This summer we decided to do a Popsicle stick summer bucket list. Every week my son draws a stick and at some point that week we do what is on the stick. I was so excited when he pulled out the paint pottery stick. I had such fond memories of painting pottery when I was little and I knew my sister felt the same way. So we loaded up with our combined three kids, two preschoolers and a one-year-old, and headed out to Paint Glaze & Fire Ceramics and Coffee House where we were hosted for a few hours of fun.

There is so much to choose from.

The first thing I noticed when I got there was the shelves of choices. They offer pottery pieces with a variety of price points. You do not need to be intimidated about spending a lot of money on a project for a little one. You will find something there that matches what you want to spend. Our group decided on a larger platter to gift to Grandpa. Then my son chose a mug and my nephew chose a little caterpillar. Everyone was so excited about their choices and quickly began discussing what colors they were going to choose. Again there was a ton of variety there. If your kid has a favorite color they will have about every shade of that color.

Projects made easy.

I love doing arts and crafts at home. However, sometimes over the summer mom is tired. I don’t feel like thinking of the project, getting the supplies out, maybe even buying the supplies, and then cleaning up after. I was having one of those days when we went to Paint Glaze & Fire and it made me even more grateful for them. They provide the aprons which equals less laundry for me. They have the project and all the supplies ready to go. Best of all they clean up the mess. It is a parents’ dream come true. Which brings me to my next point…

Relax Mama.

I am not sure if you caught the last part of Paint Glaze & Fire Ceramics and Coffee House, but COFFEE HOUSE. My sister and I drank our delicious caffeinated beverages while our kids were contently painting. I had a frozen Chai tea latte and it was delightful. To top it off they have experienced staff members there to help you. We wanted to make an adorable handprint platter for the kids’ grandpa. We knew he would love it. I have done handprint projects at home. They are adorable, but getting them done is similar to wrestling a crocodile. I was dreading getting the one-year old’s handprint.  Paint Glaze & Fire’s amazing staff stepped in to help us with getting all of the kids’ prints. They know what they are doing. If you want to do a handprint project tell them, they do it all the time and know how to get little hands to cooperate for the perfect print. Between the coffee and the extra help, parents, it will feel like a mini-vacation.  

Make memories as well as cherished projects.

Art projects can create such fond memories. My aunt was an art major.  When I was little I went up to KU with her and made pottery. Then I remember weeks later sitting at my Grandma’s table painting the pottery. I promise you that you are not just making an art project, but you are also creating memories. As an aunt now myself, it was so fun to go with my niece and make a memory of our own. Paint Glaze & Fire has a really awesome program where you can make a free 4x4 inch tile with your baby’s (18 months and younger) hand or footprint on it. Not only was it adorable to watch her little foot get painted, but we are going to love looking back at how tiny that foot truly was. It was also so much fun to watch the boys’ eyes light up when they showed us their completed projects.

Paint Glaze & Fire offers a variety of programs.

Paint Glaze & Fire hosted us for a ceramic painting session. However, they also offer canvas painting, glass fusion, and clay prints. I recommend checking their calendar out too. They have different specials offered weekly and “Paint me a Story” and “Family Fun Nights” events. If you have a budding artist they hold birthday parties and classes as well. If you have a child who would enjoy multiple days of art look into their “Camp ARTrageous”. This camp is one of the camps in the Macaroni Kid JoCo Summer Camp Guide and would be the perfect summer camp for a child who loves to paint.

If you want to visit Paint Glaze & Fire Ceramics and Coffee House you will find them at 12683 Metcalf Ave Overland Park, KS 66213

Open Tuesday-Friday, 10 AM-8 PM, Saturday, 9 AM-6 PM, and Sunday, Noon - 5 PM