business weeks. We will reach out to the individual who booked your session, upon their completion!

Question 8

WHY DOES IT TAKE SO LONG TO GET OUR POTTERY BACK AFTER OUR SESSION?

Accepted Answer

Making pottery is a very time consuming and extensive process. While one-off sessions only cover the physical making portion of the process, a great deal of work goes on behind the scenes! Once you leave, we do all of the remaining steps for you - a combination of active and inactive work time, both equally important.

Once dry, your piece is carefully and thoughtfully cleaned up, fired, and glazed by us. We first remove excess clay and jagged edges from the base of your piece with a sharp tool called a rasp. After that we gently smooth over all rough edges, before etching your name and session date onto the bottom. From there your piece(s) complete their drying process before being bisque fired, glazed in the color of your choice, wiped down, and fired once more. Each firing takes two days to complete.
Following completion, pieces are gently wrapped, bagged, tagged, and an email will be sent to the individual who booked your session/the email address used at sign up.
This process is a labor of love and takes roughly 6 full weeks on average. 
That said, we kindly ask that you wait 6 full weeks before reaching out to check on the status of your pieces.

Our teeny tiny team greatly appreciates your patience as we work hard to finish many, many customer pieces, in a timely fashion. Thank you!!

Question 9

CAN I EAT AND DRINK FROM MY POTTERY?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely!! Our clay and glazes are all non-toxic as well as food and drink safe!

Question 10

I FORGOT TO PICK UP MY POTTERY... DO YOU STILL HAVE IT?

Accepted Answer

Once your pieces are complete, an email containing pickup details and instructions will be sent to the individual who booked the session (using the email address provided at sign-up).

We will hold your finished pottery for four (4) weeks from the date of notification. As a small business with limited space and many customers visiting each week, we kindly ask that you plan to pick up your items in a timely manner. With the studio open seven days a week and often operating from morning through evening, there are plenty of opportunities to collect your work within the 4-week window.

Traveling or having an extra busy month? We understand! We’re always happy to hold onto pieces for longer, when needed, however this request must be made before the 4-week pickup window ends.

After four weeks, any unclaimed items will be set aside for donation and will no longer be available for pickup.

Please be sure to check your spam, junk, or alternate folders for this email. Pinch Pottery Studio is not responsible for missed or overlooked notifications due to inbox filtering, nor for pieces donated as a result of customers forgetting or failing to pick up within the allotted timeframe. Ensuring timely pickup is solely the responsibility of the customer. We appreciate your understanding!

Question 11

I GOT MY POTTERY BACK, BUT A PIECE IS MISSING... WHERE IS IT?

Accepted Answer

As noted at the time of your session, the ceramic process is an intensely amazing, challenging, awe-inspiring, time consuming, and oftentimes scientific, process. Ceramics, as we like to say, is a great lesson in loss. 
Even the most well constructed pieces, made by the most seasoned of potters can develop cracks, fissures, warping, glaze abnormalities, or even result in an explosion. Clay has a way of humbling you when you least expect it! 
As such we cannot guarantee that your piece(s) will turn out exactly as you are envisioning.

While we do everything in our power to avoid such outcomes - through caring for your wares just as delicately and affectionately as we do our own, unfortunately the occasional undesirable outcome is inevitable. 
When the likelihood of this occurring becomes evident prior to firing, we take the time to thoughtfully remake your piece(s) (I have actually never come across another pottery studio that does this). 
However, if these issues arise during the final stages of the ceramic process (ie the glaze firing), then we unfortunately will not know of them until they are out of the kiln. As such, we may not have the time to remake your piece prior to pick up. 
When this occurs, you may find a little bonus item in your bag! We also welcome you to come back, and make more wares in the future!

Please note that the cost of your session covers the experience itself. While you have the chance to walk away with finished, usable wares, it is not a guarantee. As such, we will not provide you with a full or partial refund of your session, when pieces do not turn out as expected. 
Thank you for your support of our small business, and for respecting our policies!

Question 12

CAN I PUT MY POTTERY IN THE DISHWASHER AND MICROWAVE?

