Milford’s newest expansion, The Curious Kiln, opened in November. It offers a full line of canvas and sign painting, clay slabs for hand building, clay-based workshops, pottery wheel date nights and more. Owner Tabitha Harper shares about her shop and why the most heartwarming gifts are usually homemade.
What inspired you to bring The Curious Kiln to Cincinnati?
Ever since high school, I’ve taught art and led creative experiences for kids and adults, even while working 9-to-5 jobs. I grew up around ceramic studios with an aunt owning her own studio and my grandmother who worked at a different local pottery studio. Grandma would bring bisque pieces home for us to paint and every year for Christmas I could expect something over-the-top that she made.
The Curious Kiln looks like a blast for creative kids! What projects do you have to offer?
Kids get to pick their own “blank canvas of bisque” to create whatever inspires them! Whether it’s an ornament for their teacher, or s’mores trinket boxes with their Scout troop. Kids can paint figurines with friends, or celebrate a birthday in the private party room.
What is the process like?
When you enter our space, you can pick a spot to sit, then head to the fully stocked shelves to pick whichever piece inspires you. Our last day to glaze for guaranteed pick up before Christmas is December 10. However, If you have something you want to gift that’s ornamental (not food safe), we always have our “make and take option,” which is painting with a variety of acrylic paints, and using really interesting and durable top coats that mimic the look of glaze without the need to fire in a kiln.
What about The Curious Kiln’s sister store, McHarper Manor?
My husband, Tom, and I own the creative space next door called McHarper Manor. Here, we offer weekly art clubs for kids, drawing and painting classes for junior high and high school, summer and school break camps, “family create dates,” sewing courses, royal icing cookie decorating workshops, hand lettering events, and a variety of mediums for all ages.
1011 Business 28, Milford | mcharpermanor.com
