Christmas shopping night at ClayMotion Ballarat Victoria

Christmas Shopping Night at ClayMotion, Ballarat.

ClayMotion has been operating from the shop in Ballarat now for a little over a month, and everything is going well – the kiln is connected and operational, new stock is arriving in the way of art and ceramic supplies, the casual studio space is finished and ready for use, and the gallery space looks great.

Another ClayMotion mission is to support local artists and crafters by taking their creations on consignment and displaying them in the shop window.  We have some fantastic handcrafted gifts, and more are coming for our Christmas Shopping Night on December 8th from 5-8pm.

Christmas shopping night at ClayMotion Ballarat Victoria

Enjoy a glass of complimentary champagne while getting your shopping done and supporting local makers. Gift wrapping will also be available …. so spread the word and share this post with your friends 🙂

In the meantime check out some pics of the new space, and hope to see you next Friday 🙂

ClayMotion has moved! Art Classes now in Ballarat.

Its Official – we have moved! I haven’t had much time to post about the move on the blog, but have tried to do a bit of a story on the Instagram page. But – yes – we are now in…. classes began this week in the new space, and from now on, this is the space to be!!

And today (Sunday) we are having a grand opening – all welcome – I know it is a bit late notice for blog followers, but hopefully you can make it 🙂

ClayMotion Pottery in Ballarat

This past weeks classes have been in the new space, with everyone loving the new studio.

Remember that mid term enrolments are welcome for both adults and children’s classes.

And also remember that new classes are being offered this term in Mosaics …. enrolments are open – see the SHOP to enrol 🙂

ClayMotion Mosaics in Ballarat

Services in the new shop will include:

Pottery classes
Mosaics classes
Art classes
Birthday Parties
Hens Afternoons
Kiln Firing Service
Teambuilding
Locally Made Giftware
Casual Studio Space hire
Exhibition Space
Ceramic & Art Supplies
I am so looking forward to being in Ballarat and being more accessible to to the community!!

Birthday Parties at ClayMotion – Adults or Children!

Birthdays Parties at ClayMotion in Ballarat

Tomorrow afternoon ClayMotion is a hosting party for a 9th Birthday with ten bubbly children attending… we will be making treasure boxes.

A couple of weeks we hosted a 13th birthday party, and have been so busy since then I haven’t had a chance to post the pics on the blog – so here they are!!

If you are interested in a birthday party – adults or children – visit the BIRTHDAY PARTIES page for information or call me on 0438382522

 

Winter ClayMotion Birthday Parties in Ballarat – Cozy & Warm!

As local Ballarat people will know we have had a freezzing week here, including snow, and on the outskirts of Ballarat it has been even colder – but, never fear, the ClayMotion studio is cozy and warm as it was for last Sunday’s birthday party.

ClayMotion Ballarat Cozy & Warm

Alex turned 8 and his party theme was Paw Patrol, a popular cartoon for children – so he had a Paw Patrol cake, cups, serviette, plates – you name it! Some of the parents hung around for the party fun and they indulged in bickies and dip, chockies, coffee and tea. Very warming for a chilly day!

ClayMotion Ballarat Parties

The children had a great time, as they always do, and showed fabulous creativity with making their treasure boxes and decorating them – one of the decorations being a huge black spider!!!

ClayMotion Ballarat Parties

Hope that spider didn’t shock you too much!! Here’s some cake to calm you down!

ClayMotion Ballarat Parties

But, back to the party! It was great fun with some fab creativity happening! More info on Birthday parties – for both children and ADULTS can be found on the Birthday Parties Page ….. meanwhile here are some pics from the weekend 🙂

Making treasure boxes

Making treasure boxes

Treasure boxes ready for painting

Treasure boxes ready for painting

Painting the treasure boxes

Painting the treasure boxes

Studio Renovation

For those of you who follow ClayMotion on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram you will know that there have been some major renovations happening in the studio… and, yay, they are now all finished!

The renovations were begun during the last two week school holiday break in response to growing class sizes. I decided I needed  separate glaze room and additional storage space. So in we plunged, “we” being the hubby and I!

