Friends Cheryl Johnson, military spouse, and Heather Cole-Smith, veteran, met in 2003 at a Ceramic Certification Class. They bonded over their love of creating art out of ceramic slip, the liquid mixture of clay in water. As their friendship developed they began to dream of one day owning a ceramic studio business.  Their dream became a reality in August 2015 when they opened Twisted Slip Ceramics & More.

They offer an open art studio which stocks everything you need to make your own personalized piece of ceramic art.  Purchase a project and it includes: studio time, the paints, glazes and firing costs.  If you bring your own project it is a $10 studio fee plus the firing fees. The studio is a friendly environment and a great place to meet new people and develop new skills and the best part ... they take care of the mess.   

Why ceramics? According to Cole-Smith, "The variety is endless, the self-expression of art, and no two pieces ever come out identical. Combined we have over 5,000 casting molds; we make our own slip and create approximately 85 percent of all items in our studio. By casting our own products we are able to customize a piece expressing our creativity or customize to a customer's request."  Although it is more work, Johnson and Cole-Smith create their own products so they are able to keep pricing low and competitive.

In addition to the studio they also offer classes to learn the intricacies of glazes and acrylics. The classes are designed for both beginner and experts. Johnson, who is a certified instructor said, "Several of the manufacturers of the products that are used offer courses to become certified in their product. It helps you gain a better knowledge of how their product is best used, or why one works better than another for a specific application. Having gone thru these courses to become certified in these products, we, as instructors are able to help you experience and express your creativity. We are constantly learning and furthering our knowledge by taking training classes in design work, product application and usage of various brushstrokes and styles."  

The studio is a good venue for parties. The two offer children's birthday parties, ladies night out and many other options. The two can also come up with a personalized event such as a military spouse coffee. Cole-Smith and Johnson encourage people to drop by. "We always have coffee on and hot water for tea."

The two know the hard work and effort it takes to run a business especially when you are just starting out.  They both encourage local artists and carry their work on consignment at the studio. Their location makes it a convenient stop to pick up a quick gift.

Twisted Slip Ceramics & More, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Tuesday-Thursday; 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday-Saturday, 11001 Bridgeport Way SW, Lakewood, 253.722.6501, TwistedSlipCeramics.com