Accepted Answer

Sure can! We exclusively use very high quality stoneware clay that mimics porcelain. In turn, it is highly durable, dishwasher, microwave, and even oven safe!

Question 13

CAN I GET A DISCOUNT ON MY SESSION?

Accepted Answer

As a reminder, Pinch Pottery Studio is a proudly woman-owned small business, operated entirely by one person with no outside funding or financial backing. We’re a boutique studio dedicated to offering high-end, hands-on pottery experiences in an intimate and creative setting.

We kindly ask that you refrain from requesting discounts or additional deals, as we do not offer promotions upon request, nor will we negotiate pricing. Our rates are thoughtfully set below the going rate for similar pottery classes and experiences in Southern California, San Diego, and beyond, in an effort to keep them as accessible as possible year-round.
While we completely understand the desire to save, requests for further discounts can feel disheartening and discouraging to our small but incredibly hardworking team. Like many independent businesses, we operate with limited resources and thin margins, relying on community support to sustain what we do. Every booking directly helps us keep the studio running, pay our team fairly, and continue offering meaningful, hands-on creative experiences.

That said, we do occasionally run seasonal promotions or special offers throughout the year. The best way to hear about those is by keeping an eye on our newsletter or Instagram.

We deeply appreciate your understanding and continued support, and we look forward to welcoming you into the studio soon. 💛

Question 14

CAN I BOOK THE "SMALL MIXED GROUP" LESSON FOR 3+ PEOPLE?

Accepted Answer

No. Our Small Group Communal Class is intentionally limited to parties of 1–2 people in order to foster the welcoming, "bring a friend, make a friend" atmosphere that makes these sessions so special. Class sizes are typically between 4 and 7 participants, and this format gives everyone the opportunity to meet new people while creating alongside fellow pottery-curious individuals.For that reason, parties of 3 or more are asked to reserve a Private Wheel Throwing Lesson or one of our alternate workshop offerings instead. This helps ensure that guests who sign up for a communal experience don't feel as though they're joining someone else's private gathering, while also allowing larger groups to enjoy a more personalized experience together, with additional wheel time and more individualized instruction.We actually used to allow parties of three to book our communal classes. However, through both our own observations and customer feedback, we found that larger groups naturally tend to socialize amongst themselves, making it much more difficult to maintain the inclusive, community-oriented atmosphere that many of our guests specifically choose these classes for.We truly appreciate your understanding and helping us preserve the unique experience that our communal classes are designed to provide.

Question 15

CAN I RESERVE A SESSION WITHOUT PAYING?

Accepted Answer

When you book a lesson, our tiny team begins preparing for your arrival almost immediately; an instructor is assigned to your time slot, schedules are arranged, clay is prepped etc.

Without upfront collection of payment, we have found that people are less committed, and last minute scheduling changes are more likely to arise. When this occurs it means a loss for our business, as well as a missed opportunity for someone else who wanted to try their hand at pottery.

With that being said, time slots will not be held without payment, no exceptions.

Question 16

WHAT ARE THE STUDIO HOURS?

Accepted Answer

Pinch Pottery Studio is an appointment-based small business. We are consistently open 7 days a week (with the exception of select Wednesdays), during timeframes in which lessons, workshops, or studio sessions are booked.

All of our studio offerings run on a set schedule—when sessions are booked, we’re open; when they’re not, the studio may be closed. Because of this, our daily operating hours may vary, though our lesson schedule remains the same week to week.

For lesson, workshop, and studio time availability, please refer to the individual booking calendars found under the “Classes + Workshops + Studio Time” tab on our website, as these calendars always reflect our most up-to-date availability.

If you’re looking to pick up finished pottery, browse our retail area, or simply check out the studio, please be sure to visit our Pick-Up Bulletin, where we post accurate, up-to-date operating hours, for the current week, based on bookings.

Question 17

WHERE IS THE STUDIO LOCATED?

Accepted Answer

We are actually the only pottery studio located within the heart of downtown San Diego. While we are technically East Village, we border Gaslamp, and are walking distance from the Petco Park, the library, Seaport Village, and many amazing restaurants, bars, and shops.

