ptips.html

~ inspire ~ create ~ believe ~ imagine ~

PAINTING TIPS:

Let Your Paint Dry

It is important to let your base coat completely dry before applying another coat of paint. You can even use our blow dryer to speed up the drying process. To get a solid look, you need to let it dry in between coats, and apply 3 good coats of paint.

It's ALL About The Brush

Ask one of our studio assistants to show you the best brush to use. Each brush has a specific name for its use: loader, liner, detail, blend, fan and mop.

Stamp-a-Design!

When using rubber stamps on your pottery piece, it is best to apply only a thin coat of paint to each stamp. To make the rubber-stamp design darker, apply a second coat of paint with your brush. Best when applied on flat surfaces.

Banding Wheel

Try one of our banding wheels to create an Italian watercolor effect on your pottery piece. You can also create a spiral on your plate or straight lines on a vase.

Writing and Detail

Ask our staff for small detail brushes when you need to write anything on your pottery piece. We also have easy to use liner bottles that are great for writing.

F. A.Q ?
Frequently
Asked
Questions

What is Pottery Caffé ?
Pottery Caffé is a place to create, relax, and have fun. We are what our name is, pottery and coffee. You can enjoy a caffé latte, chai tea, or hot cocoa while you paint. We carry a variety of cold beverages too. You can also bring in your own food and wine anytime.

Is this studio a chain/franchise?
No way! We are locally owned and operated! Pottery Caffé is your community studio. You are what makes us work! Some of our pottery is even made locally. Our espresso is also local, organic, and free-trade. We are pretty green here.

Is the studio fee hourly?
No! You are here to relax, right? We are a flat-rate studio. You are charged per person per day. You can do as many pieces as you'd like in a day.

Does the studio fee include the firing?
Yes! Your studio fee includes the use of the studio and the clear glazing and firing we do for you.

I am not creative and not an artist at all, how can you help me?
Remember, everyone's an artist at Pottery Caffé! We have all sorts of tools, idea books, and techniques to get your creative juices flowing. Before you paint our friendly staff will give you a brief lesson of all the things you can use in the studio. We will show you the best way to use the tools, so you get the best result.

Is it dishwasher safe and microwave safe?
Yes! ....it won't hurt your microwave or dishwasher! : )
All of our pottery is functional, so use it, eat off of it! All our paints and glazes are non-toxic so they are dinnerware safe. We recommend hand washing your big platters, vases, etc. But everything else, go ahead pop it in the microwave.

Can I paint on the bottom of my pottery? Won't it stick to the kiln shelf?
Yes, you can paint on the bottom of your pottery. We glaze your entire piece and stilt it in the kiln when it is getting fired. You are painting on bisque earthenware, a pourous service. If any part of the piece is not glazed, water will get absorbed and cause the piece to craze (crackley look) and possibly grow bacteria (Yuck!). The only time you can "dryfoot" your piece is when you are putting tiles on a wall. We would be happy to take you through the kiln room and show you the process.

Oops! Does this paint come out of clothes?
Yes! All our undercoat paints and glazes are water soluble. We do have aprons if you would like to look studious!

How long till I get my piece back?
You can get your piece back within 4-7 days. It all depends on our kiln schedule and the season. Usually we are on a 5-6 day schedule. If you need it sooner, just ask!

Do you need an appointment to come in?
Nope. Just walk right in, sit down and paint. We do take reservations for a minimum of 7 people.

I have a 2 year old, is there anything for him to paint?
Yes, of course. Little ones can enjoy painting their very own plate to a piggy bank to a tile. It's fun to paint their hands and feet and place on a tile or plate. Don't worry, the paints are safe for babies. We have a great rug area with books and legos for the more active kids.

Can you bring in food?
Yes. Please feel free to bring in your lunch, dinner, cake, wine, snacks...whaterver. Just remember to wash your hands before handling the pottery.

How long has this studio been here?
Since 1998. (Wow!)

I have more questions...
Great! ...e-mail us or call ...just use the info below.