Clay in the Laundry Sink: Setting Up a Home Pottery Studio (Without Losing Your Mind… or Your Taps)

They say every great artist needs a studio. I say every great artist just needs a corner they can make a glorious muddy mess in without anyone sighing about the floors. Whether it’s a laundry bench, a forgotten garage nook, or a glorified garden shed with delusions of grandeur (hi, TARDIS!), this one’s for the dreamers and doers who want to begin right where they are — without breaking the bank, their spirit, or the plumbing.

Start Where You Are

Let’s be honest: the Instagram studios with timber beams, dappled sunlight and custom-built drying racks are dreamy… but they’re not where most of us begin. My first studio was a corner of our garage — just enough room for a small dining table and some determination. When I got my first wheel, I popped it on a set of tri-dollies so I could roll it under the table when space got tight (and I still do this when I need the extra elbow room!).

For a long time, I used the laundry sink to clean tools and rinse my hands — with a bucket beside me to catch the clay water before it went anywhere near the pipes. If all you have is a bench and a dream, that’s more than enough.

There’s no need to rush out and buy All The Things. In fact, the less you have, the more inventive and intimate the process becomes. Mid-fire clay is a great starting point — it’s strong, forgiving, and suits a wide range of techniques whether you’re handbuilding or throwing.

The Bare-Boned Basics

Here’s what you actually need:

Clay: Mid-fire (fire to Cone 6) clay is ideal. It’s versatile, beginner-friendly, and easy to source.

A board or bat: Any flat surface works — an old wooden chopping board, a baking tray, or even a smooth tile.

A few simple tools: Think humble. A metal rib, sponge, skewer or needle tool, and a trusty butterknife.

A towel or cloth: For under your work (and your knees if you’re working on the floor — we’ve all been there).

A spot to dry your work: A windowsill, laundry shelf, or the top of the fridge will do.

That’s it. Truly.

Optional but Handy (Definitely Not Essential)

If you’re a few months in and itching to add a bit more:

Rolling pin: Borrow one from the kitchen drawer to make slabs.

Plastic tubs or takeaway containers: Perfect for storing offcuts or keeping clay damp.

A bandana or dust mask: Essential when sanding dry pieces. Potters often use a 3M mask to protect against silica dust, which can be harmful if inhaled. If you're sanding, make sure you're in a well-ventilated space — or better yet, head outside. Always avoid creating dust wherever possible.

Apron or old shirt: Clay will find a way to get on you. Better to wear something you can get muddy in.

Water spray bottle: Keeps your clay workable during longer sessions.

Old towel or yoga mat: Under your feet or stool if you're on hard concrete.

None of these are urgent — add as you go.

The Sink Situation

Clay and drains are not friends. Try to rinse tools in a bucket first, letting the sediment settle before reusing or tipping carefully. Never pour clay water down the drain. I used a two-bucket system next to the laundry sink for years, and it worked like a charm. Just be kind to your pipes (and your plumber).

Make It Yours

Even if it’s a corner of the dining table or a single laundry shelf, claim it. Pin up a photo that brings you joy. Scribble ideas on the wall. Light a candle. Call it your sanctuary — or give it a quirky name. My current studio is affectionately called the TARDIS, because it’s small on the outside but holds creative galaxies within.

Play your favourite album. Wear your daggiest jumper. Let the dogs watch (or nap at your feet). Let the mess happen. That’s part of the magic.

How to Finish Off Your Work

You don’t need a kiln to enjoy working with clay. If you’re making decorative pieces that won’t be handled much — like ornaments, wall hangings, or keepsakes — you can:

• Let them dry completely (this can take up to two weeks).

• Paint them with acrylic paints for colour and character.

• Seal with a clear acrylic spray or matte medium to protect the surface (optional).

• Handle with care — these unfired pieces are fragile, but beautiful.

You can also experiment with paper clay — it’s lightweight, air dries well, and works beautifully for delicate sculptural or decorative work. Just remember: it’s not food safe or waterproof.

If you want a more robust piece or something functional:

• Check with your local pottery studio or community centre — many offer firing services.

• Ask your local potter (many of us are happy to help fire a few pieces for a small fee).

• Join a ceramics class for access to firing and glazing options.

A Little Note on Magic

There’s a quiet joy in making something from nothing — even more so when you’re doing it with your own two hands in a space you carved out for yourself. A space built from patience, repurposed things, and the desire to create.

This is slow, grounding, soulful work. And whether you’re working beside the laundry sink or in a purpose-built shed, your hands already know what to do.

Make the cup. Mould the dish. Let the clay guide you.

That’s the whole point.

If you’ve been dreaming about starting a home studio but weren’t sure where to begin — I hope this gives you a nudge. You already have everything you need.

PS: If you’re local to Murrumbateman and keen to play with clay in a cosy, guided session — come along to one of my workshops! I run two sessions each week:

Monday Mud and Mischief at 10:30 AM

Fire Up Fridays at 10:30 AM

Each session runs for two hours and welcomes beginners, dabblers, and muddy-minded folks of all kinds. You’ll get your hands messy, meet lovely people, and create something uniquely yours. Head to www.whistleandpage.com/workshops-events to learn more or book a spot. I’d love to see you there!

Until next time,
Nawsheen, your friendly homebody artist from Murrumbateman.