So, we went back after Clay Cafe reopened, and had a great time! One note -- you have to be in person to join the wait list if it's busy, and they can't move you down once you make it to the top of the list. We were called earlier than expected while grabbing food, and had to have someone run over and put our names back at the bottom of the list. Oh well! Once inside we picked out our pieces and had a great time. This place really appeals to kids, so it was busy and noisy. It was a little hard to get around with all the breakable pottery and tightly packed rooms. I got my fired pieces back about 2 weeks later and they look fantastic. A fun overall experience and I will be returning. read more

Clay Cafe Studios - Painted pottery! - Party & Event Planning Near Me - Falls Church, Virginia

it started with a phone call. I called on a Saturday morning asking if reservations were required. the young lady acted less then interested and sighed saying it was a walk in only shop. I commented on her lack of enthusiasm and she said "we get this same question 100 times a day". I found myself apologizing for as the question! perhaps noting "no reservations " or walk in only would help. so...we ended up walking in. it was a bit crowded but not too bad. there were a few tables set for 5 that had one or two people at it. however I was told it would be a 30 minute wait. ok.....so I took my grandkids Nextdoor to the toy store. hung around about 25 minutes and I went in to check on status. same people occupying large table that clearly had room for others. when I asked about it I was told ( I think by the same less than thrilled employee) " I am going to seat someone at the table with 1 person.... why now? those seats were clearly available 25 mins ago! just need to ask the lady to move over rather than sit in the middle of the table with her stuff spread out! it was obvious that no one was going to leave anytime soon so 30 minutes turned to 50 mins. and yet anyone who came in the shop were told the same thing " about a 30 mins wait" when they knew that was impossible. having some type of alternative seating guidelines such as... if you are alone and seated at a five person table -that is 1 seat. you will be joined by others. Or allow a set number of reservations fa specified time every 3 hours. or provide friendlier staff to give out more accurate information.. it is just a cluster and poorly organized and run. we left with very saddened grandchildren, not wanting to spend additional wait time. I'll find something else in Falls Church to spend my money at. read more

Based on separate experiences my mother and myself have had at this location the person wouldn't greet us and was snippy. It dampened the experience. read more

this is my favorite place to paint pottery! the workers are always very kind and helpful. i live in fairfax but will always make the drive to come here. they have a great selection of pieces to choose from, lots of figurines for kids to choose from. the flat rate studio fee is $7 and pottery pieces are reasonably priced. i just wish they had a wider paint variety! either way, definitely recommend this business. read more

See all

Came here at 4 PM on a Monday after work for a fun weekday activity. They have 30% off the $7 sitting fee online coupon that you can show for a discount. Prices weren't awful compared to other places and the turnaround for Pottery is quick. The 90s music playing was incredible. Okay amount of color choices but not a ton. They had lots of brushes & stencils to use. We did have a few issues - the front desk person basically ignored us when we walked in so we didn't really know what to do. I relied on my childhood memories of painting here. Front desk person disappeared for a smoke break for 15 minutes when we wanted to pay. Also, their supply of things to paint low - almost all the Valentine's Day themed stuff was gone on Jan 22nd :( read more

Came here on a Tuesday when they had the bogo sale so $7 for 2 painters plus what you pay for the object you want to paint. It was bit crowded since it was winter break but we were able to get seating. I do wish there was a way to make reservations on days this busy or the Sunday family days. We had to wait a bit to get helped because there was only one staff member and she was on the phone helping another customer. I definitely think it would be more helpful if they had at least two staff members on duty. I do like how they allow you to grab whatever colors you need because at other places I've been to, they've been a bit more stingy and get the paint for you which was a bit annoying. They also have bottles and markers if you want to sketch it out first or draw things that are smaller/skinny. They have a ton of different objects to choose from as well including plates, cups, pencil holders, a variety of animals. My kids had a great time. We had a good overall experience and will probably be back. read more

Very fun spot! Definitely gets crowded on weekends and they don't do reservations for small groups but the wait wasn't too bad and there are plenty of coffee shops around to enjoy while you wait. Very nice staff! read more

NOT GOOD. When we first walked in, the place was busy, we expected a wait, in which we were fine to abide by. However, as time went on, about an hour after waiting, we went back simply to start looking at the pottery that we were PLANNING to paint. We walk in, another women is there and she aggressivly in an almost rhetorical tone said, "How can I help you", she then proceeded to tell us how we should wait outside in the cold. Also a little bit of background when we first went, we told them they could spilt us apart (given the fact that we're a party of 6) and when we went back I saw two empty chairs and on the waitlists other people that came after us were crossed off! We.will not be coming back to this location, the energy, costumer service, and way that we were treated was very much not appreciated. P.S. They never called. read more

