12 Ways to Get Creative at uPaint Pottery Studio

Plainfield residents and friends, Kelli Singleton and Stacey Heltsley, opened their first uPaint Pottery Studio in Plainfield in the summer of 2013. Neither one had formal training in art, but after visiting a drop-in pottery studio in another town, they felt strongly that Hendricks County needed one as well. 

The community has been very receptive over the years, which spurred the owners to open three more uPaint locations in other areas of Indiana and Ohio.

But I already know what you are thinking! Your inner critic is crying out, but I'm not crafty. Or I don't have an artistic bone in my body!

At uPaint Pottery, no experience is necessary, and a trip to the studio is as much about enjoying the process of creating as it is about the final product you create.

Getting Started

The studio has a wall full of pottery in all sizes and shapes just begging for you to bring them to life with a splash of color and whatever unique embellishments and artistic flair you can conjure up.

The staff at uPaint is more than willing to give you a few pointers (three coats of paint to get the best finished look), and design inspiration can be found throughout the studio. Between the numerous paint colors, stencils, stamps, paintbrushes, sponges, and other tools, you will have everything you need to get your creative juices flowing.

If you need more ideas, do what I did when my teenage daughter and I visited uPaint Pottery Studio recently...consult Google! Pinterest is your best bet when it comes to crafty inspiration.

In case you need a bit more convincing that painting pottery is fun for everyone (not just those who are artistically gifted), here are 12 ways to get creative at uPaint Pottery Studio:

1. Get Messy With Your Kids

Painting pottery is a great activity for your wee ones. A visit to uPaint Pottery Studio will get them away from their electronic tablet and the TV for a few hours, and it is so much fun to get messy with your little ones.  Especially when someone else is in charge of cleanup!

Kids will love painting one of the many animal figurines or something they can personalize with their name on it.

Painting with kids is especially fun as they tend to paint with abandon.

Adults should take a lesson from the kiddies on this one!

2. Enjoy a Unique Date Night

Of course, you could always leave the kids at home and enjoy a fun night out with your significant other.

Tired of the typical dinner and a movie date night? Shake things up with the perfect date night experience at uPaint Pottery Studio.

Create a special memento together as you whisper sweet nothings in your honey's ear and wipe paint from their brow!

3. Take a Class

If you prefer a bit more guidance in the art department, sign up for one of the classes offered at uPaint Pottery.

Check the monthly calendar on their website for dates and times as well as a picture of the item to be created in each class. Then join other budding artists in the studio's classroom as the instructor gives step-by-step instructions.

Class sizes are kept small and everyone gets to work at their own pace.

While uPaint is primarily a drop-in studio, reservations are highly recommended for the classes.

4. Join Other Homeschoolers

If you homeschool, be sure to check out the uPaint Pottery Calendar for the monthly homeschool art day class. Create a special project alongside other homeschool families and take advantage of the vast array of art supplies at the studio.

This is a great way to spruce up your homeschool art class and enjoy a fun outing!

5. Engage in Team Building or Host a Holiday Party

If you are looking for a way to boost office morale, get out of your cubicles and head to uPaint!

You might just be surprised by how productive a day away can be. Give your staff a chance to get to know each other outside the boardroom as they bond over paintbrushes and pottery.

Your business could also plan a holiday gathering at uPaint or celebrate or rally around a special coworker with an activity the whole crew will cherish.
 

6. Host a Fundraiser

Paint for a cause you care about by organizing a fundraiser through uPaint Pottery Studio.

There are several options for how fundraisers can be done, both in the studio or at your organization. Call and speak with the staff to determine the plan that works best for your school or organization.

7. Celebrate a Birthday

Invite all your friends and host your child's next birthday party at uPaint Pottery Studio. This is an especially great option for those who have birthdays during the cold winter months when outdoor activities and celebrations are less of an option.

The staff will take care of the entertainment (painting, of course!) and the cleanup.

You get two hours in one of their party rooms and are welcome to bring in food for your guests and gifts for the guest of honor to make the party complete.

8. Go on a Field Trip

uPaint Pottery Studio is also a great place to schedule a field trip.

Reserve one of their classroom areas in the back for your school group, scout troop or organization.

Education and art go hand-in-hand as the kids get to paint as well as learn about the firing process.

9. Spice Up Your Seasonal Décor

The pottery selection changes each season offering visitors plenty of options and inspiration for creating seasonal and holiday decor.

During fall, paint ornaments for your holiday tree or a platter to hold the Thanksgiving bird.

Come back in the spring and craft something to declare your love to your valentine or welcome the Easter bunny.

I won't go through all the seasons...you get the idea!

10. Create a Unique Gift

Why go to the department store when you can create a truly special and heartfelt gift for your loved one at uPaint Pottery. Let the recipient know how much you care by making them a personalized mug or plate.

For the avid gardener, paint a colorful flowerpot. For the pet lover, make a new bowl for Fido or Fluffy. For grandma...she will love anything if it was made by you!

Gift cards to uPaint Pottery Studio are also available, so why not give the experience of making their own creation!  

11. Commemorate a Milestone

Life is full of memorable milestones: high school graduation, 25th wedding anniversary, new home, first communion, retirement and so many more! 

Why not create a one-of-a-kind piece of art to commemorate each milestone!

12. Connect With Your Teen

While I could go on and on, I'll wrap up my list with the reason I recently spent a few hours at uPaint Pottery Studio.

As the mom of active teenagers, I'm constantly vying for quality time with my girls. A trip to uPaint Pottery with my 15-year-old daughter resulted in two beautiful and unique creations that we will cherish for years to come.

But even more cherished than the art we created was the two hours of uninterrupted time we spent together. And that was priceless.

uPaint Pottery Studio