I am happy to report that most of the structure, and all of the shelving and storage units were made using upcycled materials. The only new materials we bought were the flooring, ceiling, walls, beading and insulation. The frame was built using recycled timber and the roofing recycled tin, and the windows came from 1) an old tabletop and 2) my house – a window that had been removed when building a verandah onto the back of the house. The paints were left overs from previous projects.

ClayMotion renovations

I’m really happy with the ‘recycling’ concept, as it offsets the footprint I leave with things like gas firings and transporting clay and glaze ingredients.

As mentioned the renos were started during the last school holiday period with the intention of having them finished by the time classes resumed, but we all know building projects never go to plan!! The main structure was complete by the two weeks, but there were a few bits & pieces that needed finishing – a bit of beading, for example – but the biggest delay was getting the kiln reconnected!!

However, the delay has perhaps been a little serendipitous. It gave me time to think about needing another kiln, which I did!

I decided I needed a new bigger kiln or another average sized kiln to service my growing business and I thought I should try to purchase one asap so that both kilns could get connected at the same time. I was lucky enough to find one really quickly – and a bargain – by posting a Wanted to Buy in some local Buy Swap & Sell Groups on Facebook. I received a reply quite quickly – a port o kiln which was about thirty years old, but that had never been connected or used…. just sitting in someone’s shed – in new condition!! (rubs hands together). They are both now reconnected, after a few weeks delay, so I am now in catch up mode on class work. I must the stents have been very understanding which has been great!

ClayMotion Kilns

 

The renovation has basically added two open space areas on the side of the existing studio. these spaces have become a glazing room and storage area. The other part of the renovation I love is the new ‘library’ area – perfect for sitting with a cuppa and browsing books or developing ideas in my visual diary. This corner in the existing studio was the old glaze area, but with everything being moved into the new room I could create this cozy space, something I have always wanted to do.

ClayMotion Studio

 

Creating the library cleared a space in a cabinet (where I used to store books) and this has now become a display cabinet for tools and equipment for sale – yes I also sell ceramic supplies and post Australia wide. the postage is included in the prices which are in the online shop on the CLAYMOTION website.

ClayMotion pottery supplies

 

There is still a bit of re-organising and tidying up to do, especially outside in the yard, but here are some pics this far:-)

 

ClayMotion Birthday Parties

Wow, what a beautiful Autumn we are having in Ballarat, and a perfect day for a birthday party at the foot f Mt Warrenheip!!

Today’s birthday was for 11 year old Mikala. Eleven children celebrated Mikala’s birthday busily making treasure boxes, and enjoying the scope fr creativity ClayMotion parties provide. In fact, one 10 year old girl, upon leaving said “I’m so glad you exist because I love art.” – blew me away!!

claymotion childrens classes

And she is right – art is a great way to learn problem solving skills, design skills, motor skills, listening skills and relaxing skills – as well as so much more!

Birthday parties are always successful and a great alternative to some other sugar filled options. Today we made treasure boxes by hollowing out blocks of clay and painting them with coloured slips.

 

For more information visit the Parties page 🙂

And after a busy day I am now relaxing with a wine!! Oops. but I’m writing a blog post – on wait, is that relaxing!?

ClayMotion

 

ClayMotion Birthday Parties – Creative & Healthy!

Kid’s Birthday Parties in Ballarat

ClayMotion hosted another great birthday party on the weekend – this time for Jack who was turning ten. Apparently Jack is very artistic, including hosting a comic writing, designing and drawing afternoon once a week after school with his friends, many of whom attended the party – an initiative he thought up himself!!

Its great to come across artistic kids, but then I think all kids (and adults) are artistic… sometimes it just needs to be retrieved… but that’s another blog post!

Although a chilly day, it was a great afternoon with the fire blazing making the studio snuggly cozy.

The kids had a great time…. as did the adults who stayed, I suspect!

For more information on ClayMotion Birthday parties for kids (but don’t be afraid to book an adults party!) visit the Childrens Parties page or ring me on 048382522.

