I have often found after observing my nieces and nephews, that as young babies they respond more to creative activities such as painting, drawing, play-doe art, working with clay and pottery. As soon as they reach infant school age, they have much more fun with being creative and producing artistic works to be put on display. Studies have shown that young children who take part in more creative subjects such as music, art or drama, are more likely to do well in mathematics and science.

Pottery parties are now a popular concept for many parents to hold for their child's birthday. Furthermore this has been a popular theme for many women seeking a more relaxed evening celebrating their hen night. Children tend to respond better when keeping their attention and focus on something creative, fun and messy! However, this type of art has been around for many years, as a form of creating small figurines and statues/statuettes.

Pottery classes are something which sees more young people taking part and some senior members joining for social interractions. This is an ancient art form stemming from the Gravettian period (modern day Czech Republic) of 29,000 to 25,000 BCE. The first ceramic figurine was found representing a nude image of a woman, called Venus of Dolni Vestonice which was significant to the beliefs of that period. Earliest known vessels made from ceramic material were not thought to have been created by the Jomon people of Japan, in 10,000 BCE.

Other vessels were also excavated in China dating back to 10,000 BCE, with others following in Africa and South America (these were thought to have been created independently). The potter's wheel was invented during the Mesopotamia between 6,000 and 4,000 BCE. This changed the way pottery was being produced and was able to meet to the needs of consumers. Pottery became widely used in many regions such as India, the Mediterranean and much of Europe.

It soon became a perfect form of art, especially amongst the rich and wealthy seeking unique artefacts. These also became a necessary part of everyday usage, such as using dinner bowls, soup bowls, flower vases and much more. Their artistic appeal, meaning and historical value made it something more than just a production of household items. Some potted vessels were elaborately designed and glazed over, depicting images and stories of that period.

For many archaeologists and historians saw ancient ceramic vessels as a way of interpreting the past and gaining insight into the world at that time. Glazing was used purely to keep the pot protected and impermeable to liquid substances. The clay used would absorb the water and damage the material of the pot. Some of the older pots were not glazed over, therefore, they were not able to retain some of the designed on the vessel. This is why many of the vessels have imprinted designs as opposed to painted designs which have lasted throughout the years.

Making one's own potted vessels became more popular during the Renaissance period in Europe and has since then continued to stay a strong choice of hobby for young people. These have proven to keep young people's attention and focus, helping them to develop better coordination and help them to use their imagination.