October 11
Holiday Pottery Train:
Tree-Making Adventure at WK&S
All aboard the Holiday Pottery Train—a festive, hands-on experience to kick off the season early! Riders will hop on the 1 P.M. WK&S train and travel to the Wanamaker Station, where you’ll step off the train and into a cozy pottery class with Jo Pilston Pottery.
During this class, you’ll create two ceramic holiday trees using handbuilding techniques:
- One 5-tiered tree
- One 3-tiered tree
Jo will guide you through the process step by step, teaching slab and handbuilding techniques to shape and assemble your trees. You’ll also get to choose your glaze colors—go classic with one color or mix it up with two-color trees to match your holiday style.
Once class is complete, you’ll leave your trees with Jo for glazing and firing, then hop back on the train for the ride back to the station.
Finished trees will be ready for pick up at the WK&S Railroad 2–3 weeks later.
Come out for a fun, festive class, enjoy a train ride, and get your holiday décor started early.
All aboard the Holiday Pottery Train!
These classes are for ages 12 and up. Thank You!
Holiday Pottery Train Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of holiday trees will I be making during the class?
You’ll create two ceramic tiered Christmas trees during the class — one 5-tiered tree and one 3-tiered tree. Jo Pilston will guide you through the process step by step so you can create two festive pieces to enjoy during the holiday season.
Can I choose the glaze colors for my trees?
Yes. You’ll be able to choose your glaze colors so your finished trees can fit your own holiday style and décor. Jo will help guide you through the available choices during the class.
Can I make the two trees different colors?
Yes. You can choose one classic color for both trees or make each one different. Part of the fun of working with Jo is creating pieces that feel like your own.
What pottery techniques will Jo teach during the class?
Jo Pilston will teach slab and handbuilding techniques to help you shape and assemble your tiered Christmas trees. You don’t need previous pottery experience. She’ll guide you through the process step by step.
Will my finished trees look exactly like the examples shown?
Not necessarily, and that’s part of what makes handmade pottery special. The example trees show the style of project you’ll be creating, but your glaze choices and the handbuilding process will give each finished piece its own personality.
How long does the pottery portion of the experience last?
The experience begins with the 1:00 p.m. WK&S train, which takes riders to Wanamaker Station for the pottery class. Plan for this to be a complete train-and-pottery experience rather than a quick craft stop.
What happens to my trees after I finish making them?
Once your trees are complete, Jo will take them so they can go through the finishing and firing process. This is what transforms your handmade pieces into finished ceramic Christmas trees.
When and where will I pick up my finished holiday trees?
Your finished tiered Christmas trees will be ready approximately 2–3 weeks after the class and can be picked up at the WK&S Railroad.
Would this make a good experience to enjoy with a friend, family member, or small group?
Absolutely. This is a fun way to spend time together while doing something a little different — enjoying a train ride and then creating holiday pottery together. The class is for ages 12 and older, making it a nice outing for friends, couples, parents and older children, or a small group.
How early should I reserve since seating for the class is limited?
Don’t wait too long. Reservations are required, and these pottery train experiences are very popular and often sell out. Since class space is limited, reserving early is the best way to make sure you’re able to attend.
To learn more about Jo Pilston Pottery, visit https://jopilstonpottery.com/
Reservations ARE Required
$70.00 each
Class Cost: $64, "Student" Train Fare: $6