Sometimes, I think people try to go to greater lengths than they need to for crafting. I know it can be kind of time consuming and pricey to buy new materials every time you want to make something, but there are easier ways. You can take a class and maybe learn a new technique, as well has having your materials all ready for you. But, one of my favorite things to do that my mom and I actually do quite often is go to a pottery painting place like As You Wish, and just paint. All of the materials from the pottery to the paint and brushes are provided for you. All you have to do is come with some sort of a semblance of an idea of what you want and get to it.
When I was younger, I would almost always went to a pottery painting place with the intention of painting one of those miniature figurines of animals, or a box of some sort. But now that I’m older, I choose items that are more practical like a plate or a bowl. I like to paint things that I can use later, that have a sort of function...which makes sense because most of the crafts I’ve described thus far on my blog have had some sort of a specific function for me.
As seen from the picture of many of the bowls, plates, and other items my mom and I have painted together, we typically make it easy, using simple designs and stencils that can easily be replicated. In a sense, all of the pieces we’ve made, despite the variety of colors are all similar and could be considered a collection because of their similar designs.
When going to a place like As You Wish, keep a few things in mind:
1. Less is more. Always. Don’t try to go too crazy with your designs
2. The more coats you do, the darker and more vibrant the paint will be
3. Puffy paint is amazing.
4. Stencils are your friend. So are sponges. They can help you create awesome designs.
5. If you’re much more artistic than me and can actually draw things, use a pencil first...it burns off in the kiln!
6. This could possibly be the best gift you could give someone...especially if they are a family member, just got married, had an anniversary, etc.
I know most people know many of the above hints and suggestions, but I felt like the needed to be reiterated because it’s easy to forget! Now...who wants to go paint some pottery with me?
