New Paint-A-Pot Shop In Uppermill

Children having a go at painting in Jazzy Pipkins yesterday.

The latest new business on Uppermill High Street has started trading. The Jazzy Pipkins paint-a-pot shop opened its doors on Saturday, just in time for half term.

It’s owned by Diane Blundell, who is originally from Grasscroft but now lives in Diggle. She’s taken on the premises between the Granby Arms and Waggon and Horses pubs, previously occupied by the candle and gift shop which shut after Christmas.

In an interview with Saddleworth News yesterday, Diane explained how the shop works.

She said: “People come in and choose an item to paint, we’ve got mugs, dishes, ornaments, tiles, all sorts of things. Then they sit here and paint it. I leave it to dry, then glaze it and fire it in the kiln. It’s then ready for collection three or four days later.”

Diane added that it’s not just for children, as parents often find they can’t resist having a go too: “There’s something for everybody. It’s going to attract a lot of children, but adults enjoy it too. It’s for all ages.”

She had been working as an area sales manager for an engineering firm before starting the business. She said she “spent the last couple of years looking for a lifestyle change,” adding that she wanted a career she could more easily fit around her own family.

Diane explained that she and her husband had been inspired to start a paint-a-pot business after visiting one themselves: “A couple of years ago we had a go while on holiday in Scotland. We thought this was the sort of thing which would go down well in Saddleworth.”

The strength of Uppermill High Street is perhaps confirmed by the length of time it took Diane to find the premises to actually begin trading, because so many small firms have been looking for space: “It’s been 18 months in the making, and we’ve been actively looking for a property for 12 months. We kept missing out but I was just fortunate to be able to get this place.”

Even though the shop only opened at the weekend, Diane said she’d already taken two bookings for children’s parties, and is keen to expand that side of the business. She’s also interested in attracting school outings.

Jazzy Pipkins is open seven days. From Monday to Saturday it’s open between 10am and 5pm, with opening hours on Sundays of 11am to 4pm.

Author: Jude Gidney - Editor

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