1. Working in the Studio

These are some basic guidelines and principals for working within our studio and on our equipment. Please ask any of the studio managers for further clarification or advice. Should the studio be hosting a class, workshop, or private event, members will be notified well in advance.

1.1. Wheels

A wheel operation manual has been provided. Please be sure to read and refer to it as needed.

1.1.1. During use

• Before turning on the wheel, always make sure the pedal is in the DOWN (heel-down) position. 

• When you are finished using the wheel, please leave the pedal in the down position as well.

• NEVER turn off the power switch while the motor is running, as doing so may damage the internal belt of the wheel.

1.1.2. Cleaning

• Before cleaning your wheel, please make sure the power switch is turned OFF. 

• DO NOT pour water directly onto the wheel to clean it.

• Wipe the wheel down with a damp sponge or cloth. The splash pan can be removed, taken to the sink for cleaning and then placed back onto the wheel.

• Cleaning your wheel includes the wheel head, bats, splash pans, the body of the wheel, and the surrounding area, including the floor, walls, and any nearby tables or shelving.

1.2. Slab Roller

Depending on what color clay you are working with (white/porcelain or dark clay), you will grab the corresponding canvas to lay down on the slab roller first. Slabs must be pre-flattened to approximately 1–1.5 inches thick before going through the machine. NEVER roll directly on the slab roller. Roll out on the work table.

Our slab roller has a dial that allows you to set a precise ruler measurement for slab thickness and should be checked and adjusted before each use. Sandwich your clay between the folded canvas and proceed to roll your slab. Clean up your mess, if any, and please remember that raw clay should never run through the rollers.

SAFETY when using the slab roller requires keeping hands, loose clothing, hair, and jewelry away from the rollers and all moving parts to avoid crushing injuries. Never place your hands under or near the rollers during operation. Use the safety pusher bar on motorized models when provided. Do not reverse the rollers if items become stuck; allow them to pass through completely.

1.3. Extruder: Training & Permission

Members may only use the extruder after receiving approved training from an authorized studio manager or instructor. If you have not been trained, do not operate the extruder under any circumstances.

If you would like to request training, please email us.

1.4. Kilns & Firing Procedure

1.4.1. Kiln authorization and access

ONLY trained studio managers are authorized to operate or access the kilns. 

Members are strictly prohibited from touching, opening, adjusting, or operating the kilns at any time. This includes, but is not limited to, opening kiln lids, interacting with controllers, or accessing kilns, and especially while the kilns are firing or otherwise running, due to the risk of severe burns and injury. The Clay Table fires all our electric kilns at cone ^06-^04 for bisque and cone ^6 for glaze (that’s approximately 1880°F – 2200°F).

1.4.2. Emergency (Smoke, Fire, or Kiln Abnormality)

In the event of a kiln abnormality, or if you see smoke or fire, remain calm. Proceed immediately to the back room where the breakers are labeled “KILNS”, and switch the corresponding kiln breaker from “ON” to “OFF.” Immediately contact Hyo or a studio manager and continue calling until you are able to reach someone. Fire extinguishers and first aid supplies are located throughout the studio and should be used if needed.

Although we have ventilation in our kiln area, there are times you may smell some organic matter burning through the kiln and it can create a little smell. It is usually not a problem but if you are ever concerned, please call or text Hyo.

1.4.3. Firing turnaround

Our average firing turnaround time is approximately three weeks after pieces are placed on the firing circle shelves, though turnaround times may vary. Larger or oversized pieces may require additional time.

If any issues are identified prior to firing (such as bisque or glaze concerns), the piece will be moved to the Orphan or Oops shelves and accompanied by a note explaining the issue.

1.5. Tables

The worktables in the main room are divided by dark clay and white clay. If you are wedging or hand building, or doing similar work, please use the appropriate side of the table and be sure to always clean your workspace no matter how large or small the area used.

Please note that the wedging table is for wedging only and should not be used for drying work.

1.6. Spray Booth

The spray booth is available to members so long as they have their own face respirator. During the winter months, when you cannot go outside to sand your bisque ware, we allow you to use the spray booth for sanding. Likewise, if you have your own portable air compressor (from Home Depot) you can spray glaze onto your pots in our spray booth. If you use any communal tools, please clean up. 

Procedure: 

• Close the door behind you.

• Secure respirator on your face.

• Turn on the power strip on the left-hand side of the spray booth, and work.

