A Pottery Party 

Birthday parties are a part of having kids. You are either planning one or going to one, but there always seems to be one on the horizon. So it was no surprise when I found myself spending another afternoon in a room full of pink balloons and giggling six-year-old girls. What I didn’t expect was how much fun the afternoon would be.

The party was held at the new paint your own pottery studio in downtown Southern Pines called Colors ‘n Clay. I figured the kids would spend the afternoon painting a mug or flower pot to add to my growing collection of handmade trinkets and come home covered in paint. However, I was pleasantly surprised to find my expectations shattered.

Since we were with a birthday party, we spent our time in the kid-friendly party room. All twelve girls fit with room to spare. Amy, the owner and mother of two, gave the girls some simple instructions and let them choose their piece of pottery. Each girl also had her own personal setup of brushes and a palette of five colors. For the next forty-five minutes, the girls quietly created their masterpieces. It was the most peaceful birthday party I have ever attended. And the best part, at least from a parent’s point of view, is that Amy cleaned up everything, including the wrapping paper!

If painting pottery is not what your child has in mind for fun, then you need to see the store’s “Stuff ‘n Fluff” area. Here, your child can create their own stuffed animal complete with voice box. So why drive to the mall and wait in line at Build-A-Bear when you can do the same thing in your own backyard? And if you don’t want to have the party at the store you can build a “Stuff ‘n Fluff” to go party kit that would be perfect for any occasion.

But the studio has far more to offer than just birthday parties. The wide selection of pottery from picture frames to platters has something for everyone, and the self-service painting bar makes choosing your colors a snap. In addition to pottery, Colors ‘n Clay also has mosaic tile and glass fusing craft kits. The large studio space is open and spacious while the smaller room is the perfect spot for parties. And most of all, it’s kid-friendly and designed for family fun.

For those individuals who want a little more help, the studio offers classes that will inspire even the most creatively challenged. Colors ‘n Clay also hosts family day during the holiday season each Sunday from 1 -5 p.m., where parents receive a free studio admission when their children paint their own piece. And for all the women out there, ladies night is the fourth Thursday of each month and seats fill up fast. So schedule the babysitter and make your reservations now. Plus, their expanded holiday hours make it a great place to create the perfect present for grandparents and friends.

Painting your own pottery is all about choices, and that’s just what you’ll find in Southern Pines. Colors ‘n Clay is not the only studio in town. Just down the road, you’ll find The Ninth of September studio where they offer similar services. There, you can find a different selection of pottery pieces as well as schedule birthday parties, wedding showers and group functions. Because each studio is unique, it is definitely worth trying both and finding the studio that fits you best.

The next time you’re trying to come up with an activity for your group, a birthday party or just a day out with the kids, consider trying one of Southern Pines’ “paint your own” pottery studios. It will definitely be an event worth remembering.

Colors ‘n Clay is located at South West Broad Street in downtown Southern Pines. For more information about store hours and classes, contact the studio at 692-4656. The Ninth of September is also located in downtown Southern Pines at 241 North East Broad Street. To learn more about their services and hours of operation, contact the studio at 695-9063.