We LOVE arty-crafty days and whilst I’m not a natural when it comes to painting or anything to do with art, my little girl loves it, so that means I love it.

If the arts and crafts can be out of the house - even better – as Isla sure knows how to make a mess!

Last week on a rainy afternoon we decided to head to Paint It Yourself Pottery on Winchcombe Street in Cheltenham. We have been a few times in the past – mostly around Christmas time to do hand and footprints for family members and have always had lots of fun.

There are over 250 different items to choose from in the shop and Isla decided on a really cute monster money box (£24.95) for her and her little brother to save their pennies for our trip to Disney in the Summer !

The price of the pottery includes all paints plus the glazing and firing. There are no hidden costs, and it’s helpful to know upfront how much you’re going to be spending.

Prices range from £3.95 to £120 and to give an idea, the bestsellers like plates, mugs and bowls are £14.95.

Once you have chosen your piece of pottery you are shown to your table where you can do whatever designs you like. There are different types of paints to choose from – bottles and brushes or more intricate bottles that have pointed dispensers for the finer details.

Isla wanted her monster to look like a rainbow so I drew on the lines and she coloured in-between. The pen burns off in the kiln (magic!) which is mega-handy for plotting out your vision.

If you also have a teeny tiny one in tow and need to be hands-free there are lots of highchairs available, a Bumbo plus a basket full of toys too.

For younger artists that get easily bored or distracted (which Isla inevitably does after about an hour), Rosie the super-friendly resident dog is happy to be petted all day long. The shop has some snacks and drinks available to buy too!

Once Isla was happy with her masterpiece – and I had shakily applied some little black dots for pupils - we handed it over for firing. Turnaround time is around 3-4 days but they can fire items in less time or even overnight for emergency pottery gifts!

Paint It Yourself Pottery has been open for nearly 15 years (keep an eye out for their 15% anniversary party) and is one of Cheltenham’s many independent gems. There are great choices of pottery to paint, the ladies are lovely and they offer parties and adult pottery evenings too.

And as for the finished article, well, our rainbow monster looks fab and is eagerly awaiting lots of pennies to fill its tum!

Frankie, Isla and Grayson x
June 2017

Paint It Yourself Pottery are offering 15% off pottery until next Tuesday 13th June. Ideal timing for Father’s Day gifts. For more information pop into the shop or call 01242 575700.