Learn the art of shaping the earth
Nestled away in Lake Hayes Estate is a wee crafters oasis – The Clay Station. Co-founders Debbie Townsend and Kylie Burnell converted Debbie’s garage into a studio after she wasn’t able to attend her pottery club as Covid shut it down. Today, they also offer fun clay making classes in various bars and restaurants around town for anyone to get creative and learn the art of pottery.
Debbie and Kylie were brought together creatively in 2020. “LUMA was cancelled in town, and Debbie and another community member in Lake Hayes Estate got talking and decided that they’d like to Lumify Lake Hayes. That’s when Debbie came to me – we put together our ideas and created a hand and heart to go in the estate,” says Kylie. Wanting to make something from materials that could be sourced naturally, Heartfelt, was made using mesh wire, willow and dogwood, and was then lit up as one of the displays at LUMA in 2021.
Their clay classes are open to any skill level and provide everything you need to create a one-of-a-kind piece – this includes the clay, tools, paints, brushes, and even different laces to impress patterns. What you’ll make can range from steins to mugs, and even jack-o-lanterns. Debbie and Kylie will walk you through every step of the way and encourage you to step outside your comfort zone – they also bring along some pieces for inspiration just in case you’re not sure where to start.
“We enjoy seeing people and helping to inspire them to be creative, and get that creativity out of them. So, we decided to start doing it in places like Smiths. I think the events there are really fun to do and it’s in a relaxed group situation. You’re in a different environment where you wouldn’t normally do something like this.
“The cool thing about clay is that you can do so many different things with it. You can make cups, or amazing lampshades, and you can make sculptures – it’s just endless possibilities with it because of the amount of different ways you can use it. And if you make something you don’t like, you can just reuse it,” says Debbie.
If you’re unsure about attending a class, The Clay Station also opens their studio on Tuesdays and Thursdays where you can do your own thing and freestyle – Debbie and Kylie will be around to offer some guidance if needed. “When it comes to creating this stuff, it’s all up to you,” says Kylie. Their goal is to get everyone into the art of clay making, and they do this in a variety of ways. “Debbie got me into clay but growing up I’ve always done things that are creative.”
“Another thing we do is run workshops where people make intention mugs. It’s a pinch potting class and you’ll put a word on it or a sentence, and every morning when you have a drink from that you’re reminded of your intention. It’s just all about different ways that we can involve people in being creative, and it’s such a mindful thing,” says Debbie.
All events are posted on their Facebook page; facebook.com/theclaystationnz/ and you can find out more about private bookings, the studio, and purchase some of Debbie and Kylie’s work at theclaystation.co.nz
