Frequently Asked Questions

As more and more people come in and experience the fun of painting pottery and fusing glass, we hear lots of different questions. Here are some that top the list that you may have thought of yourself. If you have any others, please feel free to call, write or stop on by!

• Do I have to be an artist to paint pottery?
• Can I bring in food and drinks?
• What does it cost to paint a project?
• How old do you have to be?
• What happens if I spill paint on my clothes?
• Are the paints toxic?
• Do I need to make an appointment?
• What if I don't finish my piece - can I come back later to complete it?
• Are the pieces food safe?
• Can I put my mugs, dishes, serving pieces... in the dishwasher/microwave?
• How long does it take to get my painted piece back?
• Will you fire a piece of pottery that I got/made somewhere else?
• How long does it take to do a project?
• Will you repair a ceramic piece that I have?
• Do you sell supplies?
• What forms of payment do you accept?
• Do you have gift certificates?

 

Do I need to make an appointment?
Appointments are not necessary - walk in anytime! If you have a large group (8 or more) and would like us to reserve a table, just call ahead. For a party (food, presents and cake) advanced booking is required (see party policies).

Do I have to be an artist to paint pottery?
Not at all! We have simple techniques and tools to allow you to create whatever you wish easily. We can show you examples and techniques to follow so that you can create your own masterpiece.

Can I bring in food and drinks?
Closed topped drinks are fine, but because sticky fingers can leave grease spots on bisque, we do not allow food in the studio. An exception to this rule is during an event we may have food in the back party area away from all bisque items. Another exception would be for pre-booked parties (see party policies).

What does it cost to paint a project?
Our prices are as marked on the shelf (plus tax) and vary from $5 up to $100 for a giant piggy bank! We do not have hourly studio fees so that you do not feel rushed through your project and we do not limit you on colors.

How old do you have to be?
All ages are welcome! Some of the best work comes from the little ones that can barely hold a paint brush. For glass projects we ask that you are old enough to know how sharp glass is and that even though some of the frit looks like sugar, you should not put it in your mouth!

What happens if I spill paint on my clothes?
Our glazes are all water based and they do come out in the wash. We also have aprons in both adult and children sizes that you can wear.

Are the paints toxic?
No! We use only non-toxic glazes.

Do I need an appointment or reservation?
No, not at all. Walk in anytime during our regular hours. Note that last seating to start a project is one hour before we close. Reservations are required to book the party area and are recommended for our events (ladies night, family night...).

What if I don't finish my piece - can I come back later to complete it?
Yes you can, but we do have a $8 return fee on each project per return visit and the project must be completed within 30 days. This fee helps cover the clean-up, wasted paint and storage space in our back room.

Are the pieces food safe?
Yes! All of our colors are non-toxic. After you paint your project each ceramic piece is dipped in a clear non-toxic overglaze that consists of fine suspended glass that encases and fuses around your piece, which is all food safe. We only use non-toxic glass as well.

Can I put my mugs, dishes, serving pieces... in the dishwasher/microwave?
The manufacturer says "no", to make them last a lifetime, handwash and treat them like fine china. That said, we throw ours in the top rack of the dishwasher and heat them in the microwave and they have lasted for years. Be warned though, if you chip the piece, water can enter the bisque and this could make it less sanitary and eventually break. The glass projects are... glass, so yes to those as well.

How long does it take to get my painted piece back?
The process is somewhat time consuming as we let your painted piece dry completely overnight, then dip it in the clear overglaze and let it dry another 24 hours. When we have enough pieces to fill the kiln, we load it and they are in there for an additional 36 hours. We unload the kiln and finish off the pieces. We say "about a week" but we will give you an exact date on the day you complete your project.

Will you fire a piece of pottery that I got/made somewhere else?
No. We coordinate our kiln programs to our bisque and glazes. By bringing in an outside piece to fire, we don't know the specifics of the pottery, glaze or how it was made. If it happens to blow up in the kiln it would ruin other customer pieces, so we don't take the chance.

How long does it take to do a project?
It depends on how much time and detail you put into it. Anywhere from a half hour for a less detailed piece to a few hours to complete a large project with a lot of elements.

Will you repair a ceramic piece that I have?
No. We are a do-it-yourself contemporary ceramic studio and do not perform repairs.

Do you sell supplies?
No. We are not a retail supplier. The supplies we have are for use on your projects. We do sell jewelry, rope and chain necklaces, slumped wine bottles and some finished pieces.

What forms of payment do you accept?
We accept Visa, Mastercard, checks and cash.

Do you have gift certificates?
Yes, we have gift certificates available in any denomination desired.

 

 

 

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