Well, with the new reality that this year has brought, we have all had to find creative ways to see others and celebrate the holidays. Now, I happen to live above a local Color Me Mine ("CMM”) location in Glenview IL.
What?! You don't know what CMM is? Well, it's a place for anyone to come and make a ceramic craft. Essentially, you choose your ceramic piece, pick your paint colors, paint the item, then hand it back for glazing & firing. Once it's all completed, you have a one-of-a-kind decorative (e.g. tea candle holder) or practical (e.g. stovetop spoon rest) item for your home or to give as a gift (think of your child giving grandma a cherish, hand-painted serving platter).
I'd passed this location many times on foot in the previous months and noticed how many different holiday ceramic pieces they now had to choose from, as well as the fact that they were still open for painting in the store, and that they had designed to-go kits for painting the items at home. To get some holiday cheer going, on a small scale, and as a way to gift a sibling a present and an experience, I thought a sister and I could make a night of it. We decided to get together in early December for painting, pizza and beer on a cold rainy night. (Note - gotta love that $10 Costco pizza to-go!)
I picked out and paid for our pieces and to-go kits in advance, then went to collect them at lunchtime on our crafting day. Everything worked out well. And the to-go kits were pretty legit - your ceramic piece, paintbrushes (to keep) and up to six paint colors were all pre-packaged and ready to go (see below). Plus, all the paper it's all wrapped in can be laid out to cover and protect your painting space at home. Tip: save all this paper to wrap your dried pieces back up and safely transport to the store for the finishing process.
We laid everything out that night and got to work on our pieces. A tea candle holder Christmas Tree for me, and a tea candle holder Gingerbread House for my sister. We found it quite easy, enjoyable and relaxing. Like how coloring books for adults are all the rage. We spent about 45 minutes giving our items up to three coats - do follow the CMM Tip sheet included with the to-go kit. Then we had our pizza and liquid cheer.
The items do dry to a rather dull color and sheen, but that's why you take it back for their finishing steps...
The next day, I hot-tailed it back down to the CMM location and turned over our items for glazing & firing - and yes, this is included in the price of the ceramic you choose. I will note though, because the to-go kit brushes are yours to keep, there is a $12 charge for the brushes and paints for each piece you choose. I thought this was a reasonable expense, and they give you a LOT of paint too.
Around the holidays, you will wait up to ~5 days to get your items back from CMM's finishing process, but I have to say, it's worth the wait. I went back down to pick-up our items 3 business days after I dropped them - easy. Now I suppose I'm biased, as the artist, but I thought our items turned out very nice. See for yourself...
I have not seen my sister's finished piece yet as I've left it wrapped and wrapped that with festive papers and tissue papers to give to her for the holidays.
Well, if you can't tell, I think I'm a CMM convert. If you have one nearby, or need a unique and memorable gift idea, I think this place could be a real fun alternative for your holiday. Make a afternoon or night of it with their to-go kits or schedule an in-store time for yourself. Either way, if your item turns out suckie, I think you only have yourself to blame. I mean, we're not all Picassos.
Happy Hollydays, Everyone.
