Crafting with Hottemp Opens New Studio

Clovis-based crafting studio Crafting with Hottemp celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon-cutting event Aug. 4, 2017. (Photo courtesy of Andrew Haussler/City of Clovis)

By Carole Grosch

Clovis got an artistic boost when Crafting with Hottemp opened its doors this summer. On Friday, Aug. 4, the studio had its official ribbon-cutting ceremony. Excited students, parents and instructors were on hand, along with City of Clovis Community and Economic Development Director, Andrew Haussler.

The studio was stocked with an abundance of craft materials. A table was set up for the day’s events, with students creatively at work sharing ideas and laughter. Craft samples and paintings decorated the room.

“Arts and crafts have always been a passion for me,” said owner Alice Urrutia. “When my daughters were young I held slumber parties for them. I planned crafts for them to do throughout the day and night. It was not uncommon to have 15 to 20 children at our parties. Now that my daughters are grown I really miss sharing my knowledge for arts and crafts with others.”

Urrutia decided to use her artistic craft skills and business management knowledge to bring children and adults together to enjoy socializing while enhancing their creativity. The cozy studio welcomes students from age 5 on up and has proven to be a fun place for both instructors and guests.

“I interviewed artists and crafters and brought together a fine group of instructors that share the same passion that I do,” said Urrutia.

The pool of instructors teach a wide variety of interests, such as terrarium making, canvas art, watercolor classes, crochet classes and drawing and creative writing. Some of the most requested classes are Canvas Painting, Watercolor Painting and Terrarium Planting.

Birthday party packages are popular and fun for children and adults alike. The studio rental fee is $60 for two hours, plus the cost of the craft. Materials are included. There is a minimum of 10 paid students per class.

The name Hottemp hails from Hottemp Ceramics, an earlier business of Urrutia’s, where ceramics were fired at hot temperatures.

“I basically am Hottemp,” says Urrutia. “Everyone young and old can come craft with me hence, ‘Crafting with Hottemp.’”

Upcoming classes:
Red Rose Canvas: Aug. 10, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Dream Catcher: Aug. 12, 11 a.m.
Hand Lettering: Aug. 18, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.

“We want to listen to what the public wants and be able to provide a variety of classes,” added Urrutia.

Crafting with Hottemp is located at 777 Minnewawa, Suite 26, on the corner of Minnewawa and Eighth avenues. Ample parking is provided.

For more information and class updates, visit craftingwithhottem.wixsite.com/studio, call 559-417-4322 or email craftingwithhottemp@gmail.com