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Module 1 · Is this right for you?

How pottery and ceramics works

  • Lesson 1 of 18
  • 5 min read
  • Free lesson

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

Who it suits

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

Who pays

Gift buyers, cafes, decor shoppers.

What they get

Beautiful, everyday pieces made locally.

Is there demand?

SA potters publish handmade mug prices: about R230 (Ryno Ceramics) and R199 to R259 (Rialheim). Pottery classes start at about R250 (Mmupi and Clay), a way in if you do not have a kiln.

Real examples
  • Markets
  • Instagram
  • Cafes and gift shops on consignment
  • Bob Shop and AYA Africa

A good sign: a batch sold and a reorder from a shop.

Do it now

Tick it off when it is done. Your ticks are saved on this device.

Quick check

Pick an answer to see how you did.

In a typical case, how long until the first money comes in?

Your challenge

Check it before you spend

Price one mug including clay, glaze, firing and hours.

You are done when:

  • You wrote down what you found
  • You know whether to carry on or adjust

You report this yourself. Nobody checks, so it only counts if you really did it.

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