FAQs
How much does it cost?
Prices vary, depending on what you choose to make. We don’t charge any studio or firing fees, so the price you see includes everything but sales tax!
Pottery projects are $14 to $139 per piece, with many of our customers' favorite pieces (like mugs, plates and animals) in the $25 to $35 range. Glass Fusing projects are $17 to $54, and most Wood Signs are $37 to $57.
Can I bring in pottery I purchased somewhere else?
Due to quality issues, we cannot glaze and fire pottery that was not purchased at our studio.
I have some of my own clay. If I make some pottery will you fire it for me?
We're sorry, we are unable to fire clay projects that were not created in our studio.
How long does it take to make something?
Most people spend about 1 to 1½ hours at the studio. Plan on less time if you have young kids or are making a simple project, more time if you're with a large group or working on something with lots of detail.
What if I'm not creative?
We're here to help you! We have idea books, sponges, stamps, clip art, and more. Also check out our Resources page for inspriation.
What do you do with my project after I leave the studio?
Painted pottery is allowed to dry, dipped in a clear glaze, and fired in our kiln. Glass Fusing projects are also fired in the kiln - sometimes twice! Wheel projects are dried for at least one week before being kiln-fired.
When can I pick up my projects?
Painted Pottery is ready to pick up in about one week. Glass and Wheel/Clay projects are ready in approximately two weeks. Wood Signs can be taken home the same day. Don't forget to check our Studio Hours before coming back. We are usually closed on Mondays unless there is a school holiday.
I'm visiting from out-of-town. Do you ship?
Yes! Shipping + Handling starts at $10 per item. We may not be able to ship oversized items, such as large platters.
Is The Mud Room part of a chain or franchise?
No, we are a locally owned business and not related to any other studios. We’ve been in the Grand Rapids area since 1996!
How long has The Mud Room been around?
For 25 years... can you believe it?! We opened in October 1996.
Didn't you used to be located somewhere else?
Yes, from 1996-2006 we were located near the corner of Ada Drive and Fulton in Ada Village.
In 2006 we moved to a different building in the same shopping center, where we stayed for another 10 years.
In September of 2016, just before our 20th anniversary, we moved to our current studio at Knapp's Corner!
Is the pottery safe to use with food?
Yes! All of our products are non-toxic and safe to use with food. In fact, The Mud Room has only used lead-free glazes since it opened!
Can I put my pieces in the dishwasher or microwave?
We recommend that you do not put your hand-painted pottery in either the dishwasher or microwave.
Is the studio a good place to bring my kids?
Of course! ALL ages are welcome for pottery painting. Just remember, really young kids may not last very long, and it may be difficult to work on your own project while helping little ones. If you can’t finish your project in the same time you can take it home and finish later!
Also watch for special events, like Story Time and Camp Mud, that are just for kids! Some activities, like the Potter’s Wheel, do have a minimum age requirement of 7 years.
I don't live in near Grand Rapids. Where can I find a studio near me?
Check out www.paintyourownpottery.net to search for CCSA member studios in your area.