When we first started dating, Josh showed me how much fun it is to paint together with Bob Ross. I have liked painting of different varieties for a while, but this turned into a new hobby we could do together. This week, we found a new way to paint. We took the trek over to Grandview, where the Clay Café resides. The small studio serves as a spot to paint different clay pieces and take classes to learn how to make pottery.

Although they once had two locations, they condensed back to one to start their pottery classes, better known as One Clay. The pottery classes are a six-week program to teach you how to throw and shape pottery using a pottery wheel! While we wanted to try this, we decided to check out the painting first. In addition to being able to walk in, they also host special events for adults and kids alike. The studio is open Tuesday-Sunday from 12-6 for walk in painting!

The website describes their studio as cozy as grandma’s kitchen, and I couldn’t think of a more perfect way to describe it. Little nooks are filled with tables, and bright colors light the small space. White pottery of all varieties waits to be painted along the back walls. Upon entering, a knowledgeable worker gave us the basic instructions and sent us off to pick our pottery piece. I opted for a small jewelry holder shaped like a tiny fairy house, while Josh chose a mug shaped like a Viking. The person working then led us to a table filled with different supplies to help us make our pieces unique. Throughout the process, she was always there to help remind us and coach us through the different techniques.

After our mini-learning session, we picked out an array of colors and sat to paint out pieces. The painting really interested me, as we used clay paint instead of the acrylic or oil we are used to. This paint is made of clay and can be sent through the kiln to dry. Your wet paint may be a slightly different shade than the paint you picked out, but don’t worry- once it goes through the kiln, it will become a masterpiece! They suggest allotting your painting an hour and a half, but we spent roughly three to create our “masterpieces.”

After painting, the cleanup is effortless. Using the sink in the back to clean off the easily removable paint takes mere minutes. The paint washed off our skin and clothes like it was nothing.

Our finished projects will be fired in the kiln and ready to pick up next week! We can’t wait to see how they transform next Tuesday and want to return for some holiday-themed painting! See our finished products below, and check out our Instagram (@614explorers) for a video of the space coming later this week.