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Best DIY Pottery In Minnesota

One of the best ways to craft a homemade gift or a delightful treasure that stands the test of time is through the medium of pottery. Without the mess and expense of getting your own pottery wheel and using the right clay, this craft can be done through many local studios that offer classes and walk-in options. Potting is a great way to spend a rainy afternoon or to just express yourself in a fun and creative way. In Minnesota, options are available to make your own projects, paint ones that are already done or simply learn how to do it on your own. These studios offer fun and fantastic ways for all ages to enjoy a unique experience and even spark a lifelong interest in art.
Paint Your Plate
5027 France Ave. S.
Minneapolis, MN 55410
(612) 929-6666
www.paintyourplate.web.com

With two studios in the Twin Cities area, Paint Your Plate is the most convenient and simplest way to start your pottery experience. Although you don't necessarily start the pottery from the beginning, you get to enjoy the instant gratification of finishing it. Choose from a wide selection of dishes, figurines, and hundreds of other items to paint and glaze. The staff at Paint Your Plate helps you pretty-up your blank canvas and fire it into a unique piece. Classes and parties are hosted at the studio and walk-ins are very welcome.

Ceramics Generic
(credit: JOHANNES EISELE/AFP/GettyImages)

Fired Up Studios
01701 E. Hennepin Ave., Suite 255
Minneapolis, MN 55414
(612) 852-2787
www.firedupstudios.com

Head out to Northeast Minneapolis to enjoy a great opportunity to craft some pottery from start to finish. Fired Up Studios is a community studio created especially for potters of all levels to have a space where they can create. From classes to memberships, Fired Up Studios is made to accommodate everyone who wishes to scratch their pottery itch. Join in on a "clay-date" if you are a newer potter and receive a lesson on how to "throw" a bowl onto the wheel. Enjoy crafting your own pottery with as much or as little assistance as you require.

Kari's Create & Paint Studio
221 Chestnut St. E
Stillwater, MN 55082
(651) 500-6588
www.kcapstudio.com

Located in the beautiful and historic town of Stillwater, Kari's Create & Paint hosts walk-in classes and parties for all levels of expertise. Programs are especially designed for certain age groups so kids can also spend some time learning how to master the art of painting clay. They even offer supplies to take home to work on your project if you need a different setting for your creativity to flow. The best part is that they offer the option to use acrylic paint, a form that doesn't require firing the piece and having to wait to pick it up. Tired of painting pottery? Kari's has a canvas available to work on as well.

Related:  Best Kids Art Classes In Minnesota

F & P - Guide to Paint Your Own Pottery 11.11.11 - think-potteryboy
Photo Credit: Thinkstock

Manic Ceramic
17685 Kenwood Trail
Lakeville, MN 55044
(952) 898-6978
www.manicceramic.com

Manic Ceramic has been nurturing everyone's creative side for many years now. Located in a spacious studio filled with endless options for painting and creating pottery, Manic Ceramic is a great place to spend a rainy afternoon. Welcoming walk-ins at any time, they offer a large selection of ceramics and paint colors for designing everything from a vase to a piggy bank. All will enjoy the staff attention and support as you work on a design or just get the hang of painting an eclectic mug. No studio fees are charged, only the cost of the project, making this an affordable and fun way to DIY.

Claymate Creations
1500 Jackson St. N.E.
Minneapolis, MN 55413
(952) 688-6953
www.claymatecreations.com

Step away from the pottery wheel and create something totally unique with clay. Claymate Creations hosts classes and events for tiny hands up to any size hand. Their specialty is in creating cute monsters with clay and painting them to match your favorite personality, making a fun decoration or just a neat little companion for your desk. Sculpt other figures, or something more functional, anything goes in this studio. The staff is always available to help during class time and each session is unique to the participant.

Related: Art Lover's Walking Tour Of Minnesota

Andrea Wodele is a freelance writer who has lived in the Twin Cities for the last 10 years. Her hobbies include exercising, driving kids around, watching Minnesota sports, and reading self-help literature. Examiner.com.
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