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Contemporary Cera mic Cafes

Hobby ceramics has been around in the U.S.A. for about 40 years and there are thousands of studios in every state. However, in the past 2-3 years there has been a huge growth in Contemporary Ceramic Cafes.

These outlets are hobby ceramic studios without the frills. A place where you can go to paint a piece of pottery have a coffee and sandwich or even have a glass of wine with your snack.

Ideally the new Contemporary Ceramic Cafes are situated in shopping malls or they are on major shopping streets, or on parades with lots of passing trade. If you live in a rural area then a small studio will work. The personality of the studio owner will be the driving force. Always keep a good choice of bisque for customers to paint. Good quality bisque sells itself.

No greenware to be found in the Contemporary Ceramic Cafes ready fired bisque mostly imported from Italy it is just stacked up waiting for you and your students to have fun.

You need the teaching knowledge to be able to run a Contemporary Ceramic Cafe. Knowledge is the key to your success.

If you have a large public area surrounded by shelves of ceramic pieces just waiting to be painted your students can select a jug, vase, plate or fancy box most people will use underglazes on their pieces you will just dip and fire it when they leave.

When they come back to see their masterpiece they will be intralled and just want to sit down and start again.

Contemporary Ceramic Cafes are a fun place to host hen parties and children will just love have a go while enjoying their cake and jelly.

The start up costs are slightly cheaper than a studio as you will not need to buy moulds and have a huge space for pouring.

For around 8.000 Euros you can purchase a larger than normal kiln and paints and stock that you will require to be able to operate.

The storefront is also a great place to hold one day seminars and special project days to keep your clients interested.

Baby hand prints and footprints onto plates for that special souvenir are easy to produce. Every granny and mum would love one. Every one knows someone who is getting married or celebrating.

Your Contemporary Ceramic Cafe can also retail paint and other craft products for people to try at home.

Once the clients are through the door it is up to you to keep them amazed and enthralled in the work they produce. Every satisfied customer that leaves with a stunning piece of pottery will return very quickly with 2-3 friends to re- live the experience.

By continuing to learn about your industry you will be able to teach your students more. They will continue to grow with your business and become long established clients.

alansunderland@houseofceramicsfrance.com

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