There are plenty of unanswerable questions in parenthood – the root causes of colic, how to stave off the first drink til after 7pm – but the latest one dogging me is: how do those paint-your-own-pottery stores survive?
I know they’re popular. My daughter has been to a party at one and loves to go several times a year. We have a stack of plates decorated with everything from her tiny baby footprint to a barnyard in the round, with a pig, cow, lamb and chicken. I’ve just had an hour-and-a-half session at Smarty Paints near us and could have happily spent another hour, applying a third coat on my pottery and trying out the sponges and stamps.
The shelves were full of objects we could choose to paint – plates, mugs, ornaments, teapots, all in a variety of sizes and shapes. Tables were furnished with brushes and 40-plus paints on a lazy susan. It was a stage set for hours of painting fun, but just how do the economics of it work? We paid a studio fee each of £6 plus the price of our objects, something like £14 total. While I wouldn’t want to spend that every day, is that really a unit of economic success? Is there a groundswell of pottery painting fervor in the UK that I’ve somehow overlooked?
This place and hundreds more are seemingly thriving around the country, but I just can’t see how there are enough paint-happy kids and knickknack-loving crafters to sustain this strain of pottery stores. When I was young I went to craft stores to paint plaster of paris statuettes with my mother, but those places also catered to knitters, cross-stichers, crocheters and probably even macrame’ers.
I enjoyed our visit today. I never thought painting stripes on a miniature cupcake could be so relaxing and enjoyable. There was one other group in the store the entire time we were there. How this business model sustains itself, I don’t know, unless it’s this: I’m looking forward to my next day out with my daughter, so we can came again.
Picture: scottchan / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
It’s a very good question. Maybe they don’t. Maybe they open, find they can’t sustain themselves, and close. Has the one near you been open long?
The one near us has been open for a couple of years. I also got a card through the mailbox for another one opening up that has Emma Bridgewater pottery to paint so there must also be a whole other level of pottery-painter out there!
I loved going going the Emma Bridgewater pottery cafe even more than my children. They’re 17 and 19 now but we still use the fantastic china they decorated. Not sure what other places are like but the Bridgewater one at Stoke on Trent is fantastic.
Emma LP – I always thought the appeal of Emma Bridgewater pottery was that it was done in that Emma Bridgewater way, with her distinctive designs. We’ll likely try out the EB cafe near us, to see if the paintable items on offer are as appealing as the little goldfish and small plates at our local shop.
When I saw the headline I thought you would be complaining about how pricey these places are, not how cheap. I have been a few times to pottery cafes in Brighton and like you found it all very relaxing. But the prices don’t half add up! Try and do a few mugs for granny and grandad and you can easily be down £30 before you start. Which is probably why I haven’t been back, and look for cheaper ways to relax.
Joanne – I know what you mean. It’s not a cheap few hours out. I just find it hard to imagine that enough people do it even at those prices that the business model works.
When we go, it’s as much for the activity as the finished product.
I always wondered how luggage shops in airports make any money.
You’re in an airport! You already have luggage! If you’re flying Easyjet then no matter how cheap that suitcase is it’s going to cost you £35 to put it on the bloody plane!
I’ll have a lie down now…
It *is* funny isn’t it? I’m going on holiday…I think I’ll buy a big empty suitcase airside that I have to…what? Put in the overhead compartment?
There are many ways to spend time with family, friends, dates, ect.. Going to a movie with popcorn cost as much as going to a pyop store. The difference is although the movie may be entertaining there is no communication during that time. Or could you go buy mug for your loved one at the store you could. The difference is that your spending quality time with your loved one and making a gift that your two year old painted for grandma is priceless and as the years go by the mug becomes even more special to capture that moment in time. All forms of art also can be therapeutic , build up your self esteem, ect.
There are indeed 100’s of us. The Funky Teapot Studio in Wantage Oxon, we took over in Feb 2014 has been here and successful for 10 years. Why not compare the cost of a designer mug like Kath Kidston, or Emma Bridgewater… not only are the prices often similar or cheaper, but the personalization is a real hands on experience. The variety is wider than purchasing online, and even toddlers slapping on some paint on a £5 animal ends up treasured for ever! Pop in and discuss what you want with your local PYOP studio, they will offer help, guidance and advise on all aspects of this art, craft, keepsake activity. Remember it not just for kids! With some simple guidance the most un-artistic person can create something to be proud of…
Barry, you have me sold! I did a bowl recently that I’m particularly proud of and am thinking of dragging my daughter back. Thanks for commenting!