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Do I need to bring anything with me?You don't need to bring anything. The clay we use won't stain and rarely gets on your clothes during a workshop. You may opt to bring an apron with you to be extra safe.
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Do we make pottery on a pottery wheel?At the moment, we only offer hand-building classes and workshops. We hope to add a few wheels in the studio soon to add these as an experience.
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When will I get my pieces back?We try our best to fire pieces to completion within 3 weeks after a workshop. In South Africa, loadshedding makes the use of an electric kiln incredibly difficult, and sometimes, impossible. We advise not to expect pieces back for at least 3-4 weeks, but factors such as loadshedding often increase waiting times to 6-8 weeks.
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What colour will my pieces be glazed in?We use a combination of neutral coloured glazes to glaze workshop pieces. The colours are chosen based on what we have in the studio at that time, but usually a white glossy glaze, off white glossy glaze, or matte neutrals are used.
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Will I get to paint my pottery?You can choose to paint your pottery with underglaze that can be purchased in our studio. The pots are smaller, which means they are inexpensive (R30 per paint colour) and we will provide the brushes. After your pottery has been painted, we will glaze the piece in a transparent glaze and fire it at our studio. Please note that extra time will not be allocated for painting your pieces. If you'd like to add a painted piece, it has to be done within the workshop time. If no paint is chosen, your pieces will still be glazed in a standard neutral transparent glaze.
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I am on holiday in Cape Town, will I be able to join and get my pieces back before my departure date?Our standard lead time for workshop pieces are 3-4 weeks, without the interruption of loadshedding. This time often increases to 6-8 weeks. We do, however, have a shelf in our studio that works on a "leave one, take one" basis. Should you wish, you may opt to leave your pieces and take a similar amount of pieces from the exchange shelf instead of getting your pieces back. You may also opt to ship your pieces to your preferred destination at your own cost, or have someone else collect your pieces for you when they are ready.
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I am joining by myself, is that okay?Absolutely! We create a relaxed, fun environment with every workshop and often have guests who join solo. It's a great way to spend quality time with yourself, or to meet likeminded humans to share an experience with.
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Do you serve drinks at workshops?Drinks during workshops will either be Mimosas on Saturdays (if relevant option is chosen), or wine at other workshops.
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Can I buy a voucher for a workshop?Yes, we offer workshop vouchers. You may contact us with the details at info@baiktceramics.com
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Can I bring my children to a workshop?Great news! We just launched Baikt Beans Junior Pottery. Contact cara@baiktceramics.com for more info on kids workshops, parties and events.
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Can I bring my dog to a workshop?Unfortunately, not. Although we love dogs, a busy studio during a workshop creates tons of excitement and distractions, plus we wouldn't want your pooch getting hurt in the space.
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What are collection times?We try to add as many collection slots as we can. As a rule of thumb, we always have collections scheduled during our workshops. Please note that if you miss a collection slot without notice, your collection will be rescheduled for the next available Saturday.
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How far in advance can I book?During the last week of every month, we add the dates for our regular workshops and events to be held during the following month. This is to ensure that we have enough staff, availability, and to make sure our kilns are not overloaded with too many pieces.
