Naked pieces of pottery line one wall of Kiln Creations. And at the tables in the middle of the studio, heads are bent over bowls, vases, mugs and candleholders as paintbrushes move carefully.

Periodically, a hand reaches out to grab a nacho chip from the middle of one table.

Not exactly the hootin' and hollerin' event "ladies' night" might conjure. And it's a good thing, because that's too much breakable stuff for even low-grade mayhem.

Mary Seuss, a regular at Kiln Creations ladies' nights, said she comes because it's relaxing and enables her to "feel artistic" while getting together with friends she doesn't otherwise see.

Ladies' night at the studio happens every week, and once a month it gets spiced up with a wine tasting, chair massages or chocolate. (The "Death by Chocolate" ladies' night takes place Oct. 25.) The studio fills quickly for these events, so reservations are critical.

Kiln Creations' owner Shannon Loomis keeps a steady supply of new pieces to be painted. After customers paint their wares, she fires them, and they're ready to be picked up a week later.

There's no intimidation factor, and no artistic ability is necessary.

"This is for nonartistic people," Loomis said. "It's easy to get overwhelmed, but we walk you through, and we have a ton of stencils, stamps, and idea books."

"It was a nice way to indulge my 'girly girl' side unapologetically," said Alison Loughran, who recently participated in her first Kiln Creations ladies' night. "It was fun to be with my nieces and a girlfriend, doing something creative. We brought wine and brownies to make the indulgence complete. Girls, chocolate, wine, painting, giggling -- a great way to spend a few hours."

--Traci Cumbay / Star Correspondent