Creativity abounds at ceramics studio

Looking for a fun and creative way to express your artistic side? Swing by Sapphire Wizard Fired Arts in the Gardnerville Ranchos and set your imagination free.

Sapphire Wizard Fired Arts is the only paint-your-own-pottery studio in Carson Valley. The spacious studio can accommodate 40 painters. Stencils, sponges, brushes, an idea library are included in the studio fees, as is the glazing and firing of your piece. The adult fee is $7 per person; children 12 and under are $5 each. They also offer Two for Tuesdays: each Tuesday, groups of two or more receive half off their studio fees. Teachers receive 15 percent off every Friday.

They have an enormous selection of bisque pieces to choose from, ranging in price from 50 cents to $50. There are more than 80 colors available to decorate your art, all of which are non-toxic, food-safe and dishwasher safe. Pieces are glazed and fired on-site, with most items available for pickup within one week.

Saturday, May 1, the studio hosts a special Dads & Kids painting day, to create that one-of-a-kind gift for Mother's Day. The event runs from 11 a.m. - 6 p.m., and they recommend planning two hours to complete your project. Pieces painted Saturday will be available for pickup before Mother's Day, May 9.

Sapphire Wizard Fired Arts features a variety of workshops and classes that change monthly. They also host group events and offer special party packages. Though no appointment is necessary, they do ask that you phone ahead if you plan to arrive with a group of 5 or more.

Sapphire Wizard Fired Arts is located at 811 Short Court, Suite A in the Gardnerville Ranchos. Their number is 265-6972. Hours are Monday-Wednesday and Friday-Saturday 11 a.m.-8 p.m. The studio is closed on Thursdays and Sundays, though special arrangements may be made to paint on those days, if needed.

For additional information, log onto www.sapphirewizard.com.

Kudos to mail carriers

A big thank-you to my mail lady, Lorie, and all mail carriers, for doing such a wonderful job every day. They are out there through all kinds of weather (I'm thinking specifically of the crazy winds we've had this week and the cold temperatures of these past few months), making sure things get where they need to go, safely, and on time.

Lorie always has a ready smile and a wave if I drive past, or when I'm fortunate enough to meet her at the mailbox.

Thanks for all you do. I appreciate you.

Amy Roby can be reached at ranchosroundup@hotmail.com