• When you are done, take special care to clean thoroughly with a damp sponge and water, including the spray booth surfaces, floor, and surrounding area.

• Turn off the switch and close the door.

1.7. Clay

We offer a variety of commercial clay bodies, and clay can be purchased directly through the studio website. Clay is sold in standard 25 lb bags only.  At checkout, members need to enter their full name and pickup date. Please double-check the number on the box before purchasing clay on our website and picking it up. Members are also encouraged to label all clay bags with their name and clay type to help identify personal materials.

Members may purchase up to two bags of clay per month. Unused monthly clay allowances do not roll over. All clay used in the studio must be purchased through the studio website. Outside clay may not be brought into or used in the studio. Available clay types and pricing may change from time to time. Clay may not be sold or traded between members. Small, casual sharing between members is allowed, as long as it is not used to bypass monthly purchase limits.

Clay storage guidelines, including communal clay containers and personal cubby use, are outlined in the Section 2.1 (Personal Cubbies).

1.8. Glazing PLEASE READ CAREFULLY

1.8.1. Glaze Mixing & Raw Materials

Glaze raw materials and mixing ingredients are for authorized use only. Members are not permitted access or use glaze raw materials. Only trained and authorized studio managers are permitted to handle or mix these materials.

1.8.2. Glaze safety

Glaze before firing is considered a toxic substance and should be handled with care. Members with sensitive skin are encouraged to wear a pair of disposable gloves, which are provided by the studio at the glaze table.

All studio glazes are non-toxic and food-safe once fired and contain no lead. Glaze mixing is permitted only for those who have been trained by qualified The Clay Table studio managers.

1.8.3. Glaze handling

• Using glaze, step by step

  • Open the glaze bucket and place the lid upside down on the table, with the messy side facing up. Use it as a small slop table to help contain drips. 

  • Using the brush stored in the bucket, stir the glaze thoroughly before use.

  • Close the lid properly and securely before moving on to prevent the glaze from drying out or changing in consistency

• Preventing Cross-Contamination When using Multiple Glazes

  • When working with multiple glazes, keep each brush on the lid of its corresponding glaze bucket to prevent cross-contamination.

  • Keep only one glaze bucket open at a time to avoid splashing or accidental spills.

  • Be mindful of brush placement and always return brushes to the correct bucket.

  • When layering glazes, allow the first glaze layer to fully dry before applying the next.

  • Please be aware of the space you’re using, as the studio can feel intimate during busy times.

• Disposing of glaze

  • Glaze should not go down any sink. Glaze residue must be rinsed only in the glaze buckets provided and clearly labeled next to the glaze area.

  • You may use a little bit of clean water in a standard bucket to help you clean your work as you go. But please be mindful of how much water is already filled in the slop buckets and avoid overfilling them.

  • Please give all tools and cups a final rinse and place them back in the designated glaze area.

1.8.4. Glaze slip

• The bottom of the piece must also include a clear mark  (initials, stamp, or logo).

• A glaze slip (see below) must also be completed and included.

• Measurements are required only if any dimension exceeds 13 inches. In that case, all dimensions must be measured and recorded.

• If glazes are layered, please list them as Glaze ① and Glaze ②.

1.8.5. Glaze running

• Glaze running fee

If glaze runs onto a kiln shelf, a glaze running fee will be charged to cover cleanup and repairs. In this case, a note notifying you of the fee will be placed with your work. Please authorize the charge by filling out the note and placing it in the studio manager’s box.

• Glaze running prevention

Glossier or shinier glazes have a higher likelihood of “running,” meaning the glaze continues to melt during firing and drips down your pot. Matte glazes have less likelihood of running but vary more significantly from one firing to the next.

Glaze is a mixture of glass, clay, and stabilizers so when in high temperatures it turns into high grade glue. Due to this if you get glaze near the bottom or on the bottom of your pot you would adhere your pot onto the glaze shelf and we would have to break your pot in order to get it off. 

To avoid that we provide wax to make cleaning up easier, so when you are glazing, you should just wipe the bottom of your pot thoroughly. If we feel that a piece has been glazed in a risky or improper way, we will leave a note with the piece explaining our concern.

When glazing, please fill out a glaze slip so kiln loaders can better know whether your glaze choices are likely to be runny or problematic.

1.8.6. Glaze refire

Glaze refiring is available for eligible pieces and requires the glaze refiring fee. If you would like a piece to be refired, please clearly write “REFIRE” in the “MEMO” section of the glaze slip.

