Rainy days seem perfect for cozy crafting! Here’s a round up of South Sound area studios where you and the kiddos can pain your own pottery, including a new paint your own spot in Tacoma! Updated March 2017
I’ve never been to any of these (see the caption below this pic for my explanation)! but I’ve included what I’ve heard about each, including some comments left by readers on an earlier version of this post.
- Here is why I have never been to a paint your own pottery place. Yes, this was a while ago. Maybe we’ll try one this year!
- Tacoma-Throwing Mud Gallery. The paint your own piece is a new addition to this studio, which has long offered classes. They have a variety of bisque items you can choose from, including children’s pieces, priced mostly in the 12.00 range. Your purchase includes two hours of painting time, and you pick it up seven days later after it’s been dipped and glazed! The space is relatively small, so Eileen suggests you call if there are more than four in your group. From the pics, it also looks like you’ll be painting quite close to some lovely, finished pieces, so if your kiddos are prone to knocking things over, I would not choose this spot! Update: My friend Amanda went here. She said the owner was Super nice, and even helped hold her baby! She did confirm that it’s very small. Her well behaved little guy did great, and she mostly kept the baby in her stroller-just go with a game plan!
- Gig Harbor- Java n Clay has paint your own pottery and also hosts parties and special events. My friend/lifesaver/rescue babysitter Emily went here over the summer with her kiddos, and they had a good time. It would be a good choice for a fun night out with your mom or girlfriends
- Olympia Painted Plate This spot has been around for a long time and has a good reputation. Drop in, specials, date nights, and parties for kids and grown-ups! Ice cream and other treats available!
- Lakewood-Art and Clay Studio Bright, colorful studio space and reasonably priced kids’ parties and rent-a-space options. We might try this one. It looks like you could probably work without bumping into stuff (Crosses fingers)!! Update: One of our Facebook friends left a note that her aunt works here, and enjoys seeing kids come in. O.K….that’s not a huge update….but it looks cute. Let me know what you think if you go!
- Auburn- Klay Crazy It’s got great reviews on Yelp, and it looks like they offer paint your own, classes, and rent-a-space options. Honestly? I find their website absolutely Krazy, but I get that not everyone wants to hire a web designer. Update: Here’s a comment from one of our long time readers:
My kid & I went to Klay Crazy maybe a year or two ago, so this may be outdated…but when we were there the outside looked really rundown, inside the space to sit & work felt cramped, the place was really dusty/unswept, not much light, and a small dog kept running around inside. On the upside, for such a small space there was a good selection of pieces to choose from, reasonably priced, and lots of color options. We did complete some pieces, which turned out fine, but personally we will be trying other studios.
I just want to say how much we love the Lakewood Art & Clay Studio! I’ve taken my daughter there 3 or 4 times now and she loves it. The owner is wonderful and we’ve had only grey experiences! My daughter is 5 and I do tell her that she needs to be cautious and walk slowly while in there. There are lots of options to choose from trinkets to banks to dishes and more. There are a few tables and some that don’t touch any of the unpainted pieces, so just try to sit in one of those. But every time we have gone in there have been children. It gets very busy a week or two before holidays like Mothers Day and Christmas. It’s a 7 day turn around, so prepare to pick up your pieces 7 days after you have finished. I have nothing but good things to say about this place, except it is a bit small. They offer a discount on Tuesdays too!
Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a review, Jessica! I really appreciate it!
I don’t have kids, but I love Painted Plate in Olympia. I know it’s a popular spot for families, but it’s great for adults, too. They’re open super late on weekends, and have an espresso bar, local ice cream, and have recently started serving food, wine, and beer, too. It’s a great spot to go hang out with a friend for a few hours.
Thanks, Jamie!
I really appreciate the review. Sounds like a fun idea for a grown-up night out!
I frequent Java & Clay in Gig Harbor and I absolutely love the place! My little one, who is 11 months now, has visited there 3 times since she was 5 months old. The owners and staff are very accommodating and will even help with hand/feet prints with the little ones. There are tons of items to choose from and they do a very nice job with seasonal craft selections. Coffee and snacks are good. Table space is plentiful and they have a private room you can do parties in. I have yet to try a class of theirs, but thats because they get filled quickly.
Awesome! Thanks so much for the great review.