I recently became a Clay-fan (no relation to Clay Aiken fans, Claymates) when I received a beautiful handmade clay dish at a wedding. It even had the initials of the bride and groom etched into it. Probably the best wedding token I've gotten.
Ever since I got this, I've been looking at taking some kind of pottery class to learn how to make clay dishes and such. When I stumbled on Clay Design, I knew I had to check it out.
The store has the most unique and beautiful clayware. They sell a lot of plates, bowls and dishes there. A small icecream bowl costs about $50, just to give you an idea on the price. A bigger serving plate will put you out $300. Needless to say, to buy a piece that someone else has made is probably more expensive than just taking lessons yourself. And luckily they do offer lessons here. When we went yesterday they were holding a class.
If this place wasn't so far off the subway, I'd definitely take a class!