Mudbags: Walk-In Clay
Get your hands muddy and your creativity flowing!
Looking for a fun and relaxing way to get creative? Try MudBags, our new walk-in clay program at Artist for a Day in North Olmsted, Ohio! No reservations or experience needed — just stop in, grab a Mudbag, and start sculpting. You’ll shape your own pottery piece from real clay, then return to glaze it once it’s fired in our kiln. It’s the perfect hands-on activity for adults, kids, families, and anyone near Cleveland who loves to play with clay and make something truly one-of-a-kind.
What Is a Mudbag?
Recommended for ages 5 and up!
A Mudbag is your all-in-one clay experience at Artist for a Day in North Olmsted, Ohio — perfect for anyone who wants to try clay without taking a full class.
Each Mudbag includes:
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A 1 pound ball of handbuilding clay
- A mat and water cup
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Step-by-step Walk-In Clay Guidelines
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Access to studio tools, texture mats, and idea books
Just walk in during studio hours, choose your workspace, and start your masterpiece!
How it Works
STEP ONE:
Create Your Clay Project
Grab a MudBag to handbuild a piece during your visit. Keep it between ¼” thick (about the thickness of an Oreo cookie). Be sure to score and slip any pieces you attach so they stay connected through firing.
STEP TWO:
Let it Dry
We’ll dry your piece slowly and carefully before firing it in our kiln. This usually takes about 14 days.
STEP THREE:
Come Back to Glaze
Once your piece is bisque-fired, we’ll give you a call! You can return any time during open hours to paint and glaze your creation.
*If your child created a piece, you can glaze the same day. Just ask us how!
STEP FOUR:
Pick Up and Enjoy!
Your glazed pottery will be fired again and ready for pickup within a week. Take it home and show off your handmade art!
Why You’ll Love Mudbags
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No reservations needed – totally walk-in friendly
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Perfect for beginners – simple, relaxing, and fun
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Creative self-care – unwind while you make something meaningful
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Family-friendly – great for kids ages 5+ and adults
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Unique handmade keepsakes – every piece is one-of-a-kind
Whether you’re visiting solo, with friends, or with your kids, MudBags make it easy to experience the magic of clay.
Clay Guidelines & Helpful Tips
Size matters: Projects must be at least 3”x3” and fit on a 6×6 tile.
Thickness counts: Clay should be about ¼” thick — too thick and it may crack, too thin and it may break.
Score & attach: Always score and slip pieces together to keep them from falling apart during firing.
No solid pieces: All projects must be hollow with a way for air to escape.
Work gently: Clay dries as you handle it — avoid overworking or using too much water.
Two sessions recommended: One for creating, and one for glazing after firing.
