Some outings are easy to plan. Dinner, a movie, a trip to the park. But every once in a while you find something that feels different, something that gets everyone off their phones and working with their hands together. That’s exactly what we found at Petty Betty’s.
Meet Christy
Petty Betty’s is a paint-your-own-pottery studio run by Christy, and she’s only open on Fridays and Saturdays, so plan your visit accordingly. Christy used to work at Midnight Pottery until it closed, and you can tell she carried her love of ceramics with her. Now she’s doing it all on her own terms.
Here’s how it works: you pick out a piece of bisque pottery, paint it however you like, and Christy fires it for you in her kiln. (She talks all about that kiln in my YouTube video, so be sure to watch it if you’re curious how the magic happens!)
Our Family Afternoon
We went on a Friday afternoon with the whole family, and everyone found something to make:
Grayson painted a small blue trinket tray
Andrew made a pumpkin, just in time for fall
Kaylee chose a bunny
Me: a chimney pot
Every single piece turned out so cute. There’s something special about sitting around a table together, everyone focused on their own little creation, trading color ideas and showing off our progress. It wasn’t a typical family outing, and that’s what made it so memorable.
We used to have a place like this in Tupelo, but it’s been a while. I didn’t realize how much I missed it until we were sitting there with paintbrushes in our hands.
More Than a Pottery Studio
Christy offers more than paint-your-own sessions:
Birthday parties: a creative alternative to the usual party spots
A traveling kiln: she takes it to markets and sets up events at different locations, so keep an eye out for her around Mississippi
Why It Matters
Small makers like Christy are what make our communities feel creative and connected. I hope more people discover Petty Betty’s and what she brings to the area. If you’re looking for something to do with your family, a group of friends, or even a birthday celebration, put this one on your list.
Petty Betty’s is open Fridays and Saturdays. Go paint something wonderful. 🎨
Want to see the studio in action? Watch the full video on my YouTube channel, and stay tuned for more Makers of Mississippi!
