"Dad's are so oblivious at this age." This is a direct quote to my wife from Old Lady Curmudgeon A. Her and Old Lady Curmudgeon B were duking it out to see who would prevail as the more condescending employee of the day... as my wife put it, that place felt like a skit out of Portlandia (reference: feminist bookstore). Net net- someone please get these two a job @ the DMV, and until that happens, don't come here. read more

This place has been around a long time. We took our grandkids there and had a wonderful afternoon.. The kids have some lasting sculptures to keep and someday look back on our time read more

We had my grand child's 4th birthday party there it was so fun!!! The kids made a ceramic craft and so did the grandparents it was so fun!

My daughter and I went for a fun girls day. From the minute we walked in it felt like we were a nuisance!!! The owner seemed to be annoyed that we were there and it made us feel rushed to get out projects completed. The day we were supposed to pick up I called and the owner couldn't find our items .... they were lost! Her reaction was cold and uncaring!! She told me how this hasn't happened in years and eventually offered a refund,but never once offered for us to come in and make a new item. She could care less that she lost our items !! I would never recommend this place !!! read more

The girl working was indifferent and unhelpful. We had never been there before, she didn't show us the materials, provide any tips or direction whatsoever. We selected 3 little pieces, paid $78 (complete rip off), she processed our payment, and she turned and walked away from the counter. No direction or help at all. We looked at each other, like where's the paint, paint brushes, sponges, water buckets...? When we asked questions we were given short answers and nothing more. When we came to pick up the pottery, we noticed that two of the three pieces had black dirt specks and lint stuck under the glaze. One piece wasn't so bad, but the other was ruined. I showed the girl working there, fully expecting to be able to paint another one as this one was clearly ruined, instead she got irritated with us, shrugged her shoulders and said "it happens." "It's art, so there will be imperfections." But there's dirt and debris trapped under the glaze, it's not art, it was damaged in the kiln. "We don't guarantee that won't happen, it's art, it happens." I reminded her how much we paid for this experience (nearly $80), and that we shouldn't have to keep a piece that was damaged in the store after we left. She was rude, dismissive and completely disrespectful. She nodded "No, you must have done this." I said we are not coming back and she responded: "That's okay, this place isn't for everyone" and she walked away. Terrible experience. read more

A Time To Kiln - Dirty kiln damaged pottery. - Art Classes Near Me - Red Bank, New Jersey

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Great day out with the teenagers. We all chose to paint something different. Place was clean and nice. After a week you go back and pick up your work. Looks very nice - we will definitely be back! read more

We have gone a few times and the owner is consistently rude. We will never go back again.

Wendy ! is amazing! Informative! Kind! And let me just ask how much are we all missing kindness? Beautiful studio! So much to-choose from.... what a great day with my child....everyone should support woman owned ! Small businesses 20 plus years... got to say Wendy survived Covid and is still in business.... because she is always ahead of everyone else... to go boxes... check out her adorable Easter take homes..... Thank you, For the best mommy daughter outing... Franny read more

Two stars because i did have fun painting the pottery and it was reasonably priced. However, i'm not sure if she was the owner or what but she was wildly disrespectful. Everyone in my party works customer service so we understand but we were not expecting that treatment from her at all. When we had simple questions, she would respond with an attitude and a sarcastic joke. If you're looking for amazing customer service, this place is not for you. read more

