A GREAT WAY TO GET IN TOUCH WITH YOUR STOKIE HERITAGE!
Painting a pot is a fun way for adults and children to unleash their creativity...
BEING in the Potteries what could be more apt than a trip to paint a pot? It’s a fun way for adults and children alike to spend a couple of hours unleashing their creativity and have a great keepsake to show for it.
It’s also a popular choice for parents to get a memento of their little one’s hand or footprint on a plate or mug to treasure forever.
In some places you will even be able to decorate items which have been made on site. It’s a great way to get in touch with your North Staffordshire heritage and feel part of the proud tradition of potters. Here are seven places where you can ‘paint a pot’:
■ MEGAN ROSE LTD
Potbank Hotel, Spode Works, Elenora Street, Stoke, ST4 1QD.
Designs include plates, rabbits, hedgehogs, ducks and even bottle ovens, and prices start from £5. Pots will be fired and ready to collect or post out within a week of decorating.
Up to eight people can be accommodated and booking is essential with a £2.95 deposit per person. Evening events are also available on request if you’re looking for a hen do, party or baby shower with a difference.
■ ROYAL STAFFORD
The Royal Overhouse Manufactory Site, Overhouse Street, Burslem, ST6 4EE. Paint a pot sessions take place in Royal Stafford’s Ceramic Cafe – and there are a wide variety of shapes to choose from.
Prices start from just £5.50 for adults and £1.50 for children. Your piece will be glazed and fired and ready for collection or posting (delivery charge) to you within a week.
Themed events are held, such as Halloween or Christmas, and you can also arrange to hold a special occasion or party. Groups of 10 or more will pay a reduced studio fee.
Sessions last a maximum of two hours and you can book online. The Ceramic Cafe is open Monday to Friday from 9:30am to 4pm.
■ EMMA BRIDGEWATER Lichfield Street, Hanley, ST1 3EJ.
You can decorate a range of wares in the studio. Prices start from £7, with the classic half-pint mug costing £15, plus studio fees of £2.95.
Booking is essential – and you need to book for everybody who will be present, even babies, whether they are decorating or not. Studio fees will be refunded on the day for nonparticipants.
Sessions last 90 minutes and your decorated pieces will be ready for collection or posting (£5; free over £40) within two weeks.
■ BUTTERFLIES WONDERLAND
23 Bennett Precinct, Longton, ST3 2JH. You can paint a pot as part of a children’s craft party at Butterflies Wonderland at the Longton Exchange shopping centre. The 90-minute party starts from £14.95 per child and includes paint a pot, sand art keyring, a wooden craft and a cotton rucksack all to decorate and keep.
Guests will also get a lunch box, consisting of sandwiches, crisps, cookie and a drink, and a party bag to take home for every child. Parties can have up to 20 guests and a £10 non-refundable deposit is required when booking.
■ WORLD OF WEDGWOOD Wedgwood Drive, Barlaston, ST12 9ER.
On selected dates – usually in school holidays – adults and children can paint a piece of pottery in the decorating studio above the factory. Options include hanging decorations, frames, pots, vases, lanterns and more, with prices ranging from £5 to £20 depending on the item chosen.
All ages are welcome and they also provide colouring paper for little ones who aren’t ready for pottery yet. The decorating studio uses waterbased paint so you can take your pottery home with you on the day.
Dates are limited – with a few sessions in the upcoming half term – and booking is essential.
■ LOVE CLAY
Valentine Clays, Valentine Way, Fenton, ST4 2FJ.
During May half term Love Clay is hosting pottery decorating sessions between 10am and 4pm.
You can choose from chickens, rabbits, bird feeders, plant pots, egg cups, mythical creatures and more.
Sessions last 90 minutes and studio technicians will be on hand to help with any advice needed. There is a £5 booking charge which is redeemable against items decorated, and pottery prices start from £5.
The activity is running on Tuesday, May 31, and Wednesday, June 1. Booking is advised.
■ AMERTON POTTERY Amerton Farm, Weston, Stafford, ST18 OLA.
The studio at Amerton Farm is open every day from 9am to 5pm and you can decorate mugs, plates, vases or all manner of creatures. Prices start from £11.49.
Seasonal ranges are also available for Easter, Halloween, Christmas, Mother’s and Father’s Day ideas and birthday gifts. The studio can be booked for children’s birthday parties or other groups up to a maximum of 14 people.
You can just drop in on the day or you can book via jamie@ amertonpottery.co.uk or 01889 270821.