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Terms and ConditionsWorkshops cannot be attended without a fully paid booking. Any bookings cancelled after payments have been made can be used for alternative dates or towards workshop vouchers and/or credit, but will not be refunded. Guests may reschedule their workshop spots up to 24h before the workshop date and time. If you miss the workshop, or cancel within 24h before the workshop, your tickets will be forfeited. Payments made via EFT will not be secured without a valid proof of payment. Workshop times are not flexible. Extra time cannot be given past the scheduled time. Should you be late, the time lost cannot be exchanged for any form of repayment. Workshop pieces have to be marked with your individual group number. The Baikt Ceramics team will not take any responsibility for unmarked items. Generally, if your piece cannot be marked due to size or shape it is too big for a piece in one sitting and will most likely not survive the firing. Workshop pieces will only be fired with colour or paint if the piece has been painted by guests in our workshop using underglaze from our studio. We cannot take any responsibility for the outcome of any underglaze application, design or outcome made in our studio. Pottery painting can be done during the workshop time, and cannot be done by our workshop instructors. Drinks are only “bottomless” if the relevant option is selected and paid for. No alcohol will be served to anyone under the age of 18 years old, regardless of which ticket was purchased. We reserve the right to request identification if needed. Lead times for getting pieces back depend on factors that could be out of our control, such as loadshedding, the weather and operational factors. Although we always try to get pieces back to guests within 3-4 weeks without the interruption of loadshedding, it could take up to 8 weeks. Baikt Ceramics cannot always guarantee that pieces will survive the firing process, although we will take extra care to make sure we do everything we can to save a compromised piece. The art of ceramics always poses a risk when pieces are fired in a kiln. At temperatures higher than 1000°C, the survival of any piece cannot be guaranteed. This potentially means you might not receive your piece(s) back in the way you envisioned, or get them back at all. This may be due to any issue whatsoever during the firing process. It's a common risk in the world of ceramics and is the nature of the art. We do maintain a standard in our studio to either fix or save any pieces when needed, or offer you the opportunity to remake any lost pieces in your own time. Guests are not permitted to bring in any decorations and/or catering services unless they have made prior arrangements and received approval from management. The only exception to this rule is for private or custom workshops and/or events at your venue. If you're interested in booking a public workshop to celebrate an event or occasion, please note that other guests will be present, and additional decorations or food cannot be accommodated for. Pieces cannot be collected without receiving a call for collection. Our studio is open via appointment only. Should a collection slot be missed, your collection slot will be moved to the next available Saturday. Our studios will keep your pieces for up to one month after the initial collection call before your pieces are donated. It is the responsibility of the guest to reschedule a collection time should you miss your collection date. Collection notifications will be sent to the person who made the booking and will not be scheduled individually for a group who booked separately. Should you join with a group and the bookings were made separately, please let us know which person will receive the collection notifications. The leave one, take one shelf can be used based on the condition that the pieces are not guaranteed and could not match your personal taste. This is purely due to logistical purposes, should guests not want to ship their pieces internationally. Baikt Ceramics Pty Ltd will not be held responsible or liable for any losses, damages, injuries or deaths of any person(s) attending workshops, lessons or events of any kind. Baikt Ceramics Pty Ltd holds the right of admission to any workshop, lesson or event.
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When are classes?Classes are on Tuesday evenings, Wednesday mornings and Thursday evenings, subject to availability.
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How long are classes?Our classes are three hours long. You are not required to stay for the full duration of the pottery class, and we encourage creativity and autonomy. Should you be late, it's no biggy. If you need to leave early, that's fine too.
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What will I learn when coming to pottery classes?In pottery classes focused on hand building, students can expect to learn the foundational techniques and skills necessary to create ceramic objects using their hands and basic tools. You'll learn clay preparation, use of hand tools, and how to shape and mold clay by hand. The classes cover various forms and structures, allowing you to express your creativity in pottery.
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Who is the teacher?Our classes are taught by our artist and owner, Mike Jacobs-Brits. When it's necessary, our studio manager and experienced potter, Cara, will oversee classes.
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Do I need any experience or knowledge in pottery to join?Absolutely not. Beginners are welcome, and instructors will provide guidance and instruction on the basic techniques and skills needed to turn your pottery visions into ceramic reality.
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Do I need any materials, tools or gear?All you need to bring is an apron (you can leave it at the studio if you want to). We have a fully equipped studio, but you're welcome to bring along any tool, shape, stamp or gadget you'd like to use.
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Can I work on the pottery wheel?At the moment, we only offer hand building classes. We hope to add more wheels in our studio in order to offer wheel classes in the near future but due to the space, and intensive teaching required to teach wheel work we cannot offer wheel classes at this stage. Watch this space, though ;)
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Can I take my pieces home?Of course. Once your pieces have been fired, glazed and fired again, they're yours to keep forever! Please be mindlful that due to factors like loadshedding, it could take longer to complete pieces from start to finish. As a general rule, keep in mind that patience is key.