I'm being generous with the stars, because it's really about the experience that you make here, versus the atmosphere. First-the awesome. They have a decent amount of pieces to choose from, ranging from tiny ring dishes and bathroom knick knacks, to 2-foot-high-giant-oversized-mug for $60. Something for everyone, I guess. Even more awesome, is that this place is BYOB! You have to bring your own cups/glasses (rules about providing glasses and alcohol - state laws and whatnot.) We initially forgot cups, but were able to run across the street to the Deli and pick up 4 coffee cups! So if you look at the other reviews, you see a lot of commentary about the rules here. And I would have to agree, there are pretty strict about rules - comparatively to other places like this. You pay by the hour ($6/hour), you're ONLY allowed 6 colors. ETC. We asked for an extra tray of white (since we all had bigger pieces and were told to do a base-coat in white first), and she said she would have to charge us $3 for it. It's their policy, so I cannot fault the staffer working, but just seems a bit overkill. (For the record, you're allowed to refill your colors (only the colors you picked at the beginning) as much as you want. We came on a random Tuesday day, and there was only 1 young girl working. She was super helpful, and although had NO idea about the Yelp 10% off, did give it to everyone once we checked-in. It's about the time you have with the people you bring - the rules are somewhat bothersome but c'est la vie, I guess. read more

A Time To Kiln - Cute plate in the window - good inspiration ! - Art Classes Near Me - Red Bank, New Jersey

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If you forget your pick up slip she'll make you feel bad about it. It would be much easier if it was in a system. No one keeps loose papers anymore read more

This place will wind up like Pinot's Palette if the owner doesn't change her attitude. A place of this type of business should be thrilled in the post COVID world to have paying and interested customers. My daughter and her friend were out for a special evening and decided to go before dinner. I believe they arrived one hour before closing time when they were rudely told the store was closing and to basically leave by a rude woman who didn't seem to care. Cross this place off the list of places to support in Red Bank. I see a for rent sign in its immediate future. read more

Came w my 16 yr old on 9/10 getting paint refills felt like an imposition and I got the feeling I shouldn't ask for a 3rd refill. So the platter I painted a simple solid color didn't come out solid as I was intending as I suspected it may. They aren't interested in giving tips for a successful piece you can ask questions but it's limited response. They only had 1 person working when we were creating and she seemed overwhelmed and same on pick Up, staffing more at key high traffic times might create a better experience for your customers. I also read the response to a previous review about the party and thought it was a poor way to ha dale a complaint -we aren't for everyone? We won't do more pieces here. I love the color grey I used for my platter- matches my kitchen perfect too bad. read more

I really wanted to like my experience as I live in Red Bank and love places like this. Unfortunately I should have listened to the yelp reviews and went elsewhere. I went with my mom and two friends and it was the first time we'd all been there. Overall the service was ok, but not overly helpful or friendly. I would expect that people working a kid-centric place like this would be overly nice and eager to help customers - not the case. The real reason for the low review though is the very limited selection of glass colors and materials. I also was unhappy with the hidden fees ($6 to round the corners on the glass) as well as them not sharing the fact that for mosaics, they send you home to grout yourself vs. do it for you. If I wanted to come home with a grout project, I would have retiled my bathroom - not come to a pottery studio. Hope that the owner takes these reviews seriously and puts some effort into taking their service up a notch. Would happily return if that were the case, if not I'll stick with Pinot's Palette or DIY Uncorkedwhen I'm feeling creative. read more

I've been coming to this place for over 20 years. I used to come to A Time To Kiln when I was little when I visited the jersey shore for summer vacations; I have a lot of pleasant memories from those times. However, I obviously did not take note of customer service at four years old. There are several positives to this place- they have some cool pottery to choose from, vibrant paint colors, and it's a very clean and comfortable place. However!! The customer service is sub-par at best. Every time I go, the woman working there (I assume the owner?) is rude. She does not seem like she wants to be there and she is very impatient. She does not present any information in a pleasant manner is very terse. For example, I went in there recently to pick up some pottery I painted with a friend about a month or so prior (the reason I waited to so long was because of an extended vacation so I was out of town), and I told her I was picking up two pieces. She was like "okay where is your slip" and I didn't have it because my friend must have taken it. I said I didn't have it and she said (in an irritated voice) "I need your slip and also when did you paint it" and I told her late August and she literally replied, very rudely "there are a lotttt of dates in august" while waving her finger in the air. And I said "well can you find it by what it looks like?", trying to be nice, and she was very irritated and acted like I was completely inconveniencing her, despite spending $60+ to paint there. And then when she finally felt she had sufficient information and walked away saying (in a very condescending voice) "you can't leave them here that long because they may not even be here". So rude! It may not sound that bad, but her tone was caustic and unnecessary! There were literally no other customers in the store, so I was not interrupting their services. Totally unacceptable. read more

