You'll love learning with us
Marv and Diane have over 40 years experience between them of teaching ceramics so you're in safe, knowledgeable hands!
We are fun, relaxed and welcoming to all our students and have expereince teaching all levels of ceramics from beginners to advanced.
For the last few years we have been expanding our knowledge by taking various courses on glazes, slipcasting and printing techniques. All of which filters down into our classes and one off workshops and we love sharing our skills with our students.
Whatever aspects of ceramics you are interested in, we can show you how!
Education
Learn, create and get inspired at one of our many informal adult education classes. Most of which are suitable for complete beginners. Throwing, handbuilding, glazing and raku are some of the most popular. Check them out HERE to go to Event Brite.
And find out more here about our Classes
Tableware
For restaurants and the home. We create modern pieces completely bespoke to you. To see some of our tableware examples and to enquire via email about a potential collaboration click HERE or email us at admin@muddyfingerspottery.com
Pottery tools
Did you know we have our own range of throwing ribs and pottery tools? Visit our Etsy shop to browse the latest additions.
Community
We love to take part in community projects. Wether it's building cob ovens at community centres or doing raku session in the local park, have a look at our previous projects and contact us to discuss your upcoming projects HERE (tbc).
Alternative firing
Here at Muddy Fingers we have been practicing alternative firing for the last 20 years and Marv has been published on the subject, both in another author's book and in his pitfiring how-to book.
Find out more about alternative firings and how to buy the books HERE on Blurb.
Our studio...
We have a well equipped pottery studio located South of the Tyne in the historical town of Jarrow.
As well as 2 large handbuilding tables we also have 7 potters wheels, a 115 litre kiln and a large 680 litre kiln. We have a wide range of underglazes, watercolours, dipping glazes and brushing glazes. Drawers full of pottery tools and a selection of printing materials and tools including screenprinting stencils. Clays used are mainly a grogged stoneware. Occasionally we have bags of porcelain or black clay for small projects like jewellery or to make coloured slips.
We always have the latest copies of Pottery making illustrated and old issues Claycraft on display for you to keep up with the latest ceramic goings on and get inspired by new techniques. Our bookshelves are well stocked with a fabulous collection of ceramics books and magazines for your perusal.
You can help yourself to tea, herbals or coffee and there may even be two furry members of the Muddy Crew pottering around to make a fuss of!
There is ample free parking in the car park right outside or we are a ten-minute walk from the Jarrow metro. You can also get the 26 bus from Jarrow, it stops right on the main road, a minutes walk away.
Unfortunately, the studio is not fully accessible but do get in touch if you have any special mobility requirements as we may be able to accomodate you or bring the pottery to your venue.
View our latest work...
Meet the team...
The Muddy Fingers Crew
Diane has a formal eductional background in art and design but only came to ceramics later on in life aged 30 when she started an evening class with Marv in 2007. After a couple o years she started selling her own pots and then in 2013 became a fully self employed potter. She has made pots for high profile restaurants and written pieces for ceramic magazines as well as teaching all levels of students. She enjoys wheel throwing in particular and loves functional pots. Interests outside of work include travel, screen printing and cyanotype. She has been combining those printing techniques with her latest ceramic work to develop new ways of getting images onto pots. Diane is the organiser of the crew and is generally the one you'll be talking to if you message us as she is the social media guru!
Marv has a background in lots of 3d arts areas and design, including wood, metal, plastics and ceramics. He has also taught and worked in collages. maker of tableware, sculpture, and potters tools. Marv has been a mainly a potter since 2003, when he set up Muddy Fingers Pottery.
Sally and Maggie are the ultimate marketing team. They also help with destressing techniques (strokes and licks)if you've had a bad day. They enjoy the beach, cheese, tummy rubs and playing catch.
What our clients are saying about us...
- Me and my mam have had an amazing morning at the workshop today. Diane and Marv were so helpful and knowledgeable, it was so much fun learning the techniques. My favourite part was being able to pull our pots out of the fire and wash it down to expose all the different colours! It was such a friendly environment aswell, I would highly recommend and will deffo be back! Especially to see the doggies
- Just finished a 4 week beginners course and it was absolutely brilliant. Great teachers and a fun course.
- Amazing experience, friendly atmosphere well worth giving it a try..
- Started beginners course and love it
- Fantastic time at the Clay Christmas Wreath Workshop today! Great atmosphere, Diane is welcoming, patient, and approachable—making it easy for everyone, regardless of skill level, to feel comfortable and enjoy themselves.
- Good selection of tools and cutters so you can make your wreath unique to you. Highly recommend to anyone looking for a fun and creative experience!
- Great products, super service and super quick, what more could you ask. Showed them a picture of what I was after and I had it delivered within days, I'm sooo pleased