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What is the minimum age to join classes?Our classes are suitable for individuals 16+ years of age. For younger aspiring potters, please see our Baikt Beans Junior Pottery section for more information, or contact cara@baiktceramics.com for more details.
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What if I can't make my usual class?You may join a different class in the month, or join one of our catch-up classes which are held every second Saturday. Note that catch-up classes are subject to availability and are filled on a first come - first served basis. Should you not attend a catch-up class, your current class will be forfeited.
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How do I join?You may apply to join our pottery classes by filling in the online form on the website. Once we have determined that we have a spot available for you on your preferred day of the week, you will receive a link to book and pay for your classes.
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Terms and ConditionsClass times are set. Students unfortunately won’t be able to stay past prescribed class times. Class slots do not roll over. Multiple classes can be attended in a week, the standard membership allows for four classes per month. Without the purchase of slots, members will not be able to attend classes and will be notified accordingly. It remains your responsibility to purchase your classes for the upcoming month, as they are subject to availability. Your classes for the following month are only confirmed once they have been purchased online. Should class fees not be purchased before the start date, the slot will automatically be forfeited and given to the next individual on the waiting list. Pieces will then be set aside and not be fired. These pieces will be kept for 30 days, and will then either be recycled or donated. New members will be billed pro-rata for the current month, and will receive a new invoice for the following month. Baikt Ceramics cannot always guarantee that pieces will survive the firing process, although we will take extra care to ensure we do everything we can to save a compromised piece. At our studio, we do not fire pieces made in other pottery studios unless arranged with Mike. Clay and Glaze temperatures differ wildly and to ensure the safety of the piece and our kiln we try limit any risks that could cause a misfired or flopped piece, or damage to our kiln. Underglaze for pottery painting is not included in class fees but can be purchased at a discounted rate from our studio in small quantities. The studio will not take responsibility for any firing outcomes. Pottery is an intricate art and is fickle by nature. Should a piece not work out in the intended way, Baikt Ceramics will not be held responsible or liable in any way. Class fees are not refundable. Should classes be missed / skipped without attending a catch-up class, they will be forfeited. Catch-up classes should be attended within the same month of a missed class, where possible. Our instructors are not responsible to remind any members to arrange catch up classes. Should a class be missed, it will remain the responsibility of the attendee to book a catch-up class. Our studio will not be held responsible or liable for any deadlines of your own. Classes are not transferrable, and cannot roll over to the following month. Should a class be missed, it can be made up during dedicated catch-up classes held every second weekend on a Saturday. These are filled based on a first come, first served basis, and we will not be held liable for missed classes of any kind. Should members not return to pottery classes, the Baikt Team will not be responsible for doing any work on unfinished pottery. Extra once-off classes can be purchased online. Should pottery classes not be renewed, but unglazed bisque ware is left, we will glaze them using a standard transparent glaze. Should you require them to be glazed in a specific colour of finish, an additional slot can be purchased pro-rata or an existing member can be asked should they be willing. Where possible, the Baikt Ceramics team will add additional catch up slots, but this cannot always be guaranteed. Baikt Ceramics Pty Ltd will not be held responsible or liable for any losses, damages, injuries or deaths of any person(s) attending workshops, lessons or events of any kind. Baikt Ceramics Pty Ltd holds the right of admission to any workshop, lesson or event.
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How does it work?After your purchase of a Baikt Box, you'll receive the order within 2-3 business days. You may use it at any time that is most convenient for you. When your pieces are made and completed, you may bring them to our studio in Cape Town, and we will fire them for you. After they have gone through the firing and glazing process, we will notify you and you may then collect your pieces.