1.8.7. Test tiles

The studio provides a test tile wall to display glaze samples, showing how each glaze appears on both white and brown clay.

1.8.8. Commercial glazes

You may bring your own commercial glazes to use at The Clay Table as long as they are cone ^6. When using a commercial glaze, members must submit the commercial glaze approval form on the member portal. Once approved, you can use the glaze, and the name of the glaze must be clearly written on the glaze slip.

1.9. Oversized Work

Pieces with any dimension exceeding 13 inches may require additional kiln space, handling, or special placement and are subject to the oversized work fee.

The fee is calculated as Length × Width × Height, multiplied by the current oversized work rate (in dollars).

Examples (example rate shown below):

• Size 14 x 10 x 4 x 0.05 (example rate) = 28 -> $28

If your work is oversized, please note the full dimensions on the oversized work fee note (see below) and place it in the box on the studio manager’s table. The oversized work fee will be charged to your payment method on file.

2. Work Storage & Shelving

The top of the shelving units is not intended for storage. Please do not place any work, tools, personal items, or materials on the top of the shelving units at any time. Any items found in this area may be discarded.

2.1. Personal Cubbies

Each member is assigned a personal cubby space for storing personal tools, small items, and their second bag of clay. If you need to move to a different cubby, please check in with the studio manager first. 

At the bottom of each shelving unit, there is a designated communal clay container where members may store their first bag of clay. If you purchase a second bag of clay, it must be stored inside your personal cubby, not in the communal container. This system helps keep shared storage organized and ensures equal access to space for all members.

2.2. Works-in-Progress (WIP) Shelves (communal)

Designated communal shelves throughout the studio for storing in-progress pieces that are still being trimmed, assembled, dried, or otherwise not ready for the Firing Cycle Shelves. WIP shelves should be used only for active works that are still undergoing construction or drying. Unclaimed work will be discarded or donated after 2 months.

Personal wheel bats may be used for individual work. However, studio-provided wheel bats are shared tools and should not be placed on WIP shelves. Please keep studio bats separate from work-in-progress pieces and return them to their designated storage area after use.

2.3. Firing Cycle Shelves (communal)

In the kiln area you can find labeled shelving units that indicate where work at each stage of the firing process belongs:

• Greenware: unfired work that is ready to be bisqued fired
  (Please note: Due to limited space, only work at the leather-hard stage or beyond may be placed here. This area may not be used for drying purposes.)

• Bisqued work: work that has been bisqued

• Glazed work: glazed pieces that are ready to be glaze fired

• Glaze ware: fully glaze-fired finished work

In the firing cycle shelves, pieces are typically placed around eye level on the shelving unit first, and may move up or down the shelves the longer they remain there. Members are also encouraged to photograph and document the work they place into the kiln.

2.4. Communal Shelving Rules and Orphan Shelves

2.4.1. Proper identification

• WIP

  • Write your label on masking tape using a Sharpie pen.

  • The label must include the NAME and DATE.

• Greenware

  • Greenware must also include a clear MARK (initials, stamp, or logo).

• Glazed work

  • The bottom of the piece must also include a clear MARK.

  • A GLAZE SLIP must also be completed and included.

  • For detailed requirements, please refer to Section 1.7.3 (Glaze slip).

2.4.2. Oops shelves

The following pieces will be moved to the Oops Shelf:

• Greenware without a mark

• Glazed work without mark and glaze slip

• Pieces that are falling apart, broken, or structurally unstable and cannot be safely fired

• Pieces with glaze runs

Unclaimed work on the Oops Shelf after 1 month may be discarded or donated.

2.4.3. Orphan shelves

Bisqued work and Glaze ware MUST be claimed within 1 month after it has been fired. Unclaimed work will be moved to the Orphan Shelf unless the studio is contacted by email or the member arranges for a studio mate or friend to assist with pickup. Work on the Orphan Shelf will be held for 1 additional month, after which it may be discarded or donated if still unclaimed.

2.5. Work Pickup, Storage, and Disposal Timeline

3. Studio Cleanliness & Care

3.1. General Clean-Up Responsibilities

Each station you worked at, area you touched, and tool you borrowed is your responsibility to clean up. When cleaning, please be mindful that the floor, walls, and tables are also your responsibility.

