The history of pottery dates back before the Neolithic period, from 10000 BC to 2200 BC, and is considered one of humanity’s oldest inventions. Pottery is a decorative art crafted from clay that is shaped and hardened by heat. It has become a hobby for many people and a creative outlet for self-expression.
As spring approaches, the Shops at Santa Anita are welcoming a new store: Hello Pottery. This pottery shop is expected to open on the second floor sometime between late April to early May of this year. Currently, Hello Pottery has two locations: one in Irvine (2700 Alton Pkwy, Ste 223, Irvine) and another in Pasadena (301 E Colorado Blvd, Ste 108, Pasadena).
Hello Pottery is an arts and crafts DIY studio where customers at any skill level can create a variety of projects. While this studio is primarily known for pottery—hence the name—they offer many hands-on activities, such as resin bears, cream glue, mosaic art, and more.
“The last time I went to a pottery studio, I painted a mushroom purple and white and even made a clay frog on top,” said freshman Kalea Bucan. “While [painting] the mushroom I felt so relaxed and calmed, like all my troubles disappeared. I loved doing pottery, and I recommend it to other people.”
A pottery class at Hello Pottery could cost anywhere from $98 to $108, depending on whether you’re using a wheel or just hand-building. The pottery classes require a reservation, while all other projects only recommend having one. Painting pottery ranges from $5 to $88, depending on the item’s price tag on the shelf.
“I took a pottery class once with a friend,” said sophomore Dakota Deng. “It was really fun and I was able to make mugs and bowls that I was able to use when I got home.”
Cream glue projects, prices vary based on what you’re creating. For example, decorating a phone stand is one of the $58 projects, which includes one large toy, 15 charm pieces, and two tubes of cream glue. The phone case decoration project costs $38 and includes 15 charm pieces and two tubes of cream glue. Gluing a card box is a $28 project that comes with 10 charm pieces and one tube of cream glue.
If these projects don’t interest you, Hello Pottery offers DIY fluid bears that can be resined in various colors. Depending on whether you choose a fluid bear keychain or a special figure, prices range from $28 to $108.
If none of these pique your interest, Hello Pottery features many mosaic art projects, including decorating a cloud plate, candle holder, brush pot, picture frame, coaster, or even a Turkish lamp. Similar to the cream glue projects, prices will differ based on the project type you select.
Hello Pottery also provides “ReadySetKits” for customers who might live a bit far from any location but still want to create an artistic masterpiece. These kits include the necessary tools and accessories and are shipped directly to your given home address.
“I’m really excited about another location of Hello Pottery opening up,” said freshman Emily Kiang. “I’ve been to the location [in Pasadena] and enjoyed decorating a phone case with cream glues and cute charms to personalize it. With [this] new location opening up nearby, I’m definitely going to be [visiting] often.”
Hello Pottery has an abundance of projects available for customers and is sure to be a place where people create many unforgettable DIY memories. It’s an excellent place to go if you’re looking for a place that combines community and creativity.
