I've been to Midnight Star Pottery (MSP) for various different occasions and my family and I are huge fans, especially my kids! One memorable visit, my husband surprised me with a date night there for our 9th wedding anniversary because the material for the 9th year is pottery!
- Parking -
MSP is located in the Ways Station Shopping Center. Plenty of spaces in center lot.
- Vibe -
When you walk in, you will walk in to the main room where most of the action happens. There are several 6-foot tables, as well as a picnic table and this room is where you will paint. There are so many items displayed throughout the store and it's hard to choose only one thing! They have all sorts of things to choose from, like ornaments, little figurines, dishes, bowls, cups, light switch plates, etc. They have a large room to the left where they usually host private parties or groups. There is a smaller room connected to the party room in the far back, where, if you choose to "throw" some clay, that's where you'll throw it. The back of the store is where the cash register is located, as well as, a sample of the color palette of different paints that are available for use and what it looks like after it's been "fired", so you get an idea of what they look like, because IT'S NOT THE SAME, Lol. They make great use of the space they have.
- TLC -
Jennifer, the owner, is so chill and easy going and her staff are all so wonderful. Super helpful and so knowledgeable about their craft. A great neighborhood shop, run by a local family who truly cares and remembers you when you stop by.
- Activities -
We attended a friend's birthday party at MSP and that was our first introduction. It was fantastic and my kids had so much fun! The kids got to choose one item from a variety of figurines and then the staff set them up with a paint palette and supplies for them to complete their project. The party room was well equipped with tables, chairs and the space accommodated the party nicely as there were the kids, parents and siblings and extended family of the Birthday Girl. My friend had baked her daughter's cake and there was ample space to display the cake and party supplies.
My kids have probably painted a handful of things each during our multiple visits there and have even made a clay rose ornament, which Jennifer taught them how to make. By the way, is a lot easier than you think! She told me that they once taught over a hundred elementary school kids how to make the clay rose ornament. My kids recently came in with their grandmother when she was in town so they could spend some QT with her and make stuff for my husband and I. My MIL made a super cute Splatter bowl too (see picture).
During our 9th Wedding Anniversary Date, my husband and I got a private lesson with Jennifer to throw clay, to make matching clay bowls for what I intended to use as noodle bowls. I even asked Jennifer to make a hole and cut out a space in the rim to rest the chopsticks. Our only mistake was not buying enough clay and should have made it a lot bigger, because it shrunk in the firing process and now they are more like appetizer bowls LOL. You pay for lesson and the amount of clay used. They came out amazing with the type of paint she suggested. I forget what the name of the type of paint is called, but basically, it has a life of its own and no two items will come out the same due to the way it cooks. They have some items on display so you get an idea of what it looks like. It's so cool looking and I love the way it turned out and such a great way to remember our 9th!
- Kiddos -
Obviously kid friendly, if you didn't get that from my review LOL. Now that school is out, they have a summer camp for kids, along with the regular rotation of events on their calendar.
- Heads Up -
Just be aware, whatever you paint, unless you want to leave with the item as is, you will have to leave it there so they can "bake" it and then they will call you to pick up the finished piece.
This is such a great way to spend these hot, southern summer days when you don't want to stay home because the kids are going stir crazy and you still want to get out and do something. They offer so many different art and crafts, including glass fusion, clay and painting. There is something for everyone! read more