What are your hours of operation?:
As of 10/10/26, we are open Sunday 9a-1p, Wed/Thurs/Fri 10a-6p and Saturday 9a-5p. Please refer to Google and our social media for additional closures due to holidays, illness or weather.
Do you take reservations?
We operate as a walk-in basis during normal business hours with the last seating being a strict one hour before close (picking out your piece amongst the 700+ and 100+ glazes is time consuming). All of our after hours events require advance registration on the event link on our website (www.clayitforwardmi.com/book)
Where is Clay It Forward located?
Find us at 210 S. Evans St., Tecumseh, MI 49286 on the corner of S. Evans x Kilbuck St. next to the Scout’s Cabin. Our building is black and white with a big rainbow arch at the entrance, fenced in outdoor seating and black/white striped umbrellas!
How can I contact you?
Feel free to call or text us us at 517-500-3170, e-mail us at clayitforwardmi@gmail.com, or contact us on Facebook/Instagram!
What does your shop name mean?
Clay It Forward is a play on word for pay it forward. Every month, the shop donates a portion of their sales to local registered non-profits that benefit local domestic, wild and farm animals. Animals are a big part of my (Katie) life, and it’s important for me to give back to these rescues, rehabs and shelters for helping out those who are unable to help themselves.
What happens if I accidentally break a pottery piece while painting?
If you accidentally break a piece you’re painting, we understand that accidents happen. We offer a 75% discount on a replacement piece so you can continue your project.
What if the breakage is due to careless behavior?
In cases where breakage results from carelessness, such as knocking items off a shelf or table, or from horseplay, we must charge a breakage fee of 50% of the item’s cost. This helps us maintain a respectful and safe environment for everyone.
Can I host a birthday party at the studio?
To ensure a special celebration, all birthday parties must be booked as an in-studio party or a private event space party. Pop-up parties of any capacity cannot be accommodated.
Any tips on how to prepare before painting?
Absolutely! We recommend washing your hands before you start painting, especially if you've recently applied lotion or eaten, to ensure your pottery turns out beautifully and without any resisting.
What age groups do you cater to at Clay It Forward?
We welcome artists of all ages! Even the youngest guests, like babies, can participate by finger painting or making hand or footprints on pottery. It’s a beautiful way to capture how small they are today on a special piece of pottery that will last a lifetime. All skill levels are welcome, so whether you’re a seasoned artist or trying pottery for the first time, we have something for you.
Is your studio inclusive?
Absolutely! Clay It Forward is dedicated to being an inclusive and safe space for all artists of all backgrounds. We welcome guests of all ages, genders, races, and skill levels. Our studio is a place for everyone to explore their creativity in a supportive and friendly environment.
What about adult beverages?
During our after-hours events, you’re welcome to bring your own adult beverages to enjoy. Please note that these are not permitted during normal walk-in studio hours or at family events where children are present.
Are food and drinks allowed in the studio?
To keep our studio clean and pieces food-free, outside food is not permitted during normal business hours. Outside non-alcoholic drinks are welcome, but please enjoy them carefully, especially around the artwork.
What behavior is expected in the studio?
For the safety of our artwork and the enjoyment of all our guests, we ask that there be no horseplay, running, jumping, or dancing in the studio. Additionally, we do ask that guests to remain seated and not cause distractions for others in areas where pottery is displayed. We have a zero tolerance for rude/disrespectful customers and have the right to ask you to leave.
How long does it take?
The process of actual painting takes as long as YOU want it to! With that being said, most of our customers take about 1 to 2 hours to complete a project. Some take much longer depending on the amount of detail you want to put into your project. Alternately, our little artists take less time as their attention span is not built for sitting for hours to work on a project. Please keep in mind that on Saturday’s and Sunday’s, there is a 2-hour seating limit, however pottery is available to go or you can come back within 15-days to finish your piece.
When will my stuff be done?
Typically in one week your pieces will be ready to be picked-up.
Do you call when stuff is done?
When you check in, our blackboard at the front desk will let you know right away when your piece will be ready AND how long we will hold it (30 days from the ready by date). Additionally, we will provide you a pick-up slip that is stapled to your yellow slip at time of payment which will reflect your order number, your ready by date and your held through date.
What happens if I don’t pick up my pottery by the held through date?
We get it, life happens. Please contact the shop prior to your held by date if you need to extend your pickup date a few more days or a week. Otherwise, once the held through date has passed, that pottery becomes property of Clay It Forward and has the right to dispose of, donate, sell, or use as an example on our shelves. We are a small shop with very limited storage space and do not have the ability to hold pieces beyond 30 days. Anyone, however, is able to pick up your pottery for you if it’s better for your/their schedule, as long as they know the name on the slip and what was painted.
What does it cost?
Our pieces vary in price and we have A LOT to choose from! Our prices are all inclusive and cover the cost of the piece, paint, supplies, studio time, glazing, firing. Our most popular pieces range in price from $25 to $45, but pieces range from $10-150.
Are there any discounts or loyalty programs?
We try to keep our pricing very competitive and offering a wide range of pieces for every budget. We do not offer discounts or a loyalty program as it is more important for us to across the board keep our costs lower for you, whether you can visit once a year, or ten times. We of course greatly appreciate any and all support of our small business!!
Where can I find your event schedule?
Check out our full schedule at www.clayitforwardmi.com You can find information on our private parties, birthday packages, and special art classes there as well.
Can I just come in during an event?
All of our events are by advanced registration only due to limited seating and we are unable to accommodate walk-ins or pottery pickups during these events.
If you have any additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact the shop! Policies are subject to change as we see fit - thank you for respecting them! -Katie and staff