Being summer and in West Michigan, I’ve been trying to channel my inner -“Coastal-Grandma-Aesthetic,” whether that’s trying a new recipe or learning to embroider or learning to play tennis.
If you don’t know what the Coastal Grandma Aesthetic is, this is what I mean:
Pottery painting is just another hobby that falls into this category. I’ll admit that I tend to start new hobbies often. There’s just something so exciting about picking something up and having a new experience. Can anyone else relate?
This past weekend, I ventured into The Mud Room in Grand Rapids with a few friends. We were looking for a unique activity while we caught up with one another. Pottery painting was just the thing!
As we walked in, we were greeted by the friendly workshop associate. You first pick out a piece of pottery, then you pick your glaze. She explained to us that the price is set with the price of the pottery you pick out.
I’ll admit, with the multitude of options, I was a bit overwhelmed by the decision to choose one pottery piece. From large plates to tumblers to a shell dish to a football helmet and a fairy. Truly, there was a creation for any person to paint. The prices range from $20-$30, depending on the size of the piece.
I chose a spoon rest, since it was a practical piece, and frankly, my kitchen counter would thank me for a spoon rest.
Once we had each chosen a pottery piece, we found a spot at a table and the associate explained the painting process. We each chose different colored glazes and got to work. Couples, friend groups, and a mom with her kids surrounded us as we worked. It was fun to see the different age groups that pottery painting serves.
The entire process took us two hours. Of course, the amount of time depends on how much you chat and how much effort you’re going for. For my friends and I, we chatted a bunch and put in a decent amount of effort into our paintings, so I would say two hours is the high end. You can expect to spend a bit less time at The Mud Room. Once we were satisfied with our paintings, we dropped them off to be fired in the kiln. Our pottery creations will be ready in about a week.
In the back of the workshop, they also have space to host private parties, and they offer pottery classes for people ages 16 and up.
The experience was fun and one that I highly recommend, and The Mud Room provided excellent service. There’s something so special about meeting up with friends, catching up, and painting. At the same time, I was able to do something new and channel the “Coastal Grandma Aesthetic” right here in West Michigan.
Looking to learn more? Check out The Mud Room’s website.
The Mud Room’s Hours:
Mon: Closed
Tues: 10-5
Wed-Th-Fri: 10-8
Sat-Sun: 10-5
