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.

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?

This is the latest customer creation to break into our top five. Everything about this plate is awesome. When a signature takes up a third of the project, you know the person who made it must be cool. Make sure you share this with everyone who gets uptight about making something with their own two hands. I get the feeling that this is going to be a proudly displayed centerpiece at many parties. Even the Patriots logo looks better than the original. Awesome.

A little paint goes a long way! Even almost dry paint!

Here is a quick little idea to try the next time you find yourself looking down at your plate and saying, "Why doesn't it look right." It also gives you a peek at one of the many patterns we have available for tracing and filling in! It's okay to pick a pattern! Don't be shy about asking! See you soon!

Project Papercraft projects for May Memorial Day bisque painting ideas

  Intro to Zentangle with Aimee resumes Thursday, May 5 at 6pm at Clayground in Worcester. To register call 508-755-7776 or register online . See you soon!

It has been a while since my last post, but I have a good reason: I bought a storefront! As of yesterday, I am the officially the new owner of Clayground, a paint your own pottery studio in Worcester, MA. Not only is it a lovely place to paint, but it has the best space for Zentangle classes! Visit www.goclayground.com for more information. We are open 7 days a week and offer Zentangle on demand as well as supplies! More class details coming soon. Thanks for being patient and stay tuned for more blog posts!