I came here for a party with about 20 people. The owner was not accommodating at all and rude. She spoke to us once in the beginning and then did not come back to check on us. We were going out after so we asked for aprons. Her assistant gave us a few then the owner snidely said to assistant "if you if any more out we'll always have to do this". It was a terrible experience and on top of it all the bathroom was filthy! Do not waste your time and money here read more

VERY disappointing. Spent 2 hours painting a Santa plate, waited a week to pick it up only to find out it had some sort of imperfection and was ruined. Not only was it a waste of time but store policy is store credit only! That's ridiculous - you sell me a defective product but you still get to keep my money. Bad customer service - bad policy! read more

Rudeness. I believe this woman was the owner because when we entered to pick up our finished pieces she was on the phone, angrily, talking business...rudely in our presence. I didn't have our slip and she was condescending. I'm reading the same thing in so many other reviews... I wish someone would care over there. It could be fun. Instead it's dreary, "cold", and not cheap. read more

I was looking a place where I could spend a little down time by myself and found this place. They had a big selection of pieces to choose from that included holiday pieces as well as everyday ones. I chose to do an electric Christmas tree and the woman working was very helpful in explaining the different ways I could paint it as well as suggesting different color options. I've already picked up my finished piece and I am so happy with it!! read more

I concur with most of the reviews here. This is definitely not a warm and friendly environment. They nickel and dime you for everything and with such a rude demeanor. We've been to A Time to Kiln in our hometown many times and never experienced these issues there. We were charged for extra paint, because my daughter wanted one more color, (which is totally ridiculous),along with a studio fee based on the amount of time we sat there. Giving this place one star is generous, I wouldn't be surprised if they closed down within the year. If you want to spend $50 painting a mug, then this place is for you, otherwise, avoid it. read more

I had so much fun! The employee there, Ryan D., was so much fun to work with!! It definitely was a five star experience!

I felt the cost of this place was way too expensive with all their additional charges. You are charged based on the amount of time you take, if you go over the amount of color allowance, studio firing fee. I didn't find anyone to be helpful. Im glad I had gone to another ceramic painting place before coming here or I would not have known that more coats of paint produce a better piece. For the price and lack of attention Ill keep going to Color Me Mine in Freehold read more

I go here a lot. It's a good place to take children, especially when it rains. The owner is rude and obviously doesn't like children. However she runs a good shop so you put up with it. I went yesterday and a teenager was working. She was very rude and provided no service. If I hadn't been there so many times I wouldn't have known what to do. I am not sure she knew what to do given her behavior. She was on her phone the entire time. We were the only ones in the place. She was insulting in so many ways. This time I won't go back. read more

They are so set in their rules that they make it not fun to be there. My daughters were afraid to ask for refill on colors in case they asked for it wrong. With nothing to do, you would think they could be more helpful. read more

Have been here three times and always had a good experience. It's even great for little ones - my three-year-old loved it and had enough patience to paint a box and a gift for Father's Day. My five-year-old painted a fairy on a unicorn. Took a long time, but she was really into it. A great time to spend with your kids...and I painted a bowl too...fun for me. Win/win! (PS I left my credit card by mistake and the girl ran down the street to give it to me - very nice and great customer service!) read more

Kind of bootleg in my opinion. Just wish I can actually make or create my own pottery and paint it. Everything is made and is left for the customers to just color. read more

