I haven’t made a clay project since elementary school, when every 1970’s-era child created an ashtray for his/her parents as part of the art curriculum. Am guessing that’s not how things work anymore!
But, recently a friend planned a girl’s night out to All Fired Up in Copley. We enjoyed a fun night unleashing our creativity and went home with some great new Christmas decor and some personalized gifts for friends/family!
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There are two other All Fired Up locations in Northeast Ohio (Medina & North Ridgeville) as well as other paint your own pottery establishments that operate under different names. This was my first experience with this type of craft and my expectations were low. As you can see from my childhood ashtray creation, I’m not very artistically inclined! 
I went for a traditional shape with embossed decoration… 
…whereas Natty Guy creatively worked his ashtray into alligator form!
Painting Your Own Pottery
When you arrive, the first order of business is to select the items you want to paint! They have an extensive assortment of ornaments, bowls, serving trays, plates and holiday figurines available. Each piece requires three coats of glaze before it is finished, so keep the amount of time you have to spend in mind. Next you can select your glazes and any stencils you may want to use and then its time to get to work!
The owners encourage customers to bring in food and drink to enjoy while they work and are always nearby if you have a question regarding the pottery or glazes. Beyond girls night’s, I think a visit to All Fired Up would make for a great scout activity, class field trip or annual family tradition!
When your piece is completed with three coats of glaze, you turn it in at the desk for firing. The firing process takes about a week and then you’re ready to pick it up and take it home.
Other Creative Options!
If you’re looking to try something other than painting your own pottery, they also offer:
- Glass Fusion – combining geometric pieces of glass to create bowls, vases, etc.
- Canvas Painting – use templates with instructions or just go on your own and see where creativity takes you!
- Wood Door Decor & Pallet Painting – wooden door signs are so popular right now! Use this opportunity to make your own, with custom colors, sayings, etc.
- Pottery Wheel Classes – a one-time course to learn the basics of wheel-throwing!
Both walk-ins and reservations are welcome! Check the website to book a special event, request a private class and for information on pricing. For more fun activities to do with friends, check out these posts!
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Hi Betsy. I love the ceramic piece that you made. It sounds like the event was a great way to spend time with friends. I love being creative. A few years ago I started making fairies with Fimo baking clay. the place we are staying right now doesn’t have an oven, so the clay fairies have been put on hold for the time being. Hopefully it won’t be too long and we’ll have our apartment finished and I’ll be able to bake fairies to my hearts content. Until then, I’ll have to satisfy my creative spirit with designing my new home décor. Thanks for sharing.
Christina, Decorating your home sounds like a super-fun (and meaningful) project! Hope you enjoy that as a creative outlet until you can get back to your Fimo clay! Have a great weekend.