When you have the opportunity to design something with your own hands, it’s such a rewarding experience. Into the Fire Pottery in Arvada helps people enjoy that memorable and special feeling.
Carlo Rotola bought the shop in January of 2020. “The previous owner had established a great paint-your-own pottery studio, so all I had to do is come in and do business as usual with a few changes over time.” Carlo’s mother knew the former owner and found out she was looking to move on at the same time Carlo was looking for something new. “I was working in the restoration business focusing on helping people recover from flooding damage. I was ready for something positive and fun.”
Buying the business at that time was problematic, “The pandemic was shutting down most public areas within a few months. “We started focusing on ways to stay operational. We offered to-go kits and got a lot of great publicity for making those available,” Carlo says. “People loved to pick up the kits and paint at home.” The kits were 90-percent of the shop’s business during the height of the pandemic. Most people come into the studio for the full experience now, but the studio continues to offer the to-go kits for anyone who prefers that option.
When you come into the studio, you choose which piece or pieces you want to paint and design. You can choose from things like plates, mugs, figurines, and tea pots. The shop provides all the paints, brushes, and other supplies you need to make the piece of pottery uniquely yours. Carlo says people love the full experience of painting the pottery in the shop. “The environment is just awesome. It’s great for family time or date nights, and it's fun! We have lots of samples for inspiration.”
After you’ve painted your item, Carlo and his team--including Megan, who works full time at the shop--fire your piece in one of their kilns. Your piece is ready to be picked up in about a week, but Carlo says they can often expedite that process for a special gift or wedding. It takes about 18 hours for a piece to cook and then cool down. Into the Fire Pottery has two kilns–a bigger one which fires up to 50 pieces at once, and a smaller one which holds around 30.
Carlo says you don’t have to be an artist, and the business caters to people from 3 years old to retired individuals. “My goal is to make it fun for everyone.” The studio is located in a popular spot with a lot of foot traffic and growth. “It’s a great area for small businesses,” Carlo explains. “The city and the board of Olde Town Arvada have done so much to help the small businesses thrive. It's a wonderful location to visit.”
Into the Fire Pottery can accommodate groups and special events. The cost of a party is based on a discounted studio fee per guest as well as the price of the pieces which will be painted by the group members. Carlo recommends choosing a theme prior to the guests’ arrival at the studio. The group times are reserved based on a two-hour time slot, so there’s plenty of time to get creative. The shop will also have a dedicated staff member for the group to help host your party, answer questions, and guide you through the process. Advanced reservations are required for the group sessions. It’s a great activity for groups such as bachelorettes, Cub Scouts, sports teams, co-workers doing team-building, church groups, or kids having a birthday party.
For individuals, pricing is based on the cost of the piece of pottery you choose and then an $8 studio fee for using all the available resources to paint and design your item. The fee is $6 for children 12 and under. Pottery pieces range from $6 to $230, with the average price being roughly $20. Reservations are recommended, and the last seating in the studio is about 90 minutes before closing time, to ensure folks have time to finish their designs without being rushed.
Into the Fire Pottery is open 10-5 on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday and then 10-8 Friday and Saturday. For more information, visit intothefirepottery.com or call (303) 423-9864.
Into the Fire Pottery Studio Hours:
Sunday 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday CLOSED
Tuesday 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Saturday 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
*Reservations recommended. Call (303) 423-9864.
“The environment is just awesome. It’s great for family time or date nights, and it's fun!” --Carlo Rotola, Owner
