CityView Magazine - Fayetteville, NC
Issue link: http://www.epageflip.net/i/35097
b usiness FUN THERAPY T Artists of all abilities paint their own pottery at Just Claying Around | By Delila Morris here is something special about receiving a hand-painted piece of artwork from a child. Their use of color shows that they approached the project with artistic abandon, even if it ends up being several shades of brown. Whatever the result, the gift is precious, because it captures a moment in time in a child’s life. The journey to owning her own business, Just Claying Around, began just this way for Stephanie Penvose. For Stephanie, the gift of a hand-painted piece of pottery from her son sparked an Opposite | Chelsea Smith working on her clay model. Top Left | Hayley Milone prepares to paint her ladybug. Top Right | These tiles serve as palettes for each artist Above | A finished piece waiting to be picked-up. interest in working with ceramics. She pursued her interest by learning how to make ceramics from molds during a military stay in Alaska. When her family moved to Fayetteville, Stephanie searched for a place to continue working with ceramics. That’s when she found Just Claying Around. Stephanie used her love for painting ceramics as a way to express herself artistically and to de-stress from her full-time job. When the opportunity arose for her to purchase the business seven years ago, she made a phone call to her husband in Iraq and with his go-ahead, bought the business — and has loved it ever since. When customers walk into the workshop they can tell something fun is about to happen. Every member of a family can get involved, no matter their age. There are lots of items for the kids to paint, such as animals, flowers, and garden bugs. For adults, there are many choices from decorative vases to coffee mugs. The workshop is roomy and the perfect environment for getting creative. There are many samples to look at and Stephanie guides customers through every step. There are even stamps CityViewNC.com | 21