CRAIG T. KOJIMA / CKOJIMA @STARBULLETIN.COM
Painted plate from Paint It Pottery studio at Pearlridge.
H is for
hand-painted
ceramics
Whether the gift-giver is 5 or 35, a hand-painted ceramic is sure to get an "awwwww" from grandma.
Walk-in studios placed prominently in malls make it easy for the novice to look like a pro with blank plates, mugs and more as a ready canvas for your artistry. Be festive and get a group together for a gift-painting party.
Justine Ponciano, of Paint It Pottery in Kailua, said most parents want the younger kids to paint plates. "It's easier, it's a flat surface," she said. "Then the parents will touch it up with names, age and date." Mugs are popular presents for dads or grandparents, she said. The shop just received a shipment of figurines in the shape of "Finding Nemo" characters.
Paint-it-yourself shops provide the ceramic ware, paints, table and guidance. Call around town for specifics. Some establishments charge for studio time; others include it in the price of the piece. The cost of a coffee cup with studio time averages $20, depending on mug size.
CRAIG T. KOJIMA / CKOJIMA @STARBULLETIN.COM
A bowl made by the loving hands of Caleb Perez at age 6.
Reservations are recommended this time of year but not required. Don't wait until the last minute because after putting brush to clay, it takes three to five days for the piece to be fired in a kiln before your masterpiece can be picked up and wrapped. Procrastinators, inquire about gift certificates for recipients to nurture their own inner artiste.
Some shops around town include Paint It Pottery at 539 Kailua Road, 230-8500, and at Pearlridge Center Uptown, 486-4900; Color Me Mine at Ward Village Shops, 591-1816; Fire It Up on Monsarrat, 924-4444; and Fire & Glaze in the Aina Haina Shopping Center, 377-1808. Check the Yellow Pages for more options.
CRAIG T. KOJIMA / CKOJIMA @STARBULLETIN.COM
A snowman mug and abstract cup from Color Me Mine at Ward Village Shops.
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