FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)
DO WE NEED AN APPOINTMENT? You sure don't! Just come in anytime, pick your project and sit down to paint. We have plenty of room. If you are bringing groups of six or more, call ahead of time and we'll get a table set up for your arrival.
If you’re coming with a large group, be sure to check the events calendar or call in advance to ensure we have plenty of room. Some of our events are well attended and require reservations.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO DO A PROJECT? Well, that depends on the project you select and the complexity of your design. Younger children (7 and under) are typically done with their projects in 1/2 hour or less, unless they are crafty and creative at home. Children over 7 can take up to 1 1/2 hours to complete a project -- and I would say that is average. Adults typically don’t leave until closing time – we are that fun! Now, keep in mind the size of your project, your design, number of colors used, etc. If you need to return to complete your project there's a $5.00 studio fee for paint use, set-up and clean-up of your creative materials. We will hold your items for up to three months -- after that, you should come pick it up and take it home or we'll donate it to our favorite charity.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET OUR PROJECT FIRED? One full week -- if you paint on Tuesday, return next Tuesday anytime to pick up your project. For an additional charge we can turnaround your project in four days, but we try to avoid rushing the process.
After you have completed your project we let it dry overnight, then we "dip" your project in our special clear glaze, then let that dry overnight. Our kilns are typically fired on medium speed, meaning that the kiln is "firing" for eight (8) hours, then because of the 3" fire brick walls of the kiln, and how full the kiln is, the "cooling" process can take up to an additional 24 or more hours. If we were to open the kiln before proper cooling had occurred, all pieces could potentially be damaged from minor cracks to shattering.
HOW OLD DO YOU HAVE TO BE TO PAINT? There is no age limit! Our customers range from newborn babies (footprints are free up to six months!) to our oldest customer so far was 92 years old (she did a lace technique plate that was GORGEOUS!).
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST? Other than how long will it take, this is a hard question. It depends on what you pick -- we have items that start at $5.00 and go all the way up to $80. Mugs, saucers, small items are approximately $15-20, while larger platters, chiminea's, decorative items can be $60 and up. The average prices range from $20 to $30 and there is plenty to do in that range, albeit the higher you go the larger the selection. Unfortunately I change my selection way too often to have a price sheet available, so you'll just to come in and be overwhelmed with the huge selection and reasonable prices.
DO YOU HAVE ANY EXTRA FEES FOR PAINTING POTTERY? No. We are an "ALL INCLUSIVE" studio. Our fees are included in the prices noted on each piece. If you can't finish your project today and need to come back, there will be a "studio fee" for clean up, etc. Also, we have a few special "pottery" type glazes that cost an extra $1.50 per color, per item, to use, but you are not required to use those glazes and most customers select from the hundreds of colors that are included in the price.
CAN WE PUT OUR PIECE IN THE DISHWASHER? Now, this is where it gets tricky. My typical response is NO. Our bisque, even after firing, is porous. The tiny stilt holes at the bottom of each piece allow water to be absorbed into the bisque and with water comes expansion, and with expansion comes tiny, hairline cracks. With that being said, I put my coffee mugs in the dishwasher all the time because I don't mind those cracks. HOWEVER, if it was my children's hand or foot prints, or something very precious to me - I would wash it by hand all the time.