Editorial
Front Page - Friday, January 1, 2010
Weekly Indulgence
Stephanie Coward
I had wanted to go to River City Pottery since we moved here. It was on the “places to visit” list and now, I am happy to say I can cross it off, but not before adding it the “visit again” list.
Last week, I took two hours during the workday (a perk to having such a fun column) and journeyed out to 1414 Jenkins Road. I was surprised at how many people – women, children and men – were there when I arrived, after all the place had just opened for the day, 40 minutes earlier.
I looked around and was overwhelmed by the choices filling the many shelves that line the enormous room. I panicked a bit; I am not good with decisions when I have so many options.
In the end, it was a natural choice: a coffee cup. I am addicted to coffee. I am comfortable admitting that to you all, since I came to terms with it long ago. I chose a hefty-sized mug with polka dots protruding and then happily selected pink and green paints to finish it. My husband, who met me there, chose another mug that was my second favorite. Joe opted for purple, pink and yellow, my three favorite colors. He decided to design the mug for me (I know, sweet).
There is a chart hanging on the wall that shows what the paints look like after the item has been glazed and comes out of the kiln. The colors are much more vibrant than what they look like when you finish painting them.
It took us a moment to decide where to sit, as there are so many tables of various sizes throughout the place. We wanted to ensure our spot would garner the most creativity since the artistic ability between the two of us couldn’t fill a thimble. We chose two corner chairs at the end of a massive table that could have fit seven comfortably. Halfway through our excursion, we were joined by two ladies and a baby who sat at the other end.
What a relaxing time! Some may call me neurotic, but I prefer to refer to myself as “Type A.” Because of this, I have an extremely difficult time relaxing, much less focusing on one single thing for longer than two minutes. Surprisingly enough, I was able to do more than just focus – I was in a zone. Joe and I didn’t talk much while we painted. I don’t think I would have enjoyed it as much if we were chattering the entire time.
Every item must be painted and then dried with a blow dryer three times. Because my mug had such detail, it took me a while to get through one coat and by the time I was staring on my second coat, it was already dry; so I didn’t need to use the blow dryer until in between coats two and three, and then of course, again at the end.
While I was delicately painting in the polka dots, Joe was having fun with the stencils. He stenciled my name on the mug he painted for me and then a ladybug and then another bug, because he thought it looked neat.
When we were finished painting, we brought our items up to the register to pay and get our pick-up receipt. Items are generally ready for pick up within a week. We asked where we should put the paint tins and brushes we used and were told that they would be picked up for us.
It was so nice to get out with my husband and enjoy something that cost little and was so enjoyable. We get to pick up our items January 5 and will most likely stay and paint some more then. If we aren’t able to do it then, we both agree that we will be going back very soon.
Before we left, I had the opportunity to speak with Lynnsey Appelhans. She and her aunt, Dia McKee, are co-owners of River City Pottery. They opened the establighment three and a half years ago, and according to Appelhans, the paints used are all safe and non-toxic.
Appelhans said that she and her aunt have been surprised by several things throughout the years, like when a guy proposed to his now wife at the store. Apparently the two had their first date there and he thought it would be a great place to start the next chapter of their lives.
River City Pottery hosts bridal and baby showers as well as children’s parties. Appelhans said that they are a kid-friendly establishment where children are always welcome.
Normally you just paint the pottery, but there is the option, for those who are interested, to learn how to throw on the wheel, through a class at River City Pottery.
For more information, contact River City Pottery at 553-0612.
Contact Stephanie at stephanie@hamiltoncountyherald.
com.
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