Zero stars. Don't waste your time/money. I wish I could find even one positive thing about this place. Where do I begin? Unfriendly, unhelpful staff - with little or no knowledge about the crafts themselves. The place nickels-and-dimes you, and of course, they don't bother to tell you about any of these additional charges: Want to do pottery? Pay for the ceramic piece (not cheap) and then pay by-the-hour to paint it! Want to do glass fusion? You get to choose from either a round or square piece of glass (neither of which are cheap), as your "plate". They have a bare minimum of pieces of glass and as well as colors of glass, and they're all just flat pieces (except for some strands) that you have to cut yourself...no shapes, no beads, nothing. Plus, there's an extra charge if you want the ends of the plate to be slightly curved (instead of just plain flat). Want to do a mosaic (also not cheap)? You have to bring it home to grout it yourself. Oh yes, and don't forget to clean up your area! This place has NO business being IN business - it's an absolute disgrace. read more

Last week I took my three daughters there and I was very disappointed with the customer service. The owner was helping us pick out our six colors. My daughters had trouble deciding what 6 colors they wanted. The women told them pick your 6 colors now because I don't want to have to get up 20 times.....isn't it her job to get up and help the customer. I would have gladly gotten up to get the paint for my kids but they don't allow you to get it yourself. We were very uncomfortable asking for help. read more

I had a great time. It was a little expansive but so is every other pottery painting place. I loved it and had a great time with my family. The people there were so sweat and had a huge smile the whole time. I loved that there was an almost over whelming selection of size and shapes of pottery and all the colors you will ever need. read more

talk about HORRIBLE customer service!!! The woman was so rude to my 6 year old son and myself that i almost walked out before we started. She spent the whole time speaking to me as if i was an idiot. Working in a field that involves customer interaction myself, i know never to treat anyone that way!! Not even just in the work environment, in normal life!! If you're going to run a business, hire a staff with MANNERS!! That miserable woman should NOT be at a job that involves the public! Especially children!! Plus the prices are outrageous!! 14$ for something that's not even 2 inches tall, and took all of 5 minutes to paint!! I would NEVER go back here again! i don't even want go back to pick up the pieces we painted. STAY AWAY!!!!! read more

I went there with my friend and her daughter and we had a horrible experience. First the owner was nasty to the little girl about getting paint. Every time we needed more she got nasty and barely wanted to help us. I don't recommend this place at all. The owner is horrible!!!! read more

This is NOT a kid-friendly experience .... The owner sits behind her desk with a big pout on her face like she hates her life...and yells at the kids to not touch anything...this is supposed to be a kid place so if you hate kids get a new business!! I've been here several times (only because it's within a walk of my house) but I will not be going back. There are better priced paint places in the area with FRIENDLY people to actually help the customers instead of scare them off! Skip this one all together! read more

Our in-store experience was good, even if the pieces are a bit pricey. Our daughter had a nice time painting a couple bowls and a small bird. It was an easy, cute, group activity. We went back a few months later to pick the pieces up, and luckily they were still holding them. The problem started when we pointed out all the black specs and splatter under the clear on the two bowls. We insisted they were not there when we painted the bowls, and the young girl at the counter kept insisting it must have been some paint transfer during the painting, that colors get mixed etc. Aside from the irritation of arguing over something so trivial, it was additionally insulting to my intelligence that I would waste my time over something so trivial if I wasn't sure. After going back and forth with her a few times, instead of offering any sort of concession, or referring to the owner, she simply said, "We're not for everyone", and turned her attention to something else. That is not how to run a small business, and we will never patronize that business again. read more

Found our way here on a rainy day for some fun. We were provided very little instruction other than being given a piece of paper to complete. I didn't quite understand the drill so when I brought my selection up I was told to go back and write down the item number and description. Granted not a big deal but with the 4 of us in the shop, all in my group, it seems like she could have been more helpful. I probably didn't put enough coats on because I didn't know - it was someone in my group who told me. Overall they were strict about the paint and not pleasant. Not mean but not friendly. Prices weren't way off compared to what we have at home. When I finished I kept my paints for other folks in my group to use. Since my daughter was at a table where there was more than the allowed number of colors out, she couldn't get another color even though she hadn't used her 6 color allotment. You should also be prepared to clean out your paint tray. I am guessing if you have little children who want to do a small piece, you may do well. read more

