Among other benefits, PYOP studios owners can provide managers and HR professionals with valuable advice on choosing activities that align with specific team building goals, such as improving communication, managing change, strengthening trust, creatively solving problems, and so on.   For businesses of all sizes — from small firms to large enterprises — team building is an essential strategic investment that improves performance, drives collaboration, and boosts morale. And to reap all of these rewards, the Contemporary Ceramic Studios Association (CCSA) is highlighting why businesses should choose a Paint Your Own Pottery (PYOP) studio for their next team building event. Commented CCSA executive director Dena Pearlman: “Many businesses want to create a high-impact and out- of-the-box team building event that employees eagerly look forward to, and fondly remember and talk about long afterwards. A PYOP studio is the perfect destination!” According to the CCSA, six reasons why b

Happy Send a Card to a Friend Day! Here's more information from Aimée on Clayground's upcoming card making event! Register at goclayground.com/papercrafting

As the calendar flips to 2018 and temperatures continue to drop, party planners who don’t want to catch Mother Nature or Old Man Winter on a bad day are focusing on indoor options — and the Contemporary Ceramic Studios Association (CCSA) wants them to know that a paint your own pottery (PYOP) studio is the ideal destination. “Party planners are often unheralded individuals who spend an enormous amount of time trying to make sure that all guests have a fun and safe experience,” commented Dena Pearlman, CCSA's executive director. “Unfortunately, in the winter months it doesn’t take long before a clear day turns cold, windy and in many parts of the country, snowy and icy — which makes outdoor activities unsafe or impossible to enjoy. That’s never a risk when the party is at a paint your own pottery studio!” According to the CCSA, the key reasons that PYOP studios are ideal for winter birthdays, bridal and baby showers, anniversaries, work and church outings, and all other celebr

The 2017 holiday season has arrived, and millions of people are already racing online and flocking to stores to find great gifts for family members, friends and colleagues. However, this year the Contemporary Ceramic Studios Association (CCSA) is inviting gift givers to experience the many rewards of personally creating gifts for the grateful recipients on their list by heading to a local Paint Your Own Pottery (PYOP) studio. “Shopping online and browsing page after page of catalogs can be draining and boring,” commented CCSA executive director Dena Pearlman. “But creating amazing gifts at a PYOP studio is fun, energizing, creative, and a delightful experience from beginning to end.” According to the CCSA, the five reasons why gift givers should head to a PYOP studio this holiday season are: 1. Personally- made gifts are not just items, but deeply meaningful gestures. According to a study published in the journal Society for Personality and Social Psychology: “Gift exchanges

We are mega stamping enthusiasts here, but don't expect to see just chunky foam wall stamps in our collections. Here is a favorite photopolymer stamp set that we break out often, especially during the holidays. Watch how to get a perfect impression on a flat object. So much more satisfying than a flimsy old stencil.

With the help of two clay angels, Clayground was able to create its own pumpkin mold this year. Sadly, it is a little too late to make custom carved jack o'lanterns for this Halloween. However, we are aiming for August of 2018 to begin this offering. In the meantime, our "greenware" practice pumpkin is on display in the studio. Start thinking about what you want carved for next year! :D

Combining specialty glazes can yield some unexpected results...in a good way! Here is an application method that seems to suit my tastes very well and motivates me to make a bunch more. Here is a matte glaze called Cast Iron, which I applied to the bottom area of this coin bank.  A shiny new specialty glaze called Denim Daze was applied above. There was no overlap or layering of the two paints. What do you think?