If you are a crafty-minded person, you need Ringel's Ceramics in your life…read more Helen's shop features ready-to-sell ceramics for every occasion: Halloween, Christmas, Easter, every Pittsburgh sport, dragons, weddings, new babies, you name it. Her windows on Merchant Street are always decorated with beautiful pieces that she and the other gals have made. However, what's even cooler about Ringel's Ceramics are the weekly classes. On Wednesday evenings (7-10) and Saturdays (10-4), you can come in to the shop, buy an unfinished piece to work on (as well as all the brushes & paints you will need), and hang out in the shop, chatting with other crafty people and creating your masterpiece. Prices are so reasonable. You pay for your supplies as you go. You can purchase pieces for as little as $2.70, paints are just over $2 each, and class itself costs a mere $3 each time. Whatever you want to create, Ms Helen will find the mold for you. If you have a mold that you want to make, they can pour it for you, and then you can come to class and paint it! The classes are informal: everyone works on their own piece, at their own pace. There's a lot of chatting and laughing and oohing & ahhing over each other's latest projects. But you learn the different techniques of ceramics painting, and you get help and assistance throughout the whole process (for example, we all make Ms Helen paint the eyes on our characters, because she rules at this very difficult part of painting). There are often technique sheets available for the project you want to work on, and this can help you see how to enhance the painting as well. I came across the shop first on Nationality Days in Ambridge, and brought in a buffalo mold I had bought on eBay for $15. I really liked what the buffalo looked like, so I bought the mold without knowing how I would be able to use it. And even though it was an old mold in kind of a state of disrepair, they were able to pour it, and then Ms Helen helped me learn how to paint it (my first project!), and now I have a gorgeous buffalo statue at home. And once you start... well, you spend every class wandering around looking at the available pieces and wondering what you will paint next. There are so many options, you'll never run out. If you like to do crafts, even if you don't have any experience with ceramics or painting, please come and hang out and learn a little! It's the best way to spend your Wednesday night.

When I walked in it took me back to the 70s when every grandmother and mother painted the ceramic…read moremolds. The store had tons of product they also have classes. If you like ceramic statues or want to paint it's the place to go. It's a dying art

What an adorable art studio! Drop in projects available and reservations aren't required ( although…read moredepending on what time you want to go you might want to call as they have an afternoon " art club" for kids). Chose from pottery painting, mosaic painting, canvas paintings of various sizes, and glass fusion projects . The owner and her employee Natalie were friendly and helpful. The owner provided our kids with great tips to create their canvases ( helped pick out stencils for their designs , taught them techniques for blending and creating fine details). Worth the trek for this outing- perfect for kids, tweens and teens. A little on the pricy side but a good value for sure.A plus experience and a lovely way to spend an afternoon.

My five year old daughter and I met a friend and her daughter for a mommy/daughter date. It was a…read moregreat experience! First thing to note is that they aren't just pottery painting. They also have wine glass painting, fused glass and mosaics. We chose to paint pottery. One of the few downsides was the cost. My daughter picked a pretty small cat and it was $20. It was a bit more pricy than other studios I've been to. You get assigned a table and everything you need is on the table. There are additional paint colors (if needed). Make sure you give yourself time. If you do pottery painting it needs three coats to get the full color effect. They said to allow for a week for firing, but ours was ready in about three days. Overall, a really fun activity for any age.

I love this place. A group of us went for a girls day and had a blast and I enjoyed it so much I…read morewent back a couple weeks later. The staff is so nice and welcoming. Prices are reasonable too. Honestly it's a very relaxing experience!!!!

We had such a wonderful time here. My mom and I wanted some girl time together and I've heard all…read moresorts of great things about this place. I've been wanting to get into pottery for a while and I jumped on the opportunity. We took a private lesson where it was my mom and I and the instructor. They have a room towards the back with some pottery wheels where we sat and got started. It's a very messy process! But we worked our clay until we got something half decent looking. They baked it and we came back to paint our creations once they ready. This was a really worthwhile way to spend an afternoon, and a really accessible wat to dip my toes into the pottery space. I wish I still lived in Pittsburgh in the South Hills, I would definitely be a regular at this place. Highly recommend!

I was looking for an activity to do on Friday, observed Veteran's Day. School was closed, and the…read moreveteran in our home was off of work. I randomly thought of Brushes & Beans. We called around noon, and they made us a 2:30pm reservation. We arrived a bit early so my husband and I could order coffees, and we bought a baked good for my children (ages 4 and 6). I think some might be caught off guard by the macchiato at this cafe, but they are true to Italian size and style (says the prior northern Italy resident). My husband ordered a double and had them add the bourbon caramel flavoring to it (not true to Italian style - ha!). He said he really liked it, and I enjoyed teasing him with a little "pinkies up!" call out when taking his photo. I ordered a decaf Americano (boring, I know) and also enjoyed it. Our children split a chocolate chip scone. There were a variety of muffins to choose from, croissants, and gluten-free items as well. Soon, it was time for our painting reservation. I have to say, everyone we interacted with was patient, helpful, and kind. They each seem to enjoy their job. They came around the tables often to ask if we need anything, and would bring additional paint or offer help and advice when needed. There is a nice variety of ceramics to choose from for painting as well. All in all, we very much enjoyed our visit and would certainly go back again! I was thinking it could be a fun outing for a Girl Scout troop or any kind of club or organization. You could go and paint ornaments, which are affordable and easy to do. I may have to pass that idea past our Girl Scout troop's leader. :)