In order to prevent clay dust, which contains fine silica particles that can be HARMFUL if inhaled over time, ALWAYS use a damp sponge or water when cleaning dusty surfaces. Dry sweeping can cause silica dust to become airborne and pose a health risk. Please make sure to apply Clean Sweep to the floor before sweeping, for your safety and the safety of other members.

In order to keep our studio a safe and silica dust-free environment everyone is required to mop around their wheel after throwing.

Please help us keep the studio a safe working environment by keeping it clean and free of dust, germs, and trash. Cleaning supplies are provided for studio use, including brooms, dustpans, Clean Sweep, and mops, and are located in designated areas.

3.2. Clay Recycling

Members are highly encouraged to recycle their own clay whenever possible. Otherwise, all recyclable clay must be placed in the designated recycle bins to help reduce clogging in the slop sink. We provide separate bins for light clay and dark clay.

3.3. Sink Use & Drain Protection

Proper sink use is essential to maintaining a safe, functional, and clean studio environment. To protect our plumbing, equipment, and shared workspace, please follow the guidelines below at all times.

• Please discard all clay chunks into the designated buckets first, and use the provided sieves or strainers to catch as much remaining clay as possible.

• The studio does not have a designated food sink. Food-related dishes, containers, or utensils may not be washed or rinsed.

• Be mindful of using minimal water when cleaning tools or work surfaces.

• All glaze-related cleanup must be done using the designated glaze buckets and slop containers located in the glaze area, then final rinse here.

3.4. Damages & Maintenance Responsibility

Members will be held responsible for any damage to the facility or equipment if obvious negligence or improper use is the cause.

4. Studio Etiquette & Shared Space

Above all please be courteous, kind, and respectful to your other studio members and to our clay community.

4.1. Spreading out

Please be considerate of how much space you are using at a time when the studio is busy.

4.2. Music

Always ask everyone in the space and double-check with people as they come in if you are going to turn on music, a podcast, a film, etc. If someone prefers silence, then please revert to your headphones.

4.3. Cell Phone

Please keep your cell phone conversations to a respectable volume, or please take your conversation in the hallway/outside.  

4.4. Food & Kitchen Use

• Please wipe off any leftover food and dispose of it in a lidded trash bin, making sure the lid is fully closed. We ask that food waste not be placed in open or unlidded trash bins, including restroom trash cans.

• Food and drinks may be consumed at work tables; however, they may not be left unattended on work tables, shelves, or other studio surfaces.

• To prevent pests and maintain a clean working environment, all food items, crumbs, and residue must be promptly cleaned up after eating, including wiping down the work table and cleaning the floor as needed.

• The Clay Table may discard any unattended food or food deemed unsanitary or a pest risk and is not responsible for discarded items. All food stored in the studio refrigerator must be clearly labeled with your name and the date, and items left for more than three days may be discarded.

4.5. Animals

• Dogs and other animals are not permitted in the studio. 

• Service animals are allowed as required by law, and documentation must be submitted to the studio by email.

4.6. Smoking, Alcohol & Drugs

Smoking (including vaping), alcohol consumption, and the use or possession of illegal drugs are strictly prohibited anywhere inside the studio or on studio property.

Members who appear impaired or under the influence may be asked to leave the studio immediately for safety reasons.

5. Safety, Risk & Emergency

5.1. Risks & Assumption of Risk

Working with ceramics involves inherent risks related to materials, equipment, and kilns. Members are expected to be aware of these risks and to use the studio safely and responsibly, following all posted guidelines and instructions. Additional information regarding liability and assumption of risk is outlined in the Agreement and the Liability Waiver.

5.2. Emergency Procedures

In the event of a true emergency, always CALL 911. Studio emergency contact information, including owner contact details, is posted on the studio bulletin board. Please call or text Hyo or a studio manager only for emergencies or immediate concerns. For all non-urgent matters, email is the preferred form of communication.

Emergency exits must be kept clear at all times. Please familiarize yourself with all emergency exit locations before working in the studio. There are 2 emergency exits in the back room and 1 emergency exit at the front entrance.

Do not touch or adjust the studio thermometer, temperature controls, or heaters. If the temperature appears abnormal, the thermometer displays an error, or a heater is not functioning properly, especially during winter, please contact Hyo or a studio manager immediately, as this is a URGENT matter.

6. Security & Personal Responsibility

6.1. Studio Access & Security

Our studio is a shared community space, and everyone plays a role in keeping it safe. Please do not allow unauthorized access or bypass access controls.

