Top 5 Paint-Your-Own-Pottery Shops

No matter the time of year, moms are always looking for fun activities to take their little ones to and keep them active.  And, as a mom of five, I could not attest to this more!Have you ever been to a paint-your-own-pottery shop before? They are so much fun and many of them are intended for people of all ages. Most importantly, it's a place that'll keep your brood busy for hours.If you've never tried one, here's what you can expect:

• You walk into the shop and there are shelves and shelves of pre-made ceramic items for you to choose from.

• You pick the item you want to decorate; maybe it is a cake plate, a piggy bank, a keepsake, etc.

• You choose your colors and they supply you with all the needed materials (paint brushes sponges, etc).

• You decorate.

• Once you're done, you leave your piece behind and they run it through their keel, at which point the colors are sealed and the piece transforms into a glossy ceramic art piece that you can use at home, keep and cherish, or give as a gift.

A number of the paint-your-own-pottery places in the DFW area are geared towards families. Believe it or not, many of them would tell you that a large percent of their clients are children, so do not be afraid to embark on the land of breakables with children in tow.  As a matter of fact, many of these facilities offer special group activities for children, such as toddler time projects, summer camp options and even date night for parents.

Sounds fun and now you want more details on where to go, right? Here is a guide to my favorite picks in the area.

Pepe Le Potter
678 Grapevine Highway
Hurst, Texas 76054
817.605.1700
Hours: Vary, See Website

Pepe Le Potter is located in the mid-cities area, which is centrally located for anyone living in Dallas, Fort Worth or surrounding cities. They have something  for everyone including;  birthday party packages, date night for parents, themed toddler time activities,  camps for children 6 and up as well as pottery classes and projects of the month for adults interested in getting their craft on.

Pepe Le Potter also sponsors the local Tarrant County Food Bank with their Empty Bowls Program. You too can help stop hunger right here in your community.

All project pricing at Pepe Le Potter, is flat rate. This means whatever the price is on the piece that's the all-inclusive cost to decorate your pottery item. There is never a studio fee.

When you go into Pepe Le Potter, mention that you found them on the CBS 11 website to receive 10% off your next pottery project.

The Art Barn
3401 SW Wilshire Blvd.
Joshua, Texas 76058
Hours: Monday – Saturday – 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
817.426.3232

The Art Barn is located just 20 minutes south of Fort Worth. Their eclectic shop has projects galore, including a slew of paint-your- own- pottery pieces with kids in mind, party packages, mom's night out with cocktails and creating, summer camp for kids,  after school programs and fundraising opportunities. Wanting to craft and create in the privacy of your own home? Grab a kit to go!  Feel free to check out their price list before you head their way.

When you stop in, mention that you heard about The Art Barn on CBS 11 and they will give you 10% off your project.

Sunshine Glaze
405 North Carroll Avenue
Southlake, Texas 76092
817.424.1417
Hours: M-W: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Thursday:  10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday & Saturday: 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Sunday: Noon – 5 p.m.

Sunshine Glaze is centrally located in the Metroplex and offers decorate -your-own pottery and mosaic pieces. For $6 per hour, plus the cost of your piece, you can create until your heart is content. Make sure you check out their site for weekly specials and coupons. Like the other pottery spots they offer toddler time, birthday party packages, mom's night out events, and more. All of the details can be viewed on the Sunshine Glaze website.

Quiggly's Clayhouse
1344 E Belt Line Road
Richardson, Texas 75081
972.234.2644
Hours: Vary, See Website

If the name does not shout fun for kids, I do not know what does. They have a long list of walk-in activities for everyone including pottery painting, glass infusion and mosaic projects.  Quiggly's also has a kids night out for parents interested in drop and go kiddy activities. Sounds like lots of fun, right!? The currently have summer camp for kids and also offer art class opportunities throughout the year.  Want to learn how to manipulate clay on the wheel? They offer a class the 4^th Friday of every month- Adult Wheel Night.  Better yet, want to rent a wheel  so you can create pottery from scratch at home? They offer wheels for as low as $25 a week!

Art From the Heart
120 S Denton Tap Rd, Suite 430
Coppell, Texas 75019
972.745.0090
Hours: Tuesday – Saturday: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Art From the Heart has been in Coppell for a handful of years, but as of December of 2009 they are under new ownership.  The gals there are super sweet and passionate about helping you explore the inner artist in you! They offer a homeschool ceramic program (in their studio) and love supporting local boy and Girl Scout groups and offer exclusive troop discounts.  They also offer awesome bridal shower parties and other fascinating activities. Check out their calendar of events to see what strikes you.

If you visit Art From the Heart, make sure you mention that you found them on CBS 11's website and they will give you 10% off your purchase.

When was the last time you decorated pottery? Where is your favorite pottery painting place in the DFW area? We would love to hear from you!