Studio Use Guidelines and Orientation Materials
Mud Lily Studio Tour and Orientation Materials
Welcome to Mud Lily! You’re joining a thriving community of makers who share a passion for ceramics. Whether you’re here to refine your craft, explore new techniques, or simply enjoy the creative process in a shared space, we’re excited to have you as part of our studio. This guide will help you get familiar with how we work together, keep our space running smoothly, and support each other as a creative community.
Our goal is for you to enjoy working independently at Mud Lily. Please bookmark this page and refer back to it as needed while you become more familiar with how things go around here!
Studio Access & Independent Hours
Please be sure to book all studio time in advance. You have access to independent studio time during the following hours:
Studio Hours:
Tuesday – Thursday: 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM
Monday – Thursday: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Saturday – Sunday: 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM
Please be cleaned up and packed by the session end time.
If you don’t already have a code from your pack or membership, you may purchase individual sessions or buy a 5-pack at a discount here. 5-packs expire 60 days from date of purchase.
Pottery wheels in the main work space. These are available for booking during independent studio time. On weekends and Thursday nights, we also have wheel availability in the classroom.
Clay & Materials
Clay Options
Purchase and cut your own clay at the clay station, shown here, located in the glazing room.
We offer four Laguna clay bodies as well as our Mud Lily Mix (reclaimed clay) for purchase.
Purchasing Clay
Clay is available in 5lb increments.
You can purchase clay via this link or by using the PayPal QR code at the clay station.
We only fire clay purchased from Mud Lily.
Glazes
In-Studio Glazes
The cost of glaze and firing is included in your clay purchase.
We provide a selection of dipping glazes in large studio quantities.
You may use your own cone 5/cone 6 glazes & underglazes, but they must be fired per manufacturer specifications.
Only non-toxic materials are allowed—no lusters, ammonia-based products, or toxic substances.
Samples of studio dipping glazes
Some of the glazing tools available for your use at the studio—or bring your own!
Firing & Work in Progress
Firing Details
Firing is included in your clay purchase—no additional charge for firing.
Each piece is allowed one bisque firing (cone 04) and one glaze firing (cone 6).
Work is fired first in, first out, though larger or uniquely shaped pieces may take longer. We cannot accommodate work larger than 15” wide or 15” tall.
You may not fire work created by others.
Our studio is not intended for production pottery use.
If staff feels that work may damage our equipment or the work of others, we will not fire it.
Work in Progress (WIP)
Use the appropriate studio racks to keep your work organized:
✔️ Work in Progress – Leather hard pieces covered, labeled with your name and date, and placed on a WIP shelf with corresponding date.
✔️ Done But Drying Rack – Greenware ready for bisque firing.
✔️ Bisque Fire Rack – Pieces awaiting glaze firing.
✔️ Glaze Fire Rack – Glazed work ready for the final firing.
✔️ Bisque & Glaze Pickup Area – Completed work ready for collection.
Label Your Work
Any unlabeled pieces may be discarded or recycled after 6 weeks.
Studio Guidelines & Shared Space
Outside Work
All work must be completed during studio hours to be fired at Mud Lily.
Studio Tools
We provide a variety of tools for community use. You are welcome to bring your own, except for:
🚫 Heat guns, blow torches, or any unsafe equipment.
Sanding & Air Quality
Mud Lily is a no-sand studio to ensure safe air quality for all members. Use wet-sanding techniques outside of the studio during your personal time when necessary.
Keep Clay Out of Drains
Please follow our clean-up procedures to protect studio equipment and maintain a safe environment.
Storage & Unclaimed Items
Personal Storage
Please use the Work in Progress shelves for your pieces and take home your clay and all personal items after your session.
If interested in a shelf for storage, please check out our monthly membership and join the waiting list.
Unclaimed Work
Any unclaimed work/materials left 30+ days after membership ends become the property of Mud Lily.
Unlabeled work is moved to "Last Chance" shelves before being discarded.
Community & Opportunities
Community Pop-Up Sales
All active and in good standing members of any level may participate in Mud Lily’s pop-up pottery sales, selling work made at the studio.
Final Notes & Next Steps
We can’t wait to see what you create! If you have any questions, feel free to ask a team member or fellow potter.
✨ Next Steps:
✔️ Book your first session, then start creating and enjoying the studio space!
✔️ Follow us on Instagram (@mudlilyclay) for updates & community events.
Happy making, and welcome to the Mud Lily community!