The Pottery Factory, at 265 Federal Road, Brookfield, is 2,300 square feet of fun for all ages. Owned and operated by Bettie Ann and Dan Feeley of Brookfield, the store opened this past August and has been drawing a steady crowd since.

“It sells itself,” said Ms Feeley.

Starting their own business was something the couple wanted to do as they looked to the future, Ms Feeley said. Inspired by a family visit to Busch Gardens in Florida the summer of 2013, when they enjoyed a paint-your-own pottery event there, the Feeleys decided this might be the business they were seeking.

The paint-your-own art spot is far more than a ceramics studio, though. After several months of researching online and visiting other art sites, the Feeleys decided on a space that would offer not only ready-to-paint ceramics, but candlemaking, glass fusing, and painting, besides.

“We were looking to do something fun for the community,” Ms Feeley said, and realizing that there was a gap in the area for walk-in art activities encouraged them to pursue the idea of a fun family art site for their hometown.

Customers can select from hundreds of prefabricated novelty and functional ceramic pieces, and then choose paint colors from the extensive Paint Bar. Up to 45 guests can be seated in the main work area, at one of several tables, to customize the pottery.

The Pottery Factory then dips each piece to make it food safe, and fires it in one of two kilns on site, for later pick up. Popular with parents is the “handprint” platter, and seasonal designs appeal to all crafters. New ceramic designs are rotated in on a regular basis, as well.

Skilled staff is happy to instruct customers on how to cut a selection of colored glass pieces into various shapes, and adhere the glass in a pleasing pattern to a base of clear, white, or black glass. The finished piece is then fused in the kiln, “and then we slump it,” said Ms Feeley, meaning that the hot glass is melted onto a bowl or platter shape, where it cools.

The Candle Works section of the store is a colorful array of wax chunks and scents. Arranged in either a metal or glass container, hot wax is added and allowed to harden. Young children, especially, like this quick and easy project, Ms Feeley said.

The Pottery Factory offers three options for children’s birthday parties in the adjacent party room: Paint Your Own Pottery, Canvas Painting, or Candle Creations, for up to 24 children at a time.

Adults are allowed to have fun, too, at The Pottery Factory. Bring your own beer or wine to Cork and Canvas evenings, and paint a picture. “We like to say, ‘Come as yourself, leave as an artist,’” said Ms Feeley of the popular Saturday night out. Most sessions run from 6:30 to 9:30 pm.

The party room or the entire studio can be rented for large group events, from wedding or baby showers to fundraisers.

The Pottery Barn continues to offer new programs to appeal to families, said Ms Feeley, expanding on the idea of creating a space for all kinds of fun. Mommy and Me Storytime is one such program, offered some week days and on weekends. Participants listen to a story and then paint a related ceramic item to take home.

The first three months have been a positive experience, Ms Feeley said. “We’ve been really happy with the volume of people coming through the door.”

For complete information or to book a party, call 203-85-0100 or visit thepotteryfactory.com, or their Facebook page.

The Pottery Factory, located in the same plaza as Fox Hill Inn, is open Tuesday through Thursday, 10 am to 6 pm; Friday and Saturday, 10 am to 9:30 pm; and Sunday, 11 am to 6 pm. It is closed most Mondays. Special Monday holiday hours may be found at the website or by calling.