Marshall Elementary students paint coffee mugs to be used as Mother’s Day presents

MARYSVILLE — Students at Marshall Elementary got an opportunity to give their moms some handmade gifts in time for Mother’s Day.

Tami Odell, of Just Paint It Ceramic Studio in Marysville, visited the class of 10 learning-challenged students to help them paint coffee mugs for their mothers. After the students painted the mugs in class April 28, Odell took them to her shop to be glazed and fired.

Marshall Elementary’s Terrie Wells praised Odell for discounting her services from $14 to $8 per child, and for taking the time to visit their class. Odell noted that students usually visit her shop to do such painting, but Wells pointed out that there were not enough funds or chaperones available to support such a field trip.

Wells credited the Marshall PTSA with funding 75 percent of Odell’s service, which left the students’ dads with only $20 left that they needed to pay.

“At $2 a piece, it was very affordable,” Wells said.

With the students’ difficulties ranging from hearing impairment to ADHD, Odell took the time to tailor her assistance to each child’s level. The mugs’ artwork ranged from polka dots to paintings of the sun, birds and fishes, and Odell helped each student place either a handprint or a thumbprint in paint on their mugs.

“That way, your moms will think of you when they see those mugs,” Odell said. “Think of your moms’ favorite colors, and put those on your mugs. There’s no wrong way to do it. No matter how it comes out, it’s right.”

“I liked painting inside the mug,” said Josiah Hedman, a second-grade student. “I used dark blue, because that’s what my mom likes. I hope she’s surprised.”

When asked if he had anything to add, he said, “Happy Mother’s Day, Mom. I love you.”