The new throwing wheels at Busy Bees Pottery & Arts Studio allow artists and amateurs to create treasured pottery pieces from beginning to end

By Patricia Nugent

Since 2015, Busy Bees Pottery & Arts Studio in Great Lakes Mall has been the go-to destination to let your inner artist flag fly, whether through classes, camps, group events or just creating artwork all by yourself.

Now the studio is pushing the envelope further by introducing Wheel Throwing Pottery. (Think Demi Moore and Patrick Swayze from the movie Ghost.)

“The throwing wheel allows artists to create their pottery pieces from beginning to end, molding them from clay,” says Owner Beth Brinton. “Whether through private sessions, three-week classes or group classes, aspiring potters can get their hands dirty and learn this fun technique with our skilled instructors. At the end of the session, participants will have a finished piece ready for kiln firing and glazing. And with the high-end stoneware clay, we can tap into gorgeous glazes for finishing.”

This is the first week the studio has introduced the wheels, and Beth reports people have already created fabulous bowls, plates, spoon rests, mugs, jewelry holders and candlesticks. Both children and adults can partake in this hands-on medium; they only ask that those under 14 are accompanied by a guardian. All classes and sessions include the price of two kiln firings and glazing of the thrown pieces.

“Since we have two wheels, this would make the ultimate ‘something different’ for date nights,” she says.

Make Your Mother’s Day
Any mom will tell you their favorite gifts come from the heart. What could be more thoughtful than making something for her? Or even better, sign up for a class and spend some quality time making memories. (The studio will be open on Sunday, May 14, for Mother’s Day.)

“Some of our most popular Mother’s Day gifts include handprints of the children, or objects where you paint their favorite flower, and of course, imprinting ‘World’s Best Mom,’ lets her know it’s official,” she says.

If you’re making something special in advance, the cutoff to have it ready to fire is Monday, May 1.

“Father’s Day is around the corner, too,” Beth adds. “We see people making things like mugs and steins for their dads.”

A Real Maker’s Mart
In addition to pottery—both thrown and painting existing pieces—Busy Bees offers many different mediums to explore, including wall board painting, canvas painting, wine glass painting, candle making and glass fusing to name a few.

“Creating the chance for one-of-a-kind pieces runs through all that we do,” she says. “For instance, with the popular wall plaques, you can order whatever words or phrases you want. And for candles, you can select different scents and colors, whether positioned within a wine glass or mason jar, or made from a form, such as a heart shape that stands alone as a ‘naked’ candle.”

The studio also hosts group parties, including girls nights out, baby or bridal showers, youth groups, scouts and team-building events.

Busy Bees Pottery & Art Studio is located in the heart of Great Lakes Mall, near the Fuji Japanese Steakhouse entrance, at 7850 Mentor Avenue, in Mentor. Book parties, classes and camps in advance. For regular art projects, walk-ins are welcome. The studio is open seven days a week. For more information, call 440-571-5201 or visit Mentor.BusyBeesArt.com.