Here’s some pictures from the weekend 🙂

 

 

Birthday Party Fun at ClayMotion

Birthday Party Fun at ClayMotion Ballarat

There was more birthday party fun in the ClayMotion studio during the week with a group of 10 year old girls making treasure boxes and eating cute gummy bear cupcakes!

It was a chilly day but the fire was on and the studio was warm and cosy – so don’t let the cold Ballarat weather keep you away!

Birthday parties are available on most days after school and weekends and are a great and healthy alternative to fast food – plus party goers have a memory that will last forever in the form of something they have made themselves.

For more information click on the Childrens Parties link above or call me on 0438382522.

Here’s some pics of the fun to be had:

 

 

More Birthday Party Fun For Ballarat Kids

I know I’ve posted about birthday parties before – but they are just so much fun!!

This time I did it a little differently – instead of having the balloons already blown up, I had the kids blow up their own….NO, I wasn’t being lazy – I have a pump!! Anyway, it added to the ‘fun’ element!

And this party came all the way from Geelong – so the word is spreading… keep up the good work ClayMotioners 🙂

ClayMotion birthday parties are a great sugar free alternative to popular fast food parties, and the kids get to take a creation home – something to feel proud of!

Parties are $35.00 per child which includes all materials, the aforementioned balloons and a cake…. more details can be seen on the party page.

And so without further ado, here are some pics of the fun 🙂

 

April 2014 Newsletter

          

 

APRIL 2014 NEWSLETTER

 

Hello ClayMotioners… Hope everyone is staying cool in this summer weather J

TERM TWO is only two weeks away and there are not many vacancies left, so ENROL EARLY and don’t miss out!

 

Enrolling is easy – Book or leave a deposit online via the WEBSITE

Or call me on 0438382522 

HAVE YOU CONSIDERED A GIFT CERTIFICATE FOR 2014 CLASSES OR WORKSHOPS THEY WOULD MAKE A GREAT GIFT!!

AND CAN BE ORDERED ONLINE OR BY PHONE TO BE DELIVERED VIA SNAIL MAIL OR ELECTRONICALLY.

CHILDRENS SCHOOL HOLIDAY CLASS

CLAY THONGS

Wednesday 8th April 10-12noon $32.00 including materials and firing.

This project is a tactile project encouraging the children to ‘squelch’ their feet in the clay to make imprints for a set of clay thongs.

Children will roll out clay, imprint their feet into the soft clay, cut out the shape of their feet, and make their imprints into thongs.
The thongs will then be decorated by hand moulding flowers, animals, abstract designs – whatever the children prefer, and then will be painted using brightly coloured slips.

Parents will be contacted when the thongs are fired and ready to pick up. LIMITED NUMBERS – ENROL ONLINE HERE

PENCIL HOLDERS

Wednesday 16th April 2-4pm $32.00 including materials and firing.

Children will create the pencil holder by using the ‘pinching’ method. Techniques for modelling and joining clay will also be explored.

The pencil holder will then be decorated by hand moulding additions, such as eyes and tails, and will then be painted using brightly coloured slips.

The pencil holder is a useful object the children can use everyday while also being proud of having created it.

Parents will be contacted when the thongs are fired and ready to pick up.

LIMITED NUMBERS: ENROL ONLINE HERE

*** Please note that firing will be increasing this term. I have held fast on firing costs for about four years, but can no longer do so due to increasing gas costs.
Firing will now cost $15.00 per kilo. I appreciate your understanding

 

TERM TWO CERAMICS CLASSES

Adults Classes: ten week term
23rd April – 26th June
Wednesday 10am-12noon or Thursday 7-9pm
Beginners to advanced
Wheelthrowing and handbuilding
Set projects or self initiated
$150.00 per term (materials and glazing not included: these costs will vary dependent on what a student makes)

 Mums Classes– Time Out Sessions : ten week term
22nd April – 24th June
Tuesday 1pm-3pm
Beginners to advanced
Wheelthrowing and handbuilding
Set projects or self initiated
$150.00 per term (materials and glazing not included: these costs will vary dependent on what a student makes)

Childrens Classes: eight week term
3oth April – 18th June
Wednesday 4-5.30pm
Set projects are explored using a range of handbuilding techniques.
$90.00 per term (materials and glazing not included: these costs will vary dependent on what a student makes)

UPCOMING WORKSHOPS

 Pit Firing Workshop: DATES TO BE ANNOUNCED DEPENDING ON FIRE SEASON – PLEASE REGISTER YOUR INTEREST VIA EMAIL OR PHONE.

