Never in a million years would I have thought to sign up for a class where we break pottery (beautiful Bruning Pottery at that) and glue it back together, but it turned out to be exactly what I needed. Thank you universe for the opportunity to take a Kintsugi class at the Beehive in Everett Mall. 

In a nutshell, Kintsugi is the Japanese art of putting broken pottery pieces back together with gold. 

It is sometimes referred to as the art of precious scars. A reconstructed piece is a symbol of fragility, strength and beauty and embracing imperfections. You see where we’re going here. There’s a lot of life lessons in Kintsugi and it is a relaxing and mindful process as long as the humidity isn’t too high for the glue to dry. 

In the fall of last year, I was looking for events to add to our events calendar and I ran across some crafting classes by The Painter, The Potter and The Puppeteer. I was intrigued by the business name and messaged owner Tara Bills and she offered to let me take one of her classes. I signed up for a paint pouring class but it ended up getting canceled so she asked if I would like to take a Kintsugi class. 

The class was expertly planned and executed. All the supplies were prepped and there was no downtime. I was so impressed by Tara, that I started writing this article to recommend her classes. Then she shared that she was going to make some changes to her business so my article got shelved on the interwebs. 

Until a few weeks ago, when I saw another of her classes scheduled at The Beehive so I caught up with her to find out what she was up to. 

What is The Painter, The Potter and The Puppeteer? 

The Painter, the Potter and the Puppeteer is a family-run business. The original idea was that it would be a way for my daughter and me to share our paintings and mixed media, my mother's ceramics (pottery) and my son's puppets. It has evolved into my upcycled painted vases, my Kintsugi-inspired art, my best friend's acrylic paintings, my mom's hand-built ceramic pieces, and my hand-made sock puppets. 

We also teach classes either as scheduled classes at the Beehive in Everett Mall, or Mobile workshops (I bring the project to you and your group, teach it, then take the mess home). They range from paint pouring basics to advanced paint pouring projects, reverse glass painting, Kintsugi art, sock puppet making, and even simple make and takes like rock painting, holiday ornament making, and painted coaster sets. 

Photos: puppet, Kintsugi and acrylic paint on glass // Courtesy The Painter, The Potter and The Puppeteer

Why did you start the business? 

I love sharing art with others, either through the art I create or by teaching others to create. It's been wonderful seeing the creativity that many have found during covid and the explosion of art and crafting appreciation. I love learning and continue to take classes in different mediums and disciplines, so there will be more art for me to create and teach. 

What’s next? 

I was recently chosen to participate in Bothell's Pop Shops on Main where I  have opened a small boutique in downtown Bothell. I'm able to share our art and the art of local artists in an accessible approachable setting from Thursday to Sunday.

And she’s back teaching classes at The Beehive! 

You can find The Painter, The Potter and The Puppeteer merchandise for sale at Crafty B’s in Everett Mall or take a trip to see Bothell’s Pop Shops on Main. 

Follow The Painter, The Potter and The Puppeteer on Eventbrite for classes or on Facebook and Instagram. 

Linda War Bonnet represents south Everett on the Live in Everett Team. When she isn’t working, she is running the Westmont-Holly Neighborhood Association. You might spot her walking her dog in the Holly neighborhood.