by CCSA Admin | May 25, 2023 | Blog
Have you ever heard of glass fusing? The name may sound intimidating, but it is a fairly simple technique that can be taught, perhaps even at your local paint-your-own-pottery studio! Glass fusing requires the same type of kiln as pottery, so many studios opt to offer both. Whether learning basic techniques or making specific items, this medium is a joy to learn.
Glass fusing requires beginning on a flat glass base. From there, you build up in layers, using smaller pieces of glass to make designs and patterns. The glass is run through the kiln once to fuse and can run again to add attachments or change the shape. “Draping” means placing the glass over a tall, thin metal post. This metal can withstand the kiln’s heat, and the glass drapes around it while it melts. Once the glass is removed from the post, it has dramatic folds that make dramatic sides of a bowl. (Think bowl as in a ring dish, more so than for cereal). “Slumping” refers to shaping glass with a more shallow mold, similar to draping. Frequently, slumping is done on a curved mold to make a dish whose edges curve upwards. It can also be done to add textures to the glass or melt a bottle down to a flat dish.. Glass comes in many shapes, sizes, and varieties. Some common classes using this medium include sun catchers, pendants, and lanterns.
When taking a glass fusing class, there are many steps to learn and tools to get familiar with. Scrap glass, which will make the fun, colorful pieces you use to create designs, can be cut to the exact shape you want. Marbles can be added for rounded elements, and frit, which is a sand-like glass material, can be used for layering on colors in varying opacities.
If any of this interests you, check out your local studio to see their glass options! Our studio locator can help you find your new favorite place to craft.
by CCSA Admin | May 2, 2023 | Blog
If you’re anything like us, you probably love the idea of transforming your living space into a cozy, stylish, and welcoming haven. However, the thought of home decor can often be overwhelming, especially if you’re working with a limited budget or feel like you lack the skills of an interior designer. The good news is that you don’t need to be a pro to create a beautiful home that reflects your personality and style.
With these simple home decor ideas, you can unleash your inner designer and transform your living space into a comfortable, functional, and aesthetically pleasing retreat. Read the full article here: Unleash Your Inner Designer with These 25 Simple Home Decor Ideas | Redfin
by CCSA Admin | Apr 17, 2023 | Blog
Looking for a way to continue enriching your child’s mind either after school or on a field trip? Try paint-your-own-pottery for a new way to keep things fun and formative. With many decisions to be
made on the piece, color palette, style, technique, and high focus in a low-stress environment, this is the perfect activity to keep your kids entertained and learning.
Many studios have hours that extend past school time; stopping by after the school day to paint and relax gives the kids something to do while you get other things done or allows space for you to
connect together. Either way, your kid will be content, and the activity will run itself. If this becomes a favorite of your child’s or a weekly treat, there are always tons of items rotating through the shelves, so
they’ll never be bored of their pottery options. Many studios even offer other activities, like canvas painting or glass fusing, so be sure to ask the studio associate about those activities, too.
For home-schooling groups, a PYOP studio can offer all the benefits of a full art classroom without having to deal with any preparation or messy aftermath! Studios are equipped with all the glazes, pottery, kilns, and tools needed to have a seamless experience and take care of doing all the dishes when you’re done. Even better, take a break from teaching and let the studio associates explain how everything works. This gives you a break while keeping your students happy and engaged. If you plan the studio trip in advance, you could even have pieces put aside to fit a certain theme or curriculum unit and have all
students paint the same sort of item. This is great for larger groups, who can be harder to wrangle around the pottery shelves.
Whether you’re looking for activities within or after the school day, a PYOP studio is a great way interesting and worthwhile. Check out our studio locator to find out what your local studio
has to offer to keep thing
by CCSA Admin | Mar 21, 2023 | Blog
Looking for something meaningful to give Mom this Mother’s Day? It’s hard to come up with new ideas – something tailored to her taste, while still feeling personal, and usable in her daily life. Paint-your-own-pottery is the perfect solution! With hundreds of items both functional and decor-based, there are many ways to give your Mom a hand-painted gift that is perfect just for her.
PYOP is great for all ages. Younger kids can request palettes that won’t turn brown when all mushed together, while older kids can pick out more specific colors for base coats and details. If you want many ages working together, consider dividing up the painting tasks. Have the youngest kid paint the base coat (this can be messy!), then have older members of the group paint details on top. You can also enlist the help of stencils, dotters, squeeze tubes, extra fine brushes, sponges, and more! Ask the studio associate for tips and tricks on creating designs and patterns. Don’t forget, once out of the kiln everything will be brighter and shinier!
Want to experience pottery painting with Mom instead? Grab a gift card from your local studio to promise a painting date. We suggest making a coupon that says “Good for one painting date.” Decorate the coupon and wrap it around the gift card. Then, stick it in an envelope, and get ready to see a big smile on Mom’s face! If you want to really up the ante, you could throw in other gift cards as well; maybe grabbing coffee at a local cafe first or dinner afterwards is just what Mom’s been craving.
If you’re looking for ideas of how to get started, your local studio will have samples out with plenty of design ideas. Try our studio locator to find the studio closest to you and start planning the best presents to date!
by CCSA Admin | Feb 21, 2023 | Blog
Looking for something new and fun for your kids to do this summer? Try a pottery painting camp! By exercising their fine motor skills, keeping them occupied with creativity-based projects, and inviting them to make new friends, pottery camps are a great way to pass the summer months. Many studios also offer half-day camps, in case you need some time to do your own thing in the morning, but want to spend some quality time with your kids in the afternoon. You could even stay and paint something together!
Creating art is a great way to keep kid’s minds stimulated while they’re out of school. It practices planning, focusing, problem solving, and processing. Plus, it’s really fun! There are many ways for camps to have both individual and group projects, so making friends can be encouraged without pushing anyone too far out of their comfort zone. In areas with very hot summers, it’s also nice to have some time in the AC.
After making art works all week, campers will be able to bring home mementos of their time, and cherish them for years to come. Often, campers make useful items like bowls or dishes which can be integrated into their daily routine year round. Perhaps your kid would be more keen on eating their veggies if they were on a beach-themed dish or in a galaxy bowl. And, these projects can be useful, rather than just taking up space in your house.
Many studios have many camp sessions, often with different themes; this way, if your kid loves it and wants to keep signing up, they won’t get bored. There are always new techniques to learn and projects to explore. Try our studio locator to find your new favorite spot, and see what camps they have to offer
