When my youngest spawn went camping, I took the opportunity to spend the time with my oldest. He likes to pretend he's the only child sometimes.
We almost didn't go through with the plans. After driving two hours to and from Girl Scout camp, it would have been so easy to get on the couch and not move for the rest of the day. In fact, when I got home, I did get on the couch, under a blanket, and joined my oldest as he watched Doctor Who.
But, after the second episode, I convinced him (and myself) to get our butts out the door.
This is not our first trip to paint ceramics. But, we haven't been since 2008. He was two-years-old! And, really was an only child then.
Our first time was at Hands on Pottery in Lyndhurst.
I think that if we lived closer, I would go here all the time. It's small and the fees are included in the cost of the piece you paint. Makes it so much easier to figure out how much you will spend.
A few months after that. I took my spawn to An Artist for a Day to create something for his grandma in Atlanta. I made a scrapbook to send with it so she could see him at work on his gift. I couldn't find the photos I took that day, but Shutterfly still had the scrapbook pages I used for the mini book.
How cute was he?! I mean he's still really cute but he was so little way back then! Oh, my heart.
While we had fun, it didn't feel little-kid-friendly. The woman who was working hovered over us and fussed about everything. I wasn't in a hurry to go back, especially with a new baby. It's funny the things that stick with you about a place. We enjoyed the overall experience, but not as much as I think we could have enjoyed it.
Nine years later and we are back! And, I had a coupon!
After browsing the many items available to paint he settled on a bank and I grabbed a travel coffee mug. The women working were helpful and kind.
Sitting still is not his strength. To get the color he wanted for his bank it would take at least three coats. Having to wait in between coats was a challenge. But, there's a bakery two doors down so I sent him for cookies. He split the sugar cookie with me and before I could take a bite of the other one, it was gone.
By the fourth coat of paint, I got my spawn to open up and talk about his friend, school, the future, his favorite computer game, and how hungry he had become in the last hour. He had lunch and a snack and he's still ready for another meal!
I shared memories of my mom and how this was her favorite hobby. I left out that she only took me once and I was so bad, she would not take me back. And by bad, I mean I was terrible at painting and I wasn't on my best behavior.
My mom was a wonderful painter. She went weekly and even sold some of her creations. I'm not holding out much hope for mine.
Have you noticed a possible theme in our creations?
I guess we were going to have a Doctor Who kind of day anyway.
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| fun fact: same sweatshirt as in the first photo at Hands on Pottery! I just found it! |
I really wanted to create a night sky with stars and a brilliant quote.
Of course, I picked a string of words that have lots of loops and decided to do it in cursive. I also went the wrong way with my night sky. I should have went dark to light.
Spawn opted for a paint-splattered, flowered covered TARDIS.
Overall, we had a wonderful time together. I'm so lucky to have a great kid. Now to wait until the weekend to pick up our creations.
Check out my Instagram to see how they turned out!