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When will I get my pieces back?We try our best to fire pieces to completion within 3 weeks after a workshop. In South Africa, loadshedding makes the use of an electric kiln incredibly difficult, and sometimes, impossible. We advise not to expect pieces back for at least 3-4 weeks, but factors such as loadshedding often increase waiting times to 6-8 weeks.
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I don't live in Cape Town, can I still order a Baikt Box?You may order a kit online, and it will be delivered. However, we will not be able to fire your pieces unless they are brought to our studio. We could potentially put you in touch with a ceramicist in your area, who could fire your pieces. This will be for your own account.
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I have never worked with clay before, is it beginner friendly?Yes! We have some instructional videos on our social media, but there are tons of online guides and how-to videos which can be used as a guide.
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Can I collect a box instead of paying for delivery?Absolutely. You may opt to collect your box in Sea Point or in Gardens.
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What tools are included?With our experience in teaching ceramics we've found that the best tools are often the most simple tools. Our favourites include popsicle sticks (new and clean) and sosatie sticks (also new and clean), sponges and one or two specific pottery tools. For a beginner, the basics are more than enough and our instructors often remind students that the best tools are our fingers and hands!
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Terms and ConditionsWhile we take every precaution to ensure the safety of our customers, we cannot be held responsible for any injury or damage caused by the use of our pottery kits. Pottery kits are sent out within 2-3 business days or can be collected at our studio once a notification has been sent notifying clients that their packages are ready for collection. Should you wish to cancel your order, you may do so within 2 calendar days after placing your order. After this period you may cancel your order and opt for a credit voucher toward any other product, commission or workshop. We do not take any responsibility for any damage to pieces incurred during the transportation to our studio. Our studio takes every precaution to ensure that your pottery is fired correctly, but we cannot be held responsible for any damage or breakage that may occur during the firing process. We will only fire items made with the clay provided in our boxes. All pieces (with the exception of painted pottery) will be fired in a neutral colour using a transparent glaze. While we try our best to fire pieces within 2-3 weeks without the interruption of loadshedding, power outages may cause longer wait times of up to 8 weeks. Pottery can only be fired by Baikt Ceramics once the pieces have been brought to our studio. Baikt Ceramics will not take any responsibility for damaged pottery before it has been delivered at our studio in Kloof Street, Cape Town. Should you reside outside of Cape Town and need your pieces fired, we can put you in touch with potters in your area that could fire your pieces for you - this will be for your account.
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Where is the pottery party held?We can have your party at our studio, or at your venue. Generally, we prefer your venue, which makes it easier for you to set up, there aren't tools and equipment we use daily around and when the pottery portion is done, you may continue with the festivities.
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How long are the pottery parties?The kids pottery parties are 1h00 long. This is enough time to make a useful and fun piece, but not too long for young minds to wander and disengage.
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Will we paint our pottery?You can choose to paint your pottery with underglaze that can be purchased in our studio. The pots are smaller, which means they are inexpensive (R30 per paint colour) and we will provide the brushes. After your pottery has been painted, we will glaze the piece in a transparent glaze and fire it at our studio. Please note that extra time will not be allocated for painting your pieces. If you'd like to add a painted piece, it has to be done within the workshop time. If no paint is chosen, your pieces will still be glazed in a standard neutral transparent glaze.
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What do I need to provide?All we need are tables and chairs, we'll take care of the rest. We provide a protective cover and tablecloths for your table. The clay will not stain but we do suggest clothes that are okay to get a bit dusty and / or clay on them that will wash out.
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Do we need to supervise our kids?Yes. While we will take the utmost care to ensure the safety of all workshop and party guests, we will not be responsible for any injury, losses, damages or harm of any kind to any individual at any workshop or event. It is the responsibility of the parent or guardian to ensure the safety of each child.
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When will we receive our pottery?We try our best to fire pieces to completion within 3 weeks after a workshop. In South Africa, loadshedding makes the use of an electric kiln incredibly difficult, and sometimes, impossible. We advise not to expect pieces back for at least 3-4 weeks, but factors such as loadshedding often increase waiting times to 6-8 weeks.
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