Access fobs are for individual use only, so keep yours secure and do not share it. Lost fobs may be subject to a replacement fee.

6.2. Closing

If you are the last person in the studio, regardless of the time of day or night, please complete your normal cleanup procedure.

Turn off all lights except the designated emergency light, ensure all exterior doors are fully closed and secured, and DO NOT turn off the heaters when leaving the studio.

6.3. Personal Belongings

Please note that the studio is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged personal belongings, and members are encouraged to keep valuables with them at all times.

6.4. Security Cameras 

 For the safety of all members and to safeguard the studio, The Clay Table uses security cameras in common areas. These cameras record continuously (24/7), and footage may be reviewed by studio management in the event of safety concerns, damage, theft, or policy violations. Cameras are never installed in bathroom facilities.

6.5. Guest Guidelines

Guest visits must be registered in advance through the Studio’s designated process. Each member may bring one guest for one day per month.

Guests are expected to follow all Studio guidelines and stay with their host member at all times while in the Studio. Host members are fully responsible for their guests and for helping ensure a safe, respectful, and enjoyable studio environment for everyone.

Please note that private lessons, tutoring, or any commercial or profit-based teaching activities are not permitted during guest visits.

7. Community & Culture

7.1. Help and Advice

Please feel free to ask questions (about the studio, including where things are located or studio procedures) to Hyo, studio managers, or fellow members whenever appropriate. We strive to make sure The Clay Table is a safe and inclusive environment, so please help your fellow studio mates if they ask for assistance.

As a member of The Clay Table, you are responsible for knowing how to create work and use materials and equipment safely and effectively. No studio managers and members are responsible for teaching any other members ceramic techniques. For hands-on instruction or skill development, we recommend registering in one of our classes.

7.2. Member Portal (Members-Only Website)

The Member Portal is a members-only hub where active members can find the latest Agreement, Privacy Policy, Studio Guidelines, and required forms. Access is provided to active members only and should not be shared.

7.3. Studio Bulletin Board

A studio bulletin board is located near the studio entrance and serves as a central place for important studio updates and announcements. Members are encouraged to check the bulletin board regularly to stay informed about what’s happening in the studio, including:

• Studio calendar for class and events: 

The studio calendar is posted on the bulletin board and is also emailed to members as it is updated periodically. Classes and events may take place in either room, and the calendar will reflect all scheduled activities.

• Reporting Issues & Emergency Contact Details:

If you notice anything that is broken, clogged, or could potentially become an issue, please notify Hyo or a studio manager. For non-urgent matters, email is the preferred method of communication. For urgent issues, please call or text Hyo. If Hyo is unavailable, please contact a studio manager following the emergency contact order posted on the studio bulletin board.

• Notices regarding updates:

Announcements related to updates to the studio’s Agreement, Privacy Policy, and Guidelines will be posted on the bulletin board.

• Current additional fee: 

Current additional fee amounts are posted here for reference. Please note that fees may be updated or adjusted as needed. For detailed information regarding additional fees, please refer to Section 10 (Additional Fees) of the Agreement.

• Community communication reminder: 

If you damage another person’s work at any stage, please leave them a note explaining what happened.

7.4. Studio Shows and Events

• Participation in studio shows is subject to availability and studio scheduling.

• The studio may close temporarily for shows, events, or private use.

7.5. Clean-A-Thon Participation

• Members are encouraged to participate in one (1) studio wide Clean-A-Thon per membership year as part of supporting our shared studio community.

• Clean-A-Thon participation helps keep the studio safe, welcoming, and well-maintained for everyone.

8. Polices & Administrative

8.1. Guideline Updates

The Clay Table Guidelines may be updated or revised at any time as needed for safety, operations, or studio management. Updates will be posted on the Member portal and the Studio bulletin board.

Members will be notified of significant changes via email when applicable, and it is each member’s responsibility to review and follow the most current version of the Guidelines.

8.2. Ending Membership

We understand that all good things must come to an end, and we truly thank you for your time with us. If you are considering ending your membership, please submit the Studio’s Membership Cancellation Request Form. A minimum of 30 days’ notice is required. Memberships end on the last calendar day of a month in accordance with our monthly billing cycle, and membership fees are not prorated.

For full details regarding notice requirements, deposit refunds, and move-out responsibilities (including FOB return and cubby clearance), please refer to the Membership Agreement.