THE NEW owner of an established Mossley business is encouraging the town to show off its arty side – whether you be adult, child or canine.
Zoe Fallows has taken the keys at Doodlepots, on Lees Road, and has added to its repertoire.
As well as the paint a pot sessions it has become familiar for, customers can now put brush to canvas with their pooch and even with a drink.
The first adults’ night was a roaring success, with 24 people attending, and the new proprietor believes she can make those an integral part of the Mossley community.
After thinking of some advice from her late father.
When asked why she had taken charge, Zoe said: “Honestly, my dad. He was always like, ‘Just do it.’
“He passed away last October, so he’s always in my mind when I do anything. His idea with anything was, ‘If you don’t try it, you won’t get on.’
“And the feedback I’ve had from lots of people is, ‘There’s not enough around here to do in the evening for adults if you want to do anything crafty.’
“There is somewhere in Uppermill, then you’ve got to go to Manchester. Other than that, all you’ve got are restaurants, pubs and clubs.
“So, for an adult gathering in an evening, this is nice – the kids love it anyway.
“We’ve loads of sessions for adults coming up. Cake decorating, clay workshops, sewing, a floristry evening and we’re going to be doing wreath making near Christmas.
“But it is a bit too simple to say the adult side of things is the same as what we do for kids, only with prosecco.
“Those at the first session loved it. It was really funny – but when you go into the clay side of things, it gets more intricate than with the children.
“It’ll be hand crafting. Like making poppies for Remembrance Sunday and things like that. You’ll be able to make a clay wreath near Christmas too.
“And if people from outside Mossley come here, they may go on to a local pub or something, meaning more business for the area.
“There are many new designs of pots available and more to follow. I will constantly be ordering various ones so there is always something new.
“And I also hope to introduce many other things to make it into a wellness place for both adults and children.”
As Zoe’s first official day, after a soft opening, showed, Doodlepots remains popular with children – slime sessions especially.
Parties can be booked for the upstairs facility, while drop-ins are welcomed downstairs.
One other group of citizens will also get its chance to show its artistic talent – dogs – in a perfect environment.
And there can be a more serious message behind the smiles at sessions.
“It’s just really relaxing,” Zoe added. “A few people said to me, ‘I didn’t think I’d be any good at it, but I’ve done an all right job and it’s just been very therapeutic and relaxing.’
“That’s really important in this day and age because everyone’s so busy all the time. There’s an increase in mental health issues recently.
“So, this is just a really good outlet.”
Zoe will soon be launching a ‘baby casting’ service – where parents can take plaster models of their child’s hands of feet – with a booking service to be added.
The same will go for bauble making sessions closer to Christmas.
But even though she is now the owner, the thrill has not dulled as Zoe – who has another business, Prints of Tales – told The Correspondent: “I’m very excited. I love stuff like this. I am really excited about the future of Doodle Pots and my vision for it.”
IF YOU or your child want to paint a pot, you can just walk into Doodle Pots, which is at 2, Lees Road.
But bookings for parties can be made by messaging either through its Facebook page at www.facebook.com/doodlepotsmossley or its Instagram site at www.instagram.com/doodlepotsmossley.
Alternatively, you can call or text message on 07400 857055 or book for sessions through its website, www.doodlepots.net.