Espression Interactive Arts Cafe brings your own mug to life
by Timea Koppandi
When caught in the middle of university stress and other activities, relaxation becomes easily forgettable - often it simply won’t fit into the schedule. However, I have recently discovered the Espression Interactive Arts Cafe in Canterbury and trying out their kit collection was amazing!
The kit contains about 9 primary ceramic paints, letting you choose particular colours that you like. I picked a peachy pink alongside the rest of the colours that I received (white, black, red, blue, yellow, light green, dark green and orange). You can mix and match as much as you like – I had some fun doing it myself! Other paints aren’t supported since the painted material needs to be fired in a kiln to add a shine to it. There is a wide variety of choice in terms of what you can paint: from mugs, plates and bowls, to ornamental characters. The kit also comes with a mixing palette, brushes, sponges, as well as an instruction sheet. You begin by choosing an object that you would like to paint, pick the kit up from the shop, take it home and paint it whenever you would like to. After you finish, you take the kit back and have your object fired into the kiln.
The kits retail from £12 up to £25, depending on the object that you have picked. The glazing process takes around 7 to 10 days and delivery is also available for an extra cost, which is an added bonus given the current Covid-19 situation.
I really enjoyed my experience of painting my mug. The tools provided were exactly what I needed and all I did was sit down and have fun with my design and colours. It proved to be a very exciting and relaxing activity. The convenience that the Espression Cafe provides, made this personal project easier and even more appealing! Painting your own mug gives a lovely personalised touch to it, as well as providing great practicality. It won’t be like one of those small trinkets that will only gather dust, but rather enjoying a cup of tea every morning in your own cup.
What I really loved about it was the way it took things off my mind and allowed me to get lost in painting the cup. I think this is a great addition to your personal cookware and a lovely new activity to try! Especially with a lot of relaxing activities, such as the theatre, still being closed, Espression Cafe kits are perfect for a creative evening!
Images courtesy of Tímea Koppándi.