Cost $150.00 Discount* $120.00

*If you are currently enrolled in any ClayMotion classes you can participate in workshops at a discounted rate.

This workshop will be conducted over two days, is for all skill levels and will introduce participants to all aspects of pit firing. Participants are invited to bring a picnic lunch to share. Accommodation  is available close to the workshop site.

Participants are to bring 1-2 pots that have been burnished and bisque fired to between 780-820°. This will ensure the sheen is maintained on the pot after pit firing. Wide rimmed bowls and plates should be avoided. Images of Dawn’s pit firing procedure can be viewed here.

If participants need lessons and/or clay to make pots for the firing casual participation in a weekly class can be organized

OR

If there is enough demand a separate class can be scheduled specifically to make works for the pit firing.

**Remember WORKSHOPS can be given as a gift using ClayMotion a gift certificate**

GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE ONLINE : GREAT BIRTHDAY, EASTER OR  MOTHERS DAY GIFT

ClayMotion gift certificates can be purchased for adults and children’s classes and workshops, and are a unique gift.

Upon receipt of payment a gift certificate can be either sent to you in hard copy or emailed to you which can then be printed and presented as a gift.

 

 CREATIVE TEAMBUILDING WORKSHOPS/REFLECTION DAYS FOR BUSINESS

Recently ClayMotion held a reflection workshop for a group of Berry Street employees. Participants were asked to make a clay bowl while reelecting on how they felt twelve months ago and then a sculptural piece while reflecting how they felt now. The group then had a teram discussion over afternoon tea, followed by free time where some had a try on the pottery wheel and others had some play handbuilding. Overall the session was a great success, and everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves. You can see more about the day on the ClayMotion blog.

Do you own a business or know someone who does that would benefit from a creative

teambuilding or refelction workshop?

Creative teambuilding programs are a great way to build upon your employee’s communication skills, company morale and overall productivity.

More information about the projects available are on the website.

 

CHILDRENS BIRTHDAY PARTIES

ClayMotion offers two hour childrens parties of a weekend and from 4pm during the week. (except Wednesdays)

Children make and decorate a treasure box each, and the party child receives a bowl that each guest has contributed to decorating. After the creative activities a birthday cake is supplied.

Price includes materials (clay, glaze, etc), kiln firing, birthday cake $32.00 per child. Maximum of 12 children, minimum of 6 children.

 

MOTHERS GROUP

ClayMotion offers two hour ceramic sessions to Mothers Groups, where mums and babies can relax in a creative environment. Mums makes a bowl, plate or cup for baby, and baby decorates with his/her handprints or footprints, creating a unique keepsake to treasure into the future.

Afternoon tea or morning tea is provided.

$32.00 per mum and baby. Maximum of 12 pairs, minimum of 6 pairs.

Price includes materials (clay, glaze, etc), kiln firing, and morning or afternoon tea.

PRIVATE CLASSES/PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT CLASSES

One to one private classes are also available, and are especially beneficial to teachers, those wanting to undertake intensive tuition or those wanting to consolidate existing skills. Email or telephone to discuss payment & time options.

Remember that the ClayMotion website also has a blog where you can stay updated on ClayMotion news; all pages can be shared on social media – so you can spread the love; and the shop now contains clay and clay tools – I will be adding to this over time, so why not bookmark the page?

 you can also find ClayMotion on FACEBOOK so like our page to stay updated on classes and workshops!!

 ORDER UNIQUE GIFTS FOR FRIENDS OR YOURSELF!  did you know I also have an online shop on ETSY, where I sell unique handmade ceramic jewellery and small tableware items: perfect for unique gifts or just to spoil yourself. Again, Shipping is FREE Australia-wide! As a special ClayMotion subscriber offer you can get 20% off anything in the store by using this coupon code at the check out: CLAYMOTION