Our guest reviewer Charlotte and her Mini Mumbler recently went along to the Tots and Pots session at Jackrabbits Pottery. Find out what they thought here…
I had heard good things about Jackrabbits and never got around to taking mine for the traditional hand and foot prints sessions. So, when I heard about their special “Tots & Pots” sessions designed specifically for pre-school children I felt it was the perfect opportunity for Emily and I to finally try it out!
When we arrived, we were warmly welcomed by Sarah, Aiden and the team, and I had a good look around the place – there are lots of painting stations fully equipped with paint/brushes/water/sponges and colour chart. To the front of the store are shelves and shelves of pottery; further in is the café serving a selection of drinks and homemade treats, and to the back was a designated area for the little ones to gather for the start of the session.
As everyone started to arrive the children were asked what they favourite songs were; these were then collated together with Jackrabbits’ favourite ‘Sleeping Bunnies’ to kick-start the session with a singsong. Emily was drawn to the wide choice of pottery options at the front during this part, doing her own ‘stocktake’ whilst everyone else sang along.
We gradually made our way back to the group as the songs turned to story; this week was ‘We’re Going on a Bear Hunt’. Everyone got involved with the actions for this, swishing and swaying, splashing and sploshing, and squelching and squerching.
With the scene set, it was time to refuel before the painting commenced, and the children were given a much-needed snack. Emily wolfed down the apple, raisins and home-made flapjack, and washed it all down with a carton of orange juice, whilst I treated myself to a nice warm pot of tea.
We then found our painting station, where Emily donned a much-needed overall and with her sponge in hand, began to give our very own bear a little wash. Once the bear had been wiped down, we were ready to choose the colours. I gave Emily free-reign with this, and she chose a bright yellow from the colour plate. After covering a majority of the bear in yellow, she then opted for a change of pace, and chose a deep purple. She then finished it off with a bright turquoise. By the end, Emily certainly had more paint on the tiles, table and overalls than the bear, but she loved every minute of it, and I enjoyed watching her artistic skills come to life!
The session was then finished off with a final sing song and managing expectations; where Sarah explained they would look after the bears for a week until they were ready to collect. We took a picture for posterity, and were given a goodbye sticker.
If you’re looking for something creative and fun where you can leave the mess behind, this is the place for you! And it’s definitely the place for toddlers with songs, stories, snacks and mess! We loved our session and can’t wait to pick up our bear to see the fruits of Emily’s labour.
Tots and Pots sessions last 1.5 hours and involve singing, story, snacks and a piece of pottery from the chosen story to paint. They take place regularly and cost £10 per child. Places are limited and need to be booked in advance, paying £5 at time of booking and another £5 to pay on the day. Finished pottery is ready to collect after 7 days. And pottery is held for up to six months.
Jackrabbits is open every day at 10am (11am Sunday) until 5pm (6pm Thursday & Saturday). Children and adults alike are welcome to drop-in and choose a piece of pottery to paint, with over 120 pottery pieces to choose from. They also offer children’s party packages; precious keepsake options from pottery prints, to cast prints, to jewellery; as well as private parties and events for grown-ups.
To get in touch, contact Jackrabbits on 0113 318 9315 or email hello@jackrabbits.com or for more information visit their Website or Facebook page.
*Mumbler was not paid for this review but we did receive a free session to try out Tots and Pots. All of the comments in this review are our open and honest opinion. Details correct at time of publishing; April 2019.
