���߲ݴ�ý

“I’m trying to bring everything in from Canada,” said co-owner Brenda Waugh. “This helps with keeping the prices down, too.”

Although they modelled their store after similar ones in the province, there are some things they decided to do differently. They have a great selection of ceramic bisque items for painting, but also have clay to work by hand, and four pottery wheels for classes and customer use. They have their kiln in-store to finish the pieces and an air purification system.

Though painting, artistry and working with clay are Waugh’s passions, her husband Jim has had a few ideas of his own and has learned many techniques to guide artists or novices of all ages. In fact, Waugh said, their whole family has gotten involved.

“We’ve been married for 37 years and have three children, our cousin likes coming down and (working) with us, and our niece. It’s a real family business,” said Waugh.

Guests can paint a selected piece however they choose to with the many different colours available to add to their palette. They can also use silk screen templates or other stencils and prints to make each item their own. Each ceramic object that’s ready to be painted has a price, and that’s all they pay for — the experience is free. After finishing their work, it is left to be glazed and fired in the kiln, then picked up later.

“We usually fire once a week, and like to do it Sunday nights, but we are flexible with that,” said Waugh.

Some popular pieces are plates and mugs, gnomes of all sizes and various animals and fantasy creatures, which is no surprise considering the whimsical atmosphere. Christmas trees and decorations sell year-round, and people love to create hand and footprint tiles for their new babies.

Customers can also enjoy a coffee or drink. Their slogan is, after all, “craft, create and caffeinate.”

“I just love coffee,” said Waugh. “Hopefully we can expand that in the future.”

The wheel workshops have been a win for the Waughs, who have even held a few special parties and events.

“We usually ask that participants are 16 or older to use the wheels, but youths, especially those with parental supervision, could give it a try,” said Waugh.

Unlike other places, who only offer a series of classes, Waugh said they also offer single sessions.

“On Saturdays, I hold one class at a time to experience it,” she said. “Then we have a six-week course starting in February with an amazing instructor named Heather.”

She said people are really enjoying the sessions.

Sometimes people come to Creative Pottery just for fun, but often customers come with an idea in mind. Some people want to create unique gifts, or a piece in celebration of an event or anniversary, but don’t know where to start.

“We’ll get them there,” said Waugh. “They bring an idea, and their creativity, and we are here to help.”

They also offer birthday parties for kids and events for adults. They accommodate any size of group and work with hosts to make their event unique.

For more information, to book a wheel or party, go to . You can also email info@creativepottery.ca with questions or call 519-546-1964.