Being here for my first time, I felt as if there was no clear direction on how to start. I was directed on where the products were and the paints. I had to ask what the 1, 2, 3 numbers meant and she said it was the shades 1 being the lightest and 3 being the darkest. I didn't realized that the palette square is used to put the paint on until I asked. Also there was confusion on a table to seat us at. It is a cool concept but the communication and clear direction is lacking. It is a very small place and parking is very limited. This place fills out fast especially on a Saturday. When I was there, there was someone having a party in the back. I know about the party since I had to keep going back there to grab items. I wouldn't like that if I had a party there. They need to move those items from that area so it can be semi private. Their website has coupons and we used it when we went there. You have to go back and pick up your item(s) almost a week later. I have attached a pic of my final product and I thought it turned out ok since some of the colors weren't filled in enough. read more

Clay Cafe Studios - Small heart plate - Party & Event Planning Near Me - Falls Church, Virginia

Great place to paint pottery! We have been coming here for over a decade. My girls go the camp and love it!

This is a fun spot to spend the afternoon or evening exploring your creative side. There are a number of trinkets to paint ranging from the utilitarian to completely unnecessary - but necessary - because who doesn't want a small pink flamingo or mermaid to dress up your vanity or desk! But alas, if you are more practical and don't need extra stuff that will likely gather dust, you can choose from plates, mugs, cups, bowls, pitchers, vases and many other dishes and accessories. Also great for gifts! The studio is not very big, but can still accommodate fairly large groups if you plan in advance, however, reservations are not required. The staff is very friendly and informative, explaining the process and helping if you need ideas or a nudge in a certain direction on which paints to use - because there are UH-LOT of paints to choose from. Some are in small bottles you squeeze for a thinner line, others you dole out a dollop on a paint tray and use a brush. There are also three shades of every color (denoted by a 1-2-3) so you can see how dull or bright the shade of color will look depending on how many coats of paint you layer on. And if you have questions, like I said, the staff are at the ready to assist. Pro tip: The more you layer, the brighter the color will be! Then, a week later, after they work their magic you get to pick it back up and voila! You're ready to open your own gallery because the shiny little gem will be nothing like what you started with and everyone will be asking you, "Oh wow, where did you buy that, I have to have one!" And just like that you've become a flamingo connoisseur. read more

Clay Cafe Studios - Before...Cool! I can color in the lines! - Party & Event Planning Near Me - Falls Church, Virginia

See all

Kind employee and kid friendly. Went here with my older sister :) accessible bathroom, lots of different options.

Some negative reviews in here but they seem dated so them + my own with a grain of salt. We walked in not too long after open and it wasn't busy at all. The person in charge gave us the run down and clear directions on what to do and how to do it. After picking out our pieces, she gave us a run down if the paint bar and showed us where the other materials were. I think the service was great and they had tables outside to paint while it was nice out. Is it pricey? Yeah probably. But that's the premium for the experience so worth it in my eyes. Would go again and enjoyed my experience! read more

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Clay Cafe! My family has come here for years for creative fun! It always feels new & fresh. Staff are great & the owner, Gayla, is just wonderful! My kids are creative -- way more so than me. Even so, Gayla has always taken time to show me how to do things. She's upped my confidence with different techniques & that's a great feeling. Clay Cafe is great for kids -- so many fun projects! -- AND adults! Bring your family! U will have a great time! We will always visit Clay Cafe! read more

The actual pottery experience was nice, but the customer service was terrible. Both the man and woman working were very curt and seemed annoyed when answering questions while I was doing the pottery and when I called about picking it up. I will not be coming back. read more

Had an amazing time with my girlfriend here. The owners were so much fun and they really made us feel welcomed. They have a good selection of pottery and it's an organized and clean store. Can't wait to go back!! read more

I had a wonderful afternoon here painting with my family. They had a nice selection of items and paints to choose from. If at all possible, try to avoid coming when there is party of kids. Because it is small space their noise can be a bit overwhelming. The studio fee (which includes paint and supplies) is only $6 a person. The pieces we painted ranged from $10-$15 each. Just a note, you can't bring your own pottery to paint and glaze. It takes a week and a day for your items to be fired and then you come and pick them up at your convenience. read more

Clay Cafe Studios - Inside - Party & Event Planning Near Me - Falls Church, Virginia

This place is like Color Me Mine. I liked it. A good amount of selections to choose from, such as a cute monkey mug, toothbrush holders, plates, etc...the usual. You get your paints and get to work. Actually, I've been to places like these where you only get a certain number of paint colors to work with. This place gave you an unlimited amount, which really impressed me. It let you have so much freedom, and that's the way you let people play! So while I was painting away with my one and only, only sappy songs come on the radio. I don't know what station the owner/worker was playing, but it sure set the mood. All we needed was to dim the lights and put some candles up. No, but then we wouldn't be able to concentrate on painting the minute details of our fine masterpieces. Anyhows, the final products were ready after some glazing and brushing up in just a few days. It's chill, efficient, and so personalized, which is what people are all about. We all want to know we've made some type of contribution to society, even if it's just for ourselves or the little circle we live in. Go check this place out and let your inner child out. read more

