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Painting pottery is a favorite for kids' craft classes. There are shops that specialize in just this, selling either plaster pieces (excellent for practice or for small children) and ceramic pieces that need to be fired. They sell already molded pieces, from pots to cups, boxes to decorations. You can paint it there or take it home.

To have your own little pottery painting session, purchase several plain pots or bowls (to be used for decoration), either from a craft store (where they come in all sizes including micro-mini) or a regular gardening store. Make sure they are clean and dry.

Purchase paints in a variety of colors. Acrylic and 'craft' paints will work just fine. For kids who want to put a little more effort into their project, you may want to buy a bottle or tube of Gel Medium for acrylic paint. It makes an excellent base (one thin coat over entire pot before painting, let dry) and sealer for acrylic paint, plus allows them to mix color into it and have a transparent look to it. It drys clear, though it looks milky. Older kids will love the effect. Plus, there are acrylic glitter paints that can be used to write or make line decorations. These are usually in the fabric paint department and come in small plastic bottles.

You need brushes. Acrylic brushes are the most durable, wash well and give the most control. I suggest several sizes, from small (tapered, use for lines) to 1/2 inch. If you can't wash brushes immediately, always provide a large can of water to drop them in so the paint doesn't harden.

I always prefer to give kids various supplies and see what they come up with. A pastel pencil (at most arts and craft stores) is excellent for marking out a design on the pot. Use a white or light color that shows on your pottery. A white crayon used lightly will work also. Some extras kids might like are 'fine' glitter, 'gem' stones, and dry split peas. The split peas can be glued on before painting (with a craft glue or hot glue gun), and then painted to make either a design or in the same color for a raised effect. Gem stones should be glued to finished pottery, and glitter can be mixed in paint or 'blown' on.

Always let a project dry thouroughly before spraying with acrylic sealer or varnish. There are various products at arts and craft stores, but these are cheaper at Home Depot and work just as well. If you use 2 coats, be sure to spray lightly and allow to dry between coats. Always follow ventilation rules when spraying.

You can make a child's pottery session as simple and cheap or fancy as you want. It's excellent for a child's birthday party or a rainy Saturday afternoon.

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