If you are looking for an alternative to the array of Friday night happy hours, then this outing might offer something of a difference.

Bermuda's First Contemporary Paint Your Own Pottery Studio, X-Clue-Sive Creations, is holding a theme night from 6 p.m. to 8.30 p.m. tomorrow evening.

X-Clue-Sive Creations managing director Doris Wade said she was introducing Pottery on Wheels.

“From July 10 people can purchase pottery and supplies to take home and paint at their leisure,” she said.

“This is a project that I have been working on for some time as the studio entrance has stairs and is not wheelchair accessible. Now they can have someone pick up a pottery pack for them so that can still enjoy the therapy and fun of painting pottery.”

But Pottery on Wheels is not just for the disabled or the elderly.

“It will be available to anyone who is looking for a family project or a unique craft project for themselves.”

Ms Wade also holds what she calls a T.G.I.F. Day.

“It is a free workshop taught by me and it is an evening to wind down,” she said.

“This class is open to adults - men and women - and I will be teaching a the technique of glaze layering, which uses five different speciality glazes that give a professional and unique result.

“This class is for beginners and advanced persons. The cost of $15 covers the speciality glaze and firing process, although the price of the pottery is not included.

“There is a choice of four pre-selected suitable shapes for the project. Snacks and soft drinks are included, but you can bring your own booze and dinner.

Ms Wade, a self-taught painter, got into painting pottery about 16 years ago when she got a job at the now-defunct Island Pottery in Dockyard.

“They were looking for an apprentice artist to paint pottery,” she said.

“I had no knowledge of painting pottery, but that did not stop me. I had experience painting on canvas, wood, and sometimes walls if I was given the chance.

“I applied, was hired, and trained for two weeks. I must admit it was difficult painting on a different surface using a different medium.

“After two weeks my trainer left the Island and I was responsible for painting items for the store, custom orders at times, as well as hotel orders.

‘Sometimes painting 100 lighthouses a day. This is where I found my career - a medium that I have a passion for and truly love.”

Since then they she has learned all she can about painting pottery.

“My determination to learn more about a very interesting field came from my passion of painting pottery, the Internet and attending overseas pottery camps. This is where I earned my certification in Ceramic Art and Mayco Company products, which one of the leading ceramic suppliers in the world.”

When Island Pottery closed she was employed as a breakfast chef at Fairmont Southampton Hotel for five years.

“While working as a chef I still painted pottery,” she added. “I have an art studio at home and I have a kiln, so in the afternoons I would paint pottery for Harbour Nights.”

During a business trip she was introduced to a new pottery concept and three years later she opened X-Clue-Sive Creations, which is Bermuda's first contemporary paint-your-own-pottery studio.

“Over the past two years the studio has become a popular art studio for kids and adults of all ages.

“We hold birthday parties, showers, friend and family gatherings or afternoon leisure.”

But Ms Wade was surprised when she was given two awards last year.

“Last year we were awarded a Bermuda Gold Award in Best Kids Activity,” she said, “And a bonus award in the best spent $20 category. “This award was such a surprise as it was our first year of business. These awards gave me appreciation, overwhelming happiness, and drive to continue to press on with my dreams in creating a business that all can enjoy while experiencing the pleasures of pottery painting.”

Ms Wade is about to make a few changes to the studio, she said.

“I am adding a make your own pottery section called Clay Time.

“I am not a potter but I find great joy in using the Slump and Hump mould method - a method that kids and adults are able to master.

“Pottery on Wheels, purchase your pottery, paints, brushes etc. and take home a project like no other to enjoy painting in the comfort of your home.

“We currently offer a teachers package, which is an opportunity for teachers to introduce a rewarding medium to their art class or as an after school activity, with great discounts for all students to be able to afford and enjoy.”

With it all there is always something different to try to paint or glaze. “We stock the latest shapes and new glaze colours as they are introduced to the market,” she added.

“We offer monthly workshops to anyone wishing to learn how to paint or use the Slump & Hump mould method.”

Some of the other events are the Diva Nights, which is a night is exclusively for women.

“We will also be hosting a wine tasting evening, free workshop evenings, therapy night paint and massage for adults.

“There are also a host of late afternoon themes for kids like Mom and Me Tea Party, Precious Moments Hand and Foot Prints, Story Painting and workshops as well.

“We believe in family quality time and we have the atmosphere to help create family memories.”

She stressed that it is a contemporary walk-in pottery studio, but suggested reservations for groups of eight or more.

“We have over 100 pottery shapes and colours to choose from,” says Ms Wade.

“A design centre filled with chunky stamps, stencils, sponges and other decorating tools including ideas pamphlets and tracing paper. There are always helpful and friendly staff around to encourage and offer assistance.

“Customers are not allowed to bring their own pottery, but soon they will be able to make and paint their own pottery.”

For more information on this and other events ( 296-1676.