Really disappointed in the service. Family (in town for the holidays) had a great experience painting but when they traveled back to DC from NY to pick up their finished items 10 days later, my niece's item was nowhere to be found. Rather than offer a refund for the $15 item a $5 gift card was offered (for an item that Clay misplaced or said it's likely someone else claimed). They were essentially told to "pick something else" - with the $5 applied and they came out of pocket an additional $10. Much better system is needed for tracking and holding items as well as managing lost or misplaced items. read more

I came here with my friends one evening around an hour before it closed. The first thing the lady said as we walked in is "we close in an hour". Okay? No "hi" or "welcome"? It's not like we are going to paint the Mona Lisa on a coffee mug. Since most of us have never painted at these type of studios, I assumed the staff would be helpful with directing us. That was not the case; it was like pulling teeth to get a question answered as if we were completely inconveniencing her. The selection of items to paint was a plus. My friends and I still made the best out of the situation. The experience was extremely fun. Note to the owner...your staff is running out customers with their lack of customer service. read more

Clay Cafe is such a place of memories for me, I actually attended art camp here as an elementary schooler! Most recently I went with my family for Mother's Day since they waived their studio fee for the day and you just had to pay for the pottery. Direction is really minimal, I guess they assume that we're all locals and have been here before. I have, many times, but it's been literally years so I could have used some instructions if my family hadn't been there to remind me how things worked. Once I figured it out, I was off! I painted a little square box, which wasn't too fancy, but my sister went all out with a bowl. You can go up to the front to ask for stamps, sponges, paint with a nozzle for writing letters, and other supplies to make your pottery extra special. This is a great little place to take kids especially, because they get the most fun out of painting all sorts of random things. They also have glass fusing, which is also really fun but probably better for older kids. read more

This small craft haven is my go-to place for "me time." It's a great place to take the kiddo, too, either as a girls trip or with the husband for family time. The owner is usually there and all of the staff is very friendly. They are happy to help and clearly love what they do; if you ask about techniques, they are excited to show you! I've learned so much by going there, from silkscreening to using lace and other implements. They have a large kids section, tons of servingware, and a nice collection of unique and seasonal items. Besides ceramic painting, they also have glass fusing, birthday parties, and an art camp. I haven't tried those but the kids look like they are having a good time when I've seen the camp being run. I noticed on social media that they are recently dabbling in other endeavors such as camp-to-go kits and canvas painting. Definitely give their instagram page a look if you're wondering what current pieces they have in stock. read more

Clay Cafe Studios - Kids' pottery painting - Party & Event Planning Near Me - Falls Church, Virginia

See all

I decided to take my daughter and her friend here one day the week before school started. It seemed to have pretty good google reviews, and while a little further away from home than some other places, I decided to check it out due to the pictures on their site and the special they were running that date. We arrived maybe 12:30 in the afternoon and the place was jam packed. We had to wait about 5 minutes or so for a table, which was fine as we were looking at all the pieces to choose from. Fortunately we didn't have to wait long, as there was a short waiting list after we arrived. They had a two-for-one studio fee special that day, plus I think there were coupons from the library's summer reading program parents were trying to use before school started. Anyways, the staff was friendly, putting the supplies we needed on the table, pointing out where there were stencils we could use. The girls had fun (as did myself as I picked out a piece as well) and we were there about 90 minutes. When "checking out" we were told when to come back and pick up the piece and how to do it. I came back one week later and the owner or manager I think assisted me with finding our three pieces on the shelf. We chatted for a little bit and she was very friendly. We will definitely be coming back! My daughter has already requested that her birthday party be held there when that time comes. The studio fees are reasonable and the piece prices vary if you have a budget. They have lots of options to choose from, and I was told that the pieces vary from week to week based on what they receive from their supplier. Which is great if you plan on returning! The only recommendation I would have is that the pieces seem like they are sorted by style. It would be helpful if they were sorted by price, as they range from around $10 a piece to upwards of $50. I heard one parent come in asking about pieces between $10 and $15 and a staff assisted her going from shelf to shelf, but you could do that one your own as there is a label underneath each piece with the price. If they were grouped by price range, then you could just tell you kids to pick from one shelf and it would be much easier. read more

