While chickens typically do more scratching than painting, the humble poultry inspired the creation of a paint-your-own pottery studio in Macomb. The Crafty Coop invites artists of all ages to hatch their own creativity.
A member of McDonough Power Cooperative, Laci Todd opened The Crafty Coop in October 2018 after entering a city-sponsored small business competition. Although she didn’t take home the grand prize, the experience sparked something bigger.
“I wasn’t really serious about opening, and then literally, everything just kind of fell into place. People were so excited about it,” Todd says. That excitement hasn’t faded. Years later, The Crafty Coop has become more than just a storefront. “This is my passion project,” she adds.
Inside the cozy studio, visitors can pick from a wide selection of pottery pieces and make them their own with brushes, color and a bit of imagination.
The studio has carved out a loyal following from the community, with customers returning again and again — often with kids or grandkids in tow — to make memories one brushstroke at a time. “It’s been nothing but a blessing. The people in Macomb are so supportive,” Todd says. “I do my best to give back as much as I can.”
She has partnered with several local businesses to bring art into unexpected places: wine glass painting nights at nearby wineries, mug painting events with a local coffee shop, even a mosaic that now brightens up a picnic table at a public park.
Crediting her grandmother for her love of art, Todd says, “I was always a crafty kid, but I would say the passion for this particular medium came from her.” Although her grandma passed away before she could visit the studio, her presence lives on in the space. “I named my kiln after her,” Todd adds. “I have several things in here that she made and then passed down to me.”
Despite the chicken-themed name, pottery options aren’t limited to the barnyard. “The choices are endless,” she laughs. From mugs and plates to figurines and seasonal decor, there’s something for everyone.
Painters choose their piece, settle in at a table and get to work. No supplies are needed — everything is provided, along with encouragement from Todd, who assists along the way. Once painted, the pieces are fired in the kiln and ready for pickup within two weeks.
Todd says there is a lot more to the process than painting. It’s all about the experience. On special occasions, unique guests visit the studio, including cats, ducks and chickens. One fan-favorite event, “Painting with Baby Cows,” invites guests to paint pottery while cuddling with Highland calves.
Reservations are recommended, but walk-in artists are welcome, too. At The Crafty Coop, it’s all about creating something together. As Todd puts it, “Birds of a feather create together.”
The Crafty Coop
206 N. Lafayette St., Macomb
309-331-0965
thecraftycoopmacomb.com
