Paint-your-own-pottery workshop opens in area

Part of a growing nationwide trend, Pottery In Motion offers ceramics fun

SANDPOINT — Forget Clarice Cliff, move beyond Wedgewood.

The next big name in pottery could be you.

Thanks to a new business, Pottery In Motion, which opened Nov. 1, Bonner County residents have had a new choice in entertainment. Pottery In Motion is open for business and invites you to have some fun getting in touch with your creative side. Part of a growing nationwide trend, this paint-your-own-pottery studio offers a creative alternative to outdoor activities, movies, shopping and sporting events.

"Our workshop format enables everyone to choose when and where they want to gather with friends and family and have some creative fun" states Lisa Hall, owner of Pottery In Motion.

The unique twist Pottery In Motion brings to contemporary pottery studios is that the workshop is "mobile" and people get to paint in the comfort of their own home — whenever they want.

"There is no pressure to finish your piece quickly or during workshop business hours," she said. "You paint in your own space and at your own pace."

One benefit of being a mobile workshop has been taking the fun to Schweitzer. There are public workshops held most Saturdays from 1-5 p.m. in Schweitzer's Lakeview Lodge.

"No creative or artistic ability is required to have fun," said Hall. "We work hard to ensure that our clients have all the tools and ideas they need to relax and enjoy the process of making one-of-a-kind ceramic pieces that they will treasure just as much as the time spent together making them."

Pottery In Motion makes it easy to learn and explore the ceramic arts. Here's how:

? First, select "bisque" from the workshop, Web site or project flyer. Bisque is clay that has been formed and fired once to make it ready for painting. Pottery In Motion offers a wide range of bisque that appeals to every member of the family—from plates, mugs and bowls to decorative boxes, vases, fun figurines, banks and much more. If they don't have the specific bisque project you are looking for, they can order it for you.

? Second, select colors and plan your design. Pottery In Motion is well-trained in helping fledgling ceramists choose colors, plan a design and use simple design tools such as sponges, stencils, stamps and transfer paper.

? Third, relax, paint and enjoy! Families, co-workers and friends find that time spent together painting is relaxing and rejuvenating.

? Fourth, painted pieces go to the Sagle workshop where they will be dipped in clear glaze and fired in the studio's kiln.

? Finally, pick up your masterpiece from the workshop or Pottery In Motion is happy to arrange delivery or out of town shipping for your convenience.

Besides being a great way to share creative time with your loved ones, paint-your-own-pottery studios help you make personalized gifts, too. Popular favorites are handprint or footprint plates, personalized mugs for a whole family, teacher gifts, and holiday platters; the range of personalized gifts is only limited by your imagination!

Pottery In Motion provides creative entertainment for a variety of events like birthday parties, girl's night's out, showers or even date nights! Additionally, they work with Scout and home school groups to earn badges and art credits. Fund raising opportunities exist for local community groups and there are fun programs for team building events. Pottery In Motion is also happy to provide individual painters with everything they need to spend some time alone creating a masterpiece.

Visit them online at www.potteryinmotion.com or call 265-8212 for more information. Pottery In Motion is a member of the Contemporary Ceramics Studios Association. (ccsaonline.com)