POTS THE BEAR IS HERE TO GUIDE YOU STEP-BY-STEP

THE PROCESS

Black bear holding a white coffee cup, sitting against a light teal circular background.

STEP 1:

IT’s Time to PAINT!

After you’ve selected a piece, it is time for some color! Create your palette at the paint station where you’ll find all the colors of the rainbow. Take your time to pick out the perfect shades for your masterpiece. You can always come back for more, too.

Now the real fun - painting! I like to start by outlining my design with a dark color first. Then come back with a wash to fill it in. Don't forget, it's ok if your lines are wiggly like mine. That’s part of the charm! You can always layer and blend, too. And remember, there are no mistakes here—only happy accidents. We're creating one-of-a-kind artwork and there’s nothing more beautiful than that!

Before our masterpieces go in the kiln to fire, make sure you sign your name on the bottom so everyone knows who the artist is behind the masterpiece.

Don't fret if inspiration doesn't strike right away. That's normal when you have so many possibilities! I always tell others to start by thinking about what you love.
Do you like animals, sports, toys, or certain colors or patterns? Your favorite characters or snacks? Polka dots or stripes? If you’re struggling to choose—think about the things that make you happy and bring them all together to inspire your design.
Take your time! We know you should never rush the creative process. You can stay as long as you’d like during our studio hours. If it’s closing time and your piece isn’t ready for firing, just let us know. You can always come back to finish it another day!
Of course! The price of your piece includes all the supplies you need to paint it. That includes paintbrushes, tools, and over 50 different colors.
We just ask that you are careful with our supplies. While pouring your paint, be sure to only take what you need. I suggest starting with small amounts because you can always get more if you run out! And please be gentle with our paintbrushes and tools so that your fellow artists can enjoy them, too!

Illustration of a coffee cup inside a labyrinth or maze with a hand reaching towards it.

STEP 2:

Firing makes the colors of your designs more vibrant than they were initially. The special pigments in the paint need the kiln's intense heat activation to shine their brightest hue. Your piece will be more vivid and bright after firing— along with a lustrous glaze.
The firing process sets your design through a special process. The heat bonds the glazes chemically to the surface of the pottery. This makes it so the design will no longer wipe or wash off.
Vapor, liquid, and bacteria cannot penetrate this permanently sealed bond— which makes your finished piece safe for use with food and drink or use as a planter.
The kiln firing process requires intense heat that your regular kitchen over simply can't sustain.
Kilns are equipped to reach temperatures up to 2370°F! Home ovens top out much lower, which isn't hot enough for the colors and glazes to properly bond to the surface of your piece— so all your hard work at the studio would go to waste!

Let’s Get Fired Up

The journey doesn't end when your painted piece dries - that's just the beginning! Next stop is the kiln, where ceramics truly come alive through the transformative power of heat.

Illustration of a black bear holding a white coffee mug and a white shopping bag with a green background.

STEP 3:

Collect Your Masterpiece

Painting your own ceramic masterpiece is an experience filled with color, imagination, and even adventure. When you hold a paintbrush, you get to explore endless possibilities because you’re the artist! Step into our colorful neck of the woods, where the creative process is an adventure as magical as the finished product.

Take care of your piece as you would with any fragile item. While the glaze does seal and protect the design, it does not make it indestructible.
Keep your piece indoors or in a safe environment protected from weather and be sure to always handle with care to avoid any chips or cracks. Due to the fragile nature of pottery, we recommend handwashing to keep your piece safe for years and years to come!
Good things take time!
All pieces require time to allow for paint to dry, then all pieces are dipped, and fired. Our kilns run on a schedule for efficiency. For these reasons, we cannot promise you’ll be able to pick up your piece earlier than a week after your visit.
So, if you’re planning to paint someone a piece as a gift, be sure to come in advance so it is ready in time!
When you find the perfect spot, be sure it is in a place that is safe! Keep it high and out of reach of pets or small children who could knock it over.
We think the best way to display a piece is beside another! Come back again and start a collection of one-of-a-kind creations!