Question 18

DO YOU HAVE PARKING?

Accepted Answer

Being that we are a downtown studio/store, we unfortunately do not have our own parking lot. That said, both free and metered street parking is plentiful. Many public lots are also within close proximity.

Please note that on days in which the Padres have home games, downtown can be quite busy. Thus, we highly recommend accounting for traffic and leaving ample time for parking! We will not be able to add extra time to your session, should you arrive late.

Question 19

I'M RUNNING LATE FOR MY SESSION, CAN I GET EXTRA TIME?

Accepted Answer

As a small business that operates exclusively on appointment-based scheduling, maintaining a strict timeframe is essential. We kindly ask that all customers arrive on time and ready to begin at their scheduled start time.

For private lessons and events, we are happy to accommodate a delayed start when possible (within reason). However, please note that we are unable to extend sessions to make up for lost time. With other appointments often scheduled immediately afterward, your session will still conclude at its original end time. Our instructors may make adjustments to the lesson format to help you make the most of the remaining time.

For communal classes and workshops, sessions begin promptly at their scheduled time. If you arrive late, we will not be able to restart or repeat portions of the class, including the overview and demonstration. Doing so would unfairly disrupt the experience of other paying participants. While we’ll do our best to help you get settled and catch up, additional one-on-one assistance will not be available.

Think of it like attending a fitness class — if you arrive late, the instructor doesn’t pause the session or repeat earlier exercises. We appreciate your understanding, mindfulness, and consideration of both our team and your fellow makers.

No refunds, credits, or prorated reimbursements will be issued for missed instruction or portions of class resulting from late arrival.

Question 20

I'M VISITING FROM OUT OF TOWN, CAN MY FINISHED PIECES BE SHIPPED TO ME?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We’re happy to wrap, pack, and ship finished pottery within the U.S. and internationally.Standard U.S. ShippingShipping is a flat rate of $20 per address for all classes and workshops. This includes packing materials, the time required to carefully wrap and pack your pottery, and postage.Once your pottery is complete, you’ll receive an email with a link to purchase shipping and enter your shipping information. Please review the instructions on the shipping page before submitting your order.Private Events + Oversized ShipmentsFor private events, the standard $20 per address rate applies when participants are having their pottery shipped separately or to multiple addresses.If you’d like all pottery from a private event shipped together to one address, please do not purchase shipping through the standard link. Large group orders require oversized packaging and must be quoted individually. Reach out to us directly and we’ll provide a custom shipping quote, payable via online invoice.International ShippingInternational shipping is available, but rates vary by destination. If shipping outside of the U.S., please do not purchase shipping through the standard link. Instead, contact us with your international shipping address so we can calculate the cost and send you a custom quote, payable via online invoice.

Question 21

ARE CHILDREN PERMITTED IN EVERY CLASS, AND IS THERE AN AGE MINIMUM?

Accepted Answer

We do not enforce a strict age minimum at Pinch Pottery Studio — we’ve welcomed children as young as four years old. That said, every child is uniquely different, and parents know their kids best. When deciding whether or not to book, please consider your child’s attention span, comfort in new environments, and whether a 90-minute session will feel enjoyable and engaging for them.

For wheel-throwing specifically, we typically recommend ages 8+, as the pottery wheel requires more coordination, strength, and sustained focus. Children are welcome to participate in our Private Wheel Throwing Lesson offering when accompanied by a parent or guardian. The private setting allows us to customize the format, slow down the pace, and provide the extra hands-on assistance younger participants often need.

Children may also join our select themed and seasonal handbuilding workshops, as long as they are accompanied by a participating parent or guardian.

As noted within the class description, children are NOT permitted to participate in our Small Mixed Group Wheel Throwing Classes.

All of our instructors have experience working with children in a studio environment, and several have formal backgrounds in education, bringing extensive child-specific teaching experience into the classroom.

If you plan to book with a child, we encourage you to reach out before scheduling. This allows us to plan accordingly, understand your child’s needs, and pair you with the instructor best suited for your session.

