I’m a sucker for a clever name, and an even bigger sucker for a clever business! Fire Me Up!

This new, fun business is located at 117 North Union Avenue, right across from the gazebo in beautiful Downtown Cranford. It is an exciting place for all ages, and the ideal place for birthday parties, ladies’ night out,(It’s BYOB!),  scouts gatherings, school field trips, art classes, and anyone looking or something new, fun, and different to do! They even have pottery-to-go, and can come to you for a special event! It’s the perfect place for experts and novices alike, because it is a pressure free environment that emphasizes having fun with artistic expression.

Unlike so many other ceramic studios, Fire Me Up promises no additional joining or studio fees at all, charging only for all the materials, studio time, and firing.  Items are priced individually and range from as little as $8.00 and up, with the average item costing about $25.00.  Most items take one to two hours to complete, and use non-toxic, food-safe glazes.

There are so many fun things to do here!  You can opt for the traditional pottery painting, where you can pick a piece of pottery from the wide selection of mugs, plates, frames, figurines, etc., and design, decorate, doodle, or learn about special techniques.  Then in 7 days, your piece will be glazed, fired and ready for pick up.  You can try your hand at glass fusing, which is a fun way to make your own unique jewelry, nightlights, platters, and more using bits and pieces of glass.  Or you can attempt sculpting with clay, and even take an introduction to clay class (ages 13 and over Sundays  at 10:30 am; children’s clay classes are held Saturday mornings.) Groups of 5 or more can even schedule a private workshop for a party or a fun group outing.  All classes and workshops include: clay, tools, molds, texture plates, and firing.

It may surprise you to learn that owners Tammie and Todd both have a background in the financial services industry.  After a decade, Tammie left the business after the birth of their twin daughters (who joined a three-year-old brother), to be a stay-at-home mom.  When the girls entered first grade, Tammie decided it was time to embark on a new adventure.

“As a mom, I am always in search of activities for my kids and I to share.  This is how I stumbled upon ceramics. I have always had a love of art, from photography to acrylics, but ceramics was a new medium for me. I loved it from day one but the best part is that my kids love it, too.  So, it is something that we have been able to explore, together!  Once they started school and I had some time to myself, I picked it up as a hobby and started taking classes.  I think it’s a great way to let go and decompress after a long day!  Now, I love seeing everyone, from children to adults, get in touch with their own artistic side! (And maybe find a new passion!)”

So why did this family decide to embark on their business journey here in Cranford?  Tammie explains, “We feel that our business fits in with the vision that is being laid out for downtown Cranford; a charming family friendly town with appreciation for the arts while fostering the promotion of business development.  From the first time we met with the Downtown Business & Economic Development team, we knew this was going to be the home of Fire Me Up! Studio.  We love the great restaurants and complementary businesses. We think we will fit right in!”

And this business is already giving back to the community that is welcoming it.  On Wednesday, February 19th, between the hours of 11:00 AM and 6:00 PM, Fire Me up is hosting a benefit day for the Hillside Avenue School PTA.  During that time, you can bring the kids in for some creative, artistic fun, and help out the school at the same time.

But wait . . . . it gets even better!

On that same day, once the kids have their turn, the adults can then take their turn.  From 7:00-9:00, it is adult time, and you can even BYOB!  What a fun night out that would be!  Drinking, creating, and laughing with friends . . . . and taking home a memento that you created to remember the night by.  Again, all while helping out the school.

Check out their website at  www.firemeupstudio.com and look for “Fire Me Up Studio” on Facebook to stay tuned to the latest news and events.  And since it’s too cold out to do much of anything else, this is the PERFECT time to go and get fired up yourself!