1. Quiz
  2. Your result
  3. Your plan
  4. Your guide

Step-by-step guide

Pottery and ceramics: your step-by-step start

Make mugs, bowls, planters and decor from clay and sell them at markets, online and to cafes and shops.

  • 18 lessons
  • 5 modules
  • about 1 hour in total

Is this guide for you?

Good fit if

  • Makers who have learnt pottery and have access to a kiln, either their own or a studio's.

Think twice if

  • You need money within the next two weeks: first income usually takes about 60 days.
  • You cannot put about R1 000 into getting started.

Honest expectations

  • First income usually takes about 60 days.
  • Part time, most people earn a modest top-up from this. Treat bigger numbers you see online with care.
  • The main risk to plan for: kiln and glaze safety: use lead-free, food-safe glazes.

What is inside

  1. Module 1

    Is this right for you?

    What it involves, who pays, and honest expectations.

    1. How pottery and ceramics worksFree · 5 min
    2. Honest expectations4 min (in the full guide)
  2. Module 2

    Set up and price

    What you need and what to charge.

    1. Your startup kit, costs and skills5 min (in the full guide)
    2. Pricing and getting paid5 min (in the full guide)
    3. Your numbers: a worked example in rands5 min (in the full guide)
  3. Module 3

    Your first week

    The first steps, in order.

    1. Your first week, step by step6 min (in the full guide)
    2. Week one, step 2: Choose two products to perfect3 min (in the full guide)
    3. Week one, step 3: Cost one piece with your pricing worksheet3 min (in the full guide)
    4. Finding your first customers: who to message5 min (in the full guide)
    5. Messages to copy: your first customers5 min (in the full guide)
  4. Module 4

    Your first month

    A routine that brings in customers.

    1. Your first 30 days: build a routine4 min (in the full guide)
    2. Month one, task 1: Aim for fire and photograph your first batch3 min (in the full guide)
    3. Month one, task 2: Book a market or approach a cafe3 min (in the full guide)
  5. Module 5

    Months two and three

    Repeat what works, grow and stay safe.

    1. Days 31 to 90: repeat what works and grow4 min (in the full guide)
    2. Months two and three, task 1: Offer sets and custom orders3 min (in the full guide)
    3. Months two and three, task 2: Agree consignment terms in writing with one shop3 min (in the full guide)
    4. Getting paid safely and spotting scams4 min (in the full guide)
    5. Risks, rules, tax and staying safe5 min (in the full guide)

What it costs to start

R1 000 to R30 000 to get started, from our research

What you will use:

  • Clay and lead-free glazes
  • Kiln access
  • Tools and wheel (or hand-building)
  • Bubble wrap and boxes

Prices change and differ by area, so check two places near you before you buy.

Try it before you buy

Lesson one is free. If it helps, the whole guide is R149 once-off.

Start the free lesson

Reviewed 24 October 2026 by the Earn Path team. Next review due 24 October 2027.