From one studio to another: A hands-on morning at Edinburgh Design School

By Connor Henderson on 03 September 2026

Last week, we swapped our screens for something a little more tactile and headed along to Edinburgh Design School (EDS) for a morning of pottery.

EDS is an independent ceramics school, offering high-quality learning experiences across a range of full-time, part-time courses and workshops. The school brings together expert teaching and a thriving ceramics community, helping students of all levels develop their skills and explore their creativity. We were commissioned by EDS in 2025 to undertake a brand development project and had been keen to get the team to one of their workshops ever since.

Getting to grips with clay

We started with the basics, learning how to shape clay into pinch pots before experimenting with different pieces of foliage to create imprints and textures. It was a simple introduction, but it gave us plenty of opportunity to clay around and see how different techniques can transform the same material.

Then we took the pottery wheel for a spin. While it looks deceptively easy, getting the clay centred and shaping it into something recognisable takes a little practice. Luckily, our tutor Aimie was on hand to guide us through it.

A helping hand when you need it

Aimie was fantastic throughout the workshop, friendly, approachable and incredibly knowledgeable. Her skill and experience were clear, but she made the whole process feel relaxed, encouraging everyone to have a go and experiment without worrying about getting it perfect.

It’s this balance that makes EDS’s workshops so enjoyable. You’re learning from tutors who really know their craft, but there’s no pressure. Whether you’re completely new to pottery or already have some experience, you’re given the support and confidence to get stuck in.

There’s no such thing as a bad pot

One of the best things about pottery workshop mornings at EDS is that it doesn’t really matter if things go slightly wrong. A wonky edge, an uneven shape or an imprint that didn’t quite turn out as planned is all part of the learning process.

And that’s exactly the atmosphere Aimie created throughout the session. There was plenty of encouragement to experiment and embrace the imperfections, which made it surprisingly easy to switch off and enjoy making something with your hands.

A creative way to bring a team together

Stepping away from the usual work environment and learning something new together can be a refreshing change of pace. EDS’s workshops offer a hands-on experience where teams can experiment with clay, develop new skills and enjoy some proper time away from the screen.

A pretty good way to shape a team day.

If you’re looking for a creative team day or simply fancy trying something new, we’d definitely recommend Edinburgh Design School’s courses and workshops.