FAQ

WHAT ARE YOUR CANCELLATION + RESCHEDULING POLICIES?

I PURCHASED A GIFT CARD, BUT THE RECIPIENT HASN'T RECEIVED IT

I HAVEN'T RECEIVED AN EMAIL STATING THAT MY POTTERY IS FINISHED.

IS THERE ANYTHING MYSELF OR MY PARTY SHOULD BRING TO OUR SESSION?

WILL I GET MESSY DURING MY SESSION?

DO WE GET TO KEEP WHAT WE MAKE?

WHAT HAPPENS TO OUR POTTERY AFTER WE LEAVE?

WHY DOES IT TAKE SO LONG TO GET OUR POTTERY BACK AFTER OUR SESSION?

CAN I EAT AND DRINK FROM MY POTTERY?

I FORGOT TO PICK UP MY POTTERY... DO YOU STILL HAVE IT?

I GOT MY POTTERY BACK, BUT A PIECE IS MISSING... WHERE IS IT?

CAN I PUT MY POTTERY IN THE DISHWASHER AND MICROWAVE?

CAN I GET A DISCOUNT ON MY SESSION?

CAN I BOOK THE "SMALL MIXED GROUP" LESSON FOR 3+ PEOPLE?

CAN I RESERVE A SESSION WITHOUT PAYING?

WHAT ARE THE STUDIO HOURS?

WHERE IS THE STUDIO LOCATED?

DO YOU HAVE PARKING?

I'M RUNNING LATE FOR MY SESSION, CAN I GET EXTRA TIME?

I'M VISITING FROM OUT OF TOWN, CAN MY FINISHED PIECES BE SHIPPED TO ME?

ARE CHILDREN PERMITTED IN EVERY CLASS, AND IS THERE AN AGE MINIMUM?

still have questions?
let's chat!

PLEASE THOROUGHLY REVIEW OUR FAQ PRIOR TO SUBMITTING YOUR INQUIRY

FAQ

WHAT ARE YOUR CANCELLATION + RESCHEDULING POLICIES?

I PURCHASED A GIFT CARD, BUT THE RECIPIENT HASN'T RECEIVED IT

I HAVEN'T RECEIVED AN EMAIL STATING THAT MY POTTERY IS FINISHED.

IS THERE ANYTHING MYSELF OR MY PARTY SHOULD BRING TO OUR SESSION?

WILL I GET MESSY DURING MY SESSION?

DO WE GET TO KEEP WHAT WE MAKE?

WHAT HAPPENS TO OUR POTTERY AFTER WE LEAVE?

WHY DOES IT TAKE SO LONG TO GET OUR POTTERY BACK AFTER OUR SESSION?

CAN I EAT AND DRINK FROM MY POTTERY?

I FORGOT TO PICK UP MY POTTERY... DO YOU STILL HAVE IT?

I GOT MY POTTERY BACK, BUT A PIECE IS MISSING... WHERE IS IT?

CAN I PUT MY POTTERY IN THE DISHWASHER AND MICROWAVE?

CAN I GET A DISCOUNT ON MY SESSION?

CAN I BOOK THE "SMALL MIXED GROUP" LESSON FOR 3+ PEOPLE?

CAN I RESERVE A SESSION WITHOUT PAYING?

WHAT ARE THE STUDIO HOURS?

WHERE IS THE STUDIO LOCATED?

DO YOU HAVE PARKING?

I'M RUNNING LATE FOR MY SESSION, CAN I GET EXTRA TIME?

I'M VISITING FROM OUT OF TOWN, CAN MY FINISHED PIECES BE SHIPPED TO ME?

ARE CHILDREN PERMITTED IN EVERY CLASS, AND IS THERE AN AGE MINIMUM?

still have questions? let's chat!

** PLEASE THOROUGHLY REVIEW OUR FAQ PRIOR TO SUBMITTING YOUR INQUIRY **

still have questions?
let's chat!

PLEASE THOROUGHLY REVIEW OUR FAQ PRIOR TO SUBMITTING YOUR INQUIRY