I am being generous with the 1 star! Was really eager to try the glass fusion and had looked up ideas on line of how to create a design. Sadly the colors of glass were limited and I could not create the piece I had in mind. No variety of shapes. Prices were high and everything was extra. No-one there to offer help or give creative tips for beginners. I had a nice time because of the people I was with so we laughed and made the best of it but would not recommend this particular place nor would I go back again. If you choose to do a mosaic piece they send you home with an unfinished piece you have to go home and grout on your own. When we asked how do we do that we were told there are instructions in the bag and it is just like grouting your bathtub. Are we the odd ones cause we just looked at one another and said we don't know how to grout a bathtub (another thing to laugh at). If you choose to do a pottery piece they charge you for the piece (prices are on the high end) and then charge by the hour for you to paint the piece. Lots of hidden fees!!! BEWARE of what you are getting yourself into. I normally hate to give a bad review but sometimes there is just nothing nice to say sadly this is one of those times :( read more

Let me start by saying I never write reviews! However this is definitely warranted! My 9 year old daughter and her dad recently went to A Time To Kiln and once again the owner was rude and nasty! We will never go back! Everyone is entitled to a bad day however, I've dealt with the owner on a number of occasions and have always give her the benefit of the doubt. I took my kids there twice, and twice I've arranged a school fundraiser. She is the most miserable person I've ever met! The paint colors are labeled using abbreviations. My daughter pointed to a color that she wanted (because she couldn't read the label) and was told "Lets try this again. Don't point, speak!" She is one rude, crotchety, irritable woman! Take my advice and stay far away! read more

I LOVE this place..... have always had a great time. The owner even special ordered me a yarn bowl to paint. They are always pleasant and helpful with all my questions. Recently I took a paint & sip class there. GREAT TIME! Did mosaics there as well. So many options. read more

Enjoyed our experience, however I cannot agree with the pricing. For ceramic painting you have to leave your piece to be fired and glazed, and pay a 'studio fee'. It is understandable you have to pay for the glaze/fire process but I feel those prices should be built into the size of the piece you're painting. Instead, it's $6 per hour per painter. So if you take 4 hours to paint a tiny piece your paying $24, if you take 1 hour to paint a huge piece it's $6, (this is in addition to the price of the piece you're painting)..Basically felt like I was being charged to sit in their space, or for my own labor..the longer you sit the more you pay..if you do a canvas painting there's no studio charge because you leave with it that day..soooo I could sit there for 12 hours with no absurd studio fee? Like I said I understand a fire/glaze fee but really feel it should be evaluated to be flat fees, based on the size of the piece. read more

First when my daughter and i went the night of December 28th I looked up the hours of operation and on google it stated they were open until 10PM on Saturday's. My daughter and I arrived approximately 7:30. After picking out our pieces we sat down to paint and after several minutes we were told we had one hour left. Perhaps we should have been told this when we checked in. After finishing and paying we were told because of the holidays it would take longer than usual to get the pieces back. So we should allow at least 10 days. No problem. Today I go to pick up the pieces (two weeks later), again look up the opening time and find out it is 11AM. I schedule my trip to run errands and get to Red Bank sometime after 11. Find my parking place and walk to the store. Lo and behold there is a sign on the door stating on 1-12-14 they will be opening late at 1:30 so please plan your pick ups accordingly. Am I a mind reader that I would know to plan my pick up after 1:30 when their Sunday hours start at 11???? Funny thing is there were several workers in the store but they were not budging to see if they could be of assistance. There are now several other pottery places in the area and rest assured this will be my last time going to A Time To Kiln. By the way the staff were not at all friendly or helpful the two times I have been there read more