I love Brushes and Beans! Usually paint your own pottery places are BYO for food and drinks, but…read morethey are half coffee shop, half pottery pain. They have a huge selection of items to paint and prices and pieces range from around $8 to up to $80. You pick your piece and paint colors and then go to work. To get the true color you need three coats, so it can tale awhile. But it is a really fun experience and the staff is really helpful. They fire your piece and you come back to pick it up in a week or two. Great for something to do with the kids, a date, time with friends or even a fun solo activity.

Such an awesome gem in Lawrenceville! Perfect for kids, date nights (they are BYOB!), or roommate…read morebonding time which is why I went! There is so many pottery to choose from but I'd recommend having a rough idea of what you want to paint beforehand so you take less time selecting. I originally wanted to paint a matcha chawan bowl but they were sold out. I opted for a small bowl from the cheap pottery section (this is a section of slightly messed up pottery for a heavily discounted price). Prices in this section could range from $3-$20ish? Either way, it's on the low end and very affordable. You can choose 5 colors and you pay for the pottery piece you + the price of painting it (I believe we paid about $16-17 per person). So fun and we had a blast looking up painting inspiration from Pinterest and chatting while we finished our bowls! It takes about 2 weeks to get your item back so still waiting on mine but super excited to see how it came out!

I went here for a girls night and we loved it. We each painted something different and just shot…read morethe breeze and got artsy. They called us up when it was dry and couple of days later and now we have fun keepsakes.

Casual atmosphere. Would be good for ladies night out if you're not dressed up. Or for scouts. We…read moredid it because they offered a coupon. Not sure I'd be a regular, but it was fun.

We came here for a girls night with a few of the ladies that I work with and we had a great time!…read moreJanelle and Dale were really helpful and we all ended up with beautiful plates and bowls, I can't wait to go back in a few weeks and see how everything turns out!

My husband and I came here to paint a couple items. There is a TON to choose from here!! They have…read moreanimals & various figurines, plates, platters, mugs, and other dishes, as well as vases and planters. There's an option to paint or choose some sturdier pottery to do pour glazing on. They also do wheel throwing courses! For painting, we chose a mug and a small planter. The prices are listed on the bottom of each item and it comes with all the supplies, paint, and final firing. There is not table fee here like at other places. The staff is incredible. They remember you by name when you come in and are so helpful with picking out ideas, sharing techniques, and getting colors for you to use. If you don't finish your item the first time, you can come back and finish a 2nd time at no cost! ($10 if you come back after that on the same item.) We came just us the first time, and the 2nd time we came back with our son. It is a very different experience with kids vs adults, but either way is fun!

I called on short notice on a Saturday for a group of 12 for a bachelorette party. They were able…read moreto accommodate us with a larger table in the back. They were incredible! From explaining the different painting options to the different pieces to the pickup! We had a great time, and all of the pieces were bubble-wrapped, labeled, and had care instructions for pickup. I couldn't recommend Katie's Clay Studio enough for all ages. My mug was $29 before gratuity.

My daughter and my three year old granddaughter enjoyed a play date here for Mother's Day. The…read moreshop is well organized. The two employees are very helpful and knowledgeable. We chose a project using acrylic paints, and worked to get it painted with three coats. Some folks brought wine, but we had bottles of water. This event was relaxing and unique. I strongly advise coming with family or friends when you are feeling stressed!

From the owner: Casey K Creations offers paint your own pottery/ceramics, mosaics and acrylic painting classes and…read moreoil painting classes.

We visited Steele's as part of an event and loved everything about our experience! The staff was…read moreincredibly helpful and extremely patient. They took us through everything step by step, explained it clearly and were willing to work with those that needed any extra assistance. The inside is decorated so adorably! Lots of examples of art others have done and and overall feel that just makes you smile. I love that there are a variety of options. You can paint, sculpt or participate in a special event. They had snacks available to purchase (and they made them affordable) and the bathrooms and the space in general was kept very neat. A great place to take your family, a date or just some solo creative time. Highly recommend it!

I brought some family to an event & was happily surprised at how everything was organized & at how…read morethe owner & staff were so helpful & kind. I also found out that she opens on Christmas Eve to be sure all little ones' creations can be picked up and home with them on the holiday. Steele's Brushes and Ceramics should be added to your ' Places I Should check out' List!

This store is wonderful! He is so helpful and just a joy to buy from! We came in from Texas and…read morestopped there twice!

A sweet selection of cards and paper products, and the like. Located in the heart of Sewickley, a…read moregreat spot to find a special card for any occasion.