Crafty Monkey’s FAQs!

Either by phone or in person, we’re used to being asked a range of questions by customers or passers by. Some aren’t sure that they’ve got what it takes to come in and create and others don’t know what we do in here at all!

Below are a range of questions and answers to help you figure out what it’s all about!

I’ve got no artistic talent, can I come and paint?

Yes of course! We will guide you through and be on hand to assist you. You don’t need artistic talent as we have plenty of pieces (such as ornaments) that simply need the colour adding to them and it’s really easy!

My child is only a year old, is she too young to paint?

As long as your child can sit up and hold a brush- she can paint! It doesn’t matter what the end result is- it’s their very own artwork and you can cherish it forever! If your child is a small baby, come in and make something with their hand and footprints on! We also do other keepsakes to capture your child’s prints, such as Silverprint jewellery and imprints and outprints. 

What other activities are available at Crafty Monkey?

There’s plenty of fun to be had here! You can build your own bear, have fun with Foam Clay or create with decoupage.  We also run workshops from time to time (keep an eye on our facebook page for details). Adults evenings are on Thursday, by appointment.

Do you have a price list?

We don’t. This is because we have hundreds of different pieces of pottery and they are all priced individually. We often have new ranges of stock too. Everything has its own price and our studio fee is just £4, so it’s easy to come and browse and work out how much you’ll be spending. As a guide price, our average sized mugs start from £11.

Do I need to book an appointment to come in?

We always prefer it if you book. From October to December, booking is essential as it’s incredibly busy. The same goes for Mother’s Day and Father’s Day and school holidays. If you’re coming as a group, always ring and check that we have space for you.

How long will it take for my pottery to be ready for collection?

Your pottery will be ready a week after the day you finish it. If you’re in a rush to get it back, we may be able to get it ready within three days for an extra fee of £3.

Can I do something to take away the same day?

Yes, you can do foam clay, build a bear or decoupage and take your creations home the same day! It’s also possible to paint ornaments in acrylic paint (not recommended for young children).

I need a special gift for somebody- can I get a commission piece made?

Yes, give us a call or come and see us and show us your ideas so that we can give you a quote. Alternatively, you can order a gift from our website where you’ll find a range of designs to choose from.

Is my baby too young to have handprints done?

No. We know that some studios have age restrictions, but we don’t! Our youngest customer was three days old…if you can beat that, we’d be happy to accommodate!

My baby won’t open his hand, does that mean I can’t have a print?

No, we have ways and means!

Do you sell refreshments? 

Yes we have hot and cold drinks and a range of small snacks.

Do you have baby changing facilities?

Yes, our bathroom is equipped with a changing station and mat.

Can I have a party at Crafty Monkey?

Yes, we’re party experts! We have a range of party packages for all eventualities- from kiddie’s birthdays to team building outings. Contact us or check our website for more info.

I am astonished that you managed to get my baby’s handprint. Are you magic?

Yes.

Do you sell knitting needles/gold plated buttons/fishing equipment/wallpaper?

No.

Do other babies make this much noise?

Yes. We are immune to it, don’t worry!

 

Olympic Fever

Are you getting into the Olympic spirit? We are!

Cambridge, Huntingdon and St Ives have been announced as three of the places through where the Olympic Flame will be carried as part of the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay Route and will arrive in Cambridge on 7^th July, there’ll be celebrations as part of The Big Weekend on Parkers Piece in the evening before Early the Flame will make its appearance in Trinity College’s Great Court (featured in the Chariots of Fire film) and recreated by Sebastian Coe and Steve Cram in 1988).

Before leaving the torch’s visit to Cambridge would not be complete without a ride on a punt! The Flame will then depart for St Ives and then Huntingdon. At Huntingdon it will be visiting the Olympic Gym – now named Huntingdon Gymnastic Club, which is home to many Olympic hopefuls.  The next stop is Bedford and the flame will be passing by St. Neots so will be within a mile or two of Crafty Monkey!

Check out the Olympic website and local news  for more information.

Are you getting into the Olympic spirit? This week Newton Primary School in Eltisley have been doing just that with all the children painting tiles that once glazed and fired will be put together to make a big tile mural to be displayed in the school as a permanent feature for years to come.

The younger children have painted a flag of a country that will be partaking in the games and the older children have painted an Olympic sport with some children painting the infamous Olympic rings which will make up the centre piece.

The kiln has been working overtime this week to process the tiles and I must say the results are rather impressive and every child that has taken part should be extremely proud of their efforts and what’s great is that perhaps in the future if their children go to Newton school they will be able to marvel on a piece of art their parents created!  Congratulations Newton Primary school on a great project that has really engaged and excited the children.

If you feel inspired by Olympic fever that is sure to build and build over the coming weeks then you could always come to Crafty Monkey and paint your own commemorative pottery piece.  I am planning on painting the above on a plate for the window display so am looking forward to that.

Another way to get your children in the spirit is by letting them make their very own Olympic mascot with our Build a Bear workshops where your child can pick an animal, we have a large range of different animals from Apes to Zebra’s and we will guide them through the making and adoption process – it really is a lot of fun, and includes designing the animal a personalised t-shirt with our fabric pens, we have all the colours of the Olympic rings so maybe that could be the design?

Or if your child has a build a bear already they could always come shopping at Crafty Monkey for a suitable Olympic outfit that most represents the sporting category they are supporting. We have a varied range from Basketball to Karate so your furry friend needn’t miss out on looking the part!

If you really can’t stand the Olympics and you are over it before it has even begun, why not escape for a while. Let the other half hog the TV and come down to the Studio and relax and escape. Our adults only Thursday nights are perfect for that. Why not host an Olympic Widows night? Bring your girly friends and grab a bottle of wine and pop along.

And if you are going to watch the torch relay or are lucky enough to see the Olympics, then please take Charlie, our travelling monkey, with you. I am sure he would enjoy, no wait, I know he would enjoy that very much and we would love to see the pictures of him having fun. Charlie has his own Facebook page where people post pictures of what he’s been up to – Like his page to be kept up to date on his shenanigans! You could even be a Crafty Monkey guest blogger telling us all about the Olympic adventures you and Charlie got up too.

Are you doing anything to celebrate the Olympics?  Or are you even one of the lucky one’s to get tickets?