The Vista Compound

The Mudroom

A place for makers.

The Mudroom hand-drawn logo

An intimate studio led by Chelsea Bradford — With a BFA in Ceramics at CSULB and the longtime maker behind Chels Pots, Chelsea brings her experience into intimate lessons for all skill levels. Wheel throwing, functional ceramics, and craftsmanship meant to be used and loved daily.

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Hands throwing a clay pot on the wheel

Inside the studio

Students at pottery wheels in a bright studioThe Mudroom studio exterior with the doors open on a sunny afternoonGuests standing together in front of The Mudroom at duskChelsea guiding students at the wheel inside The Mudroom studioTwo students centering clay on the pottery wheelGuests gathered around the fire pit outside at nightFinished stoneware mugs and bowlsThree students working on pottery wheels inside the studioA child shaping clay on the pottery wheel in warm afternoon lightClose-up of hands pulling a cylinder on the wheelChelsea standing in the unfinished Mudroom doorway during the buildoutView through open French doors into The Mudroom with a class in sessionOverhead view of a clay bat, sponge bowl, tools and glazes on the worktableChelsea leaning in to help a young student at the worktableClose-up of pottery tools with a class working at the wheel in the backgroundHands trimming the foot of a freshly thrown bowl on the wheel

Offerings

Pick your seat at the wheel.

1 hr 15 min

75 Minute 1 on 1 Private Lesson

$100

One-on-one wheel throwing. The pot you make will be trimmed, glazed, and kiln-fired by the instructor for pickup later.

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Most popular

1 hr 15 min × 6

(6) 75 Minute Class Package

$500

Twice a week over three weeks — wheel throwing, trimming, surface decoration, and glazing. Start to finish.

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1 hr 30 min

Date Night for 2

$200

A guided pottery lesson for two. The pot you make will be trimmed, glazed, and kiln-fired by the instructor for pickup later.

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By request

Private groups

Planning a private group or special occasion? Reach out and we'll tailor a session to your group size and timing.

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What we'll cover

From a lump of clay to a finished form.

Every lesson moves through the four core stages of throwing on the wheel. Go at your own pace — we'll guide you through each step.

Centering

Moving the clay to true center by coning it up and back down — the foundation of every piece on the wheel.

Opening

Creating the initial opening in the center of the clay, forming the floor and the foundation of your vessel.

Lifting the walls

Using a technique called a knuckle pass to pull the clay upward, transforming a short form into a taller vessel.

Shaping your piece

Refining the final form with a rib tool to smooth and shape the walls into the silhouette you want.

How to prepare

Attire

Wear closed-toe shoes and clothes you don't mind getting a bit dirty. Remove rings, bracelets, watches, and low-hanging necklaces.

Hair & hands

Pull long hair back and trim nails short if possible — it makes a real difference at the wheel.

What's included

Clay, tools, aprons, and firing are all provided. Small classes (max 3 students) so you actually get hands-on time. If you don't finish in your lesson, we can trim, glaze, and fire your work — pickup is typically 2–3 weeks later.