When I need to relax and just concentrate on something, I like to come here. Initially, I came here because I had a Groupon. I sat in a corner by myself for several hours meticulously painting a large pasta bowl. The place is tiny. Yet, it's always packed with wall-to-wall kids. Most parents do watch their offspring and don't allow them to dart about, annoying others and bumping tables (which is a KILLER if you are hand-painting a damask or paisley design -- yeah, I did that!). The ladies that work here are young. I think they mean well, but they always seem to be some sort of frustrated. Perhaps there's too much going on? If you come here, be a dear and clean up your paints. You know where you got them from. Put them back. It's a huge help. On the website, you'll find a very convenient coupon for $2 off the studio fee, which is normally $6 (for each person) . You can bring it up on your phone and show it to them. On average, with the coupon, I'd say one could spend around $25 here. It's a nice place to spend a Sunday afternoon, as long as you don't get easily irritated by kids. read more

I really liked this place! I wanted to give a unique gift and one of my friends who happens to be a kindergarten teacher recommed I have my kids make a gift, so this place seemed fitting. My experience was very different than Alvin B. who gave this place a 1 star. We walked in about 30 minutes before closing time. The gentleman reminded us that they were going to close in 30 minutes, however, he let us take our time and we left about 30 minutes after closing. He helped me pick the project gave us ideas as to what to do, and even helped with taking my kids foot/hand prints. He was also very encouraging towards my kids as well as patient. My 2 girls made a valentines gift for their father as well as their grandparent. When it was time to pay, the same gentleman complimented on how I let my kids decorate their pottery which ever way they wanted. Apparently, parents try and control how their children express their creativity. He mentioned that the pottery wouldn't be available for another 6 days. I explained to him how I need the pottery ready in 3 days, he said that that would be difficult, but he'll see what he could do. And to my surprise when I called Clay Cafe 3 days later, the pottery was Ready, just how I requested! I went to pick up the finished product & the same individual was there and even remembered my kids and asked how they were. I'm definately a fan of this place especially since the employee took such time w/my kids and was very considerate. read more

Great l'il paint your own pottery type place where you can let out your inner artist. So how it works is you pay for the studio time $6 (you can get a $2 off coupon at www.claywire.com) and then you pay for the cost of your pieces. You paint your piece, pay for it and then pick it up in a week. Standard selection of items of dishes, cups, bowls, statues, etc. You can aslo choose to do a glass mosaic instead. Make sure have about 2 hours to spare cuz it'll take you that long just to choose a piece and then paint! read more

This is a fantastic local businesses with a passionate owner... the setting is kinda stuck in the 90s for all of the best reasons. The owner is passionate and knowledgeable and a lot of fun to be around. I went on a Saturday morning with my mom who was from out of town. We had a nice table to ourselves most of the time and got to pick from unlimited paint colors and tools. It's a great spot for kids bday parties as well as they had a few of those come in while we were there. Overall - great spot to spend an afternoon with a friend! read more

I called to get information regarding booking a party and never got past a few words, with a woman named Jessie, who answered the call. She hung up on me after I asked for the owner by name. I had discovered the owner's name online after researching places to have a birthday party with friends. I was really put out by that so I called back to ask why she hung up on me and she said because she thought it was a spam call or something like that. I never got past asking for the owner and she thought it was a spam call...WOW!! That was the end of that for me.....checked that business right off my bday party list of inquiries!! I just hope the owner, Gayla, knows how Jessie works her phone! RUDE! read more

Cheapest "paint your own pottery" place I've found + they always have a monthly discount coupon on their website. Well, they did when I went a few years ago. It's really a lot of fun, even if you're not a kid, because you can just sit there for hours and be as creative as you want. They have all the tools you need - stamps, brushes, stencils, those spinny stand things to rotate your pottery as you're painting it. Just keep in mind, you don't make your pottery here, you paint pottery which has already been made. They have a pretty decent selection of things to paint, little figures, tiles, picture frames, plates and bowls.If you don't feel like painting, you can also make mosaics too. After you're finished, initial your pottery and come back in a week for it. I wish I were 6 again - they do birthday parties here too! I wonder if they'd let a 20-something-year-old have a birthday party here... read more

The boy and I brought our 10-year-old niece here the day after Thanksgiving. It's a small shop, but we arrived right around opening time so getting a seat wasn't a problem. It's a pretty simple process and the staff explain it all. Pick a piece of pottery, pick your paint colors and get going. Once you're done, you paint your initials somewhere on your piece, pay and leave it to be glazed and fired. You can pick it up in a week. It's $6 per person to cover the cost of paint and supplies along with the firing process. The cost of the pottery depends on which type of piece you choose. They have plates, bowls, mugs, banks, boxes and figurines. They also had ornaments, but I'm guessing that's seasonal. We had a fun time and my niece is thinking she'd like to do a birthday party here. read more

We had a fun time here. The selection of items was fantastic! So much so that we had trouble choosing what to do. The prices were reasonable but I wish I had read the other Yelp reviews first so I could've gotten the discount. I like that they have a seperate area for the parties. Still the place is on the small side and the staff can be busy when there is a party going on. I also loved the option of fused glass. Just beware that the glass takes 2 weeks whereas the pottery takes one week to get back. When we were there to paint there