There are plenty of places to visit with your children on day trip up to Saratoga Springs. Last week, I reviewed the Children’s Museum at Saratoga, and today I’d like to tell everyone about Creative Sparks, a paint and create your own piece of pottery studio, located at 42 Phila Street. The last time I was there, they had a 4 year old birthday party going on- you really are never too young to express your inner artist. However, the space is large enough to host a birthday party and for individuals come in and create their own ceramic pieces. There are two separate sections at Creative Sparks – to the left houses the ceramic pieces you choose to paint, as well as about four or five tables to sit at and create. The area to the back of the studio has enough for two long tables that seat about 8 children each, a sink, and the drying station. This is all next to the two large kilns that are used for firing the pottery. The store also offers wooden pieces to mosaic. Some of the pieces include a $15 plaque, $40-$55 small and large frames and a $65 lazy susan. The price includes the mosaic tiles and studio fee. I love this idea and thought it would be a great theme for a girl’s night out.
Creative Sparks offers studio time to work on your creations at your own leisure. The price is $6 for 10 years of age and under, and $8 for over 10, which includes the firing of two pieces. The pieces themselves are an additional charge and range from $5 to $85. They have just about anything you could think of; plates, candle holders, figurines, holiday items, mugs, bowls, pitchers, and the list goes on. When you are there, you can ask for help from any one of the assistants. I found this very useful with my children, as they were much more attentive listening to a “professional” than me. . The instructor takes time to explain the process, and how it is best to paint the piece with two coats. They can even use a blow dryer to set the first coat of paint. After the painting is completed, the instructor will add details to their work of art with a black marker. This basically highlights the details and looks very pretty when all is completed. Once the painting is finished, they have to put it back in the kiln for the paint to set, therefore, you cannot take your creation home with you. They are usually ready in about a week, and the end result truly is a work of art!
They also sell many completed pieces which are beautiful additions to your home or kitchen. One of the things I loved was the plate idea for birthdays, weddings, showers, or just about any celebration. You can buy a pre-decorated plate with a special pen for your guests to sign on your special day. Then you put it in the oven and it is a lasting memory for years to come. You must check out this place for yourself to see all of the amazing things to do and to buy. I guarantee, you will not leave empty handed, and who knows, it may even awaken the artist within!
One important note is that all the ceramics are safe to eat off of and are microwave and dishwasher safe.