Stopped by to check out the store. Very nice place choices to buy already painted or stain glass items. The studio to paint ceramics was nice and roomy and lots to choice from. You can learn pottery and stain glass but check with them to see when classes are available. The lady that owns the shop will be the one that teaches the class and at this moment she will not be able to teach for a few more months. She's had some major surgery. They were all very nice and helpful on helping with painting. You can paint and go back and finish if you have to take a break. Painting large pieces can take a little longer. Will go back and check out more pieces to paint. read more

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Shocked to see the first review. Beautiful store. Very friendly staff. My wife and I took an individual l lesson and had a great time. Highly recommend Big Dog Pots Pottery! read more

This shop is AWESOME! The paint your own pottery is very reasonably priced (no studio fee like other places!), they have a great set up where all the paints are on the tables so no need to ask staff every time you want a different color, and TONS of options for things to paint in a beautiful studio. They also offer wheel throwing classes, fused glass, and I hear stained glass. They also have a nice private party space! Oh and their shop has a lot of cool pottery from local artists. The owner is so nice and the staff is excellent! Please check it out and support a great local business-- it is so worth the drive to Marshall, VA. read more

My fiancee began buying studio time here several months ago because she loves to throw pottery and it's close to home. I did business with them once, purchasing a tool for her, and even that was a fiasco. After accruing a laundry list of problems (some that are mind blowing and odd) we won't be returning. Read on for a list of very specific reasons. 1. When my fiancee was looking for a place to throw, the owner informed her that the local community center had offered classes in the past, but no longer had a program. That was a lie, and not simple misinformation because she is very aware that the community center has a active pottery program. I know she's aware because she has a meeting in December in which she's attempting to shut the program down because she feels it cuts into her business. I'm fairly certain I've seen no less than a thousand movies featuring a villain attempting the exact same thing for the exact same reasons and thought to myself, "Who does that? Really?" 2. The owner doesn't know how to fire a kiln. She teaches classes and offers beginner instruction, so there's a reasonable expectation that with the right combination of instruction and technique, a student can pay a sum of money determined by the owner, attend a class, and take home some finished pieces. During my fiancee's attendance she had about a dozen pieces break or explode in the kiln, a process controlled by the owner. Other students and customers experience the same thing. It's difficult to stomach putting money, time, and creative energy into something only to have someone then simply tell you it broke and it's likely your fault. I understand why an owner wouldn't want to take responsibility for a constant issue that would make them look unprofessional and cost them money, but it isn't right. 3. Be ready for a sewing circle atmosphere. Women gossip. Guess what... men gossip too. It's not unusual for people in a social circle or even work atmosphere to talk about other people. I've managed construction crews and I had to learn that when someone is in a leadership role, whether it be managing people, representing a company, or providing costumer service, the professional thing to do is to exclude yourself from those conversations. The owner should learn that, because I don't even know her, but I know far too much about her personal life and negative feelings about customers and people in general. (Warning, this is where it gets weird) 4. Upon buying a wire tool last Sunday, Lori, the owner whom I've met on a few occasions, didn't recognize me. She asked where I threw, justifiably fishing for business, and I clarified who I was and that I was picking up the tool for Amber. Now, the only thing I can think of to even begin to excuse the behavior that would follow this transaction is that I made a comment about the tool being exactly what I've seen used as an assassin's tool in mafia movies... a piano wire with two handles. Perhaps that was enough to frighten her, but I had no idea if I had made her uncomfortable because she began talking about a movie with Richard Gere where he has the wire in his watch etc. My uncle was with me. We're both large bearded mountain looking men. He's the gentlest man I've ever met, very active at The Life Church in Manassas, and he tries everywhere he goes to make people smile. He kids and teases, but the man won't even say a "curse" word. I felt his humor was lost on her as she said it was nice to meet him and he responded with "only because you don't know me". There was no negativity during this visit from anyone at all, and I wished her well and thanked her as I left. It seems Lori's husband called one of their employees and told them to call the police if we showed up there, and had a vague but extravagant story about an altercation that, from what I hear, involved threats and her calling us "white trash". None of that ever happened. None of it. Even as we were leaving she said "nice to meet you" again to him and he tried to be funny, smiled and said "you already said that." And then excused himself saying "we've got some football to go watch." I have no earthly clue what kind of motivation an adult has for making up a story like that. I really wish I knew, but it's beyond me. I do know that it is extremely hurtful for good honest people to be accused of things like threatening a woman. It makes me sick to my stomach to think about. read more

I took a wheel class here recently and had a fantastic time. The staff is knowledgeable and provides good instruction while still giving you room to play and figure things out yourself. Best of all, they are super friendly and NORMAL. No snotty artist types here. I also thought the prices for classes and studio time were extremely reasonable. You can't find anything comparable in northern Virginia. I've looked. I signed up for a month of throwing classes, but they also offer hand building at beginner and intermediate levels- glazing and firing included! If you want some quality clay time in a supportive and laid back environment, skip the boring paint your own pottery places and go to Big Dog Pots. They're worth the drive. read more

A true destination spot: creative, welcoming, innovative, quality service and great , unique pottery. A wonderful venue for learning pottery, watching it be made, and creating personal, custom pieces. A must experience for everyone. read more

So much fun here at a birthday party! Nice space! Fun activities. Friendly & helpful staff.

Had a great team building experience with loads of laughs and fun for a relaxing afternoon

Review as a pottery buyer: I recently had the owner, Lori, create a larger version of an Owl pot that I had bought in the store several months ago. I talked to her on the phone and sent her a picture of my existing piece with text as to specs regarding dimensions. She sent me a picture of the final piece before sending to me to make sure it was what I wanted before shipping. This was such a such a nice, easy and friendly transaction - very customer focused. I would definitely do business with her again. Also, I had discovered the store on a Sunday drive - nice pottery store with a diversity of pieces - should be able to find something you like. The staff was very friendly and helpful. read more

My husband and I just finished beginning hand building. It was great, Lori let us make up the schedule to fit ours. We ended up taking longer than we were suppose to, we are slow pokes! Lori was fine about it, her family members were there sometimes, it was VERY relaxing, low key. We plan to take more classes. read more

I'd wanted to start pottery for quite awhile and was thrilled when Big Dog opened. Two good teachers and good equipment. They are particularly suited to beginners. I took classes and rented pottery wheel time for over a year.. read more

My teenage daughter and I painted pottery here for Christmas gifts. Everyone here was very friendly and helpful. The mugs we made turned out beautiful, & we hope to come again soon. The selection of pottery to paint was good. The shop also had a lovely selection of finished pottery if you're looking for a quick, special handmade gift. read more

Had some Christmas shopping to do today and so glad I stopped in this adorable shop/studio. Lovely things across a broad price range which I took advantage of to complete the gift list for extended family, teacher gifts, and clients!! I even ended up getting a present for my husband-a beginner class!! He's wanted to do this for awhile and he's the guy who has everything so this will be special. The owner was so kind and knowledgeable. This is a very nice place. So glad I went in. read more

Do not take classes. Poor instruction. waste of money. I wouldn't buy anything there after listening to the own ramble one about what she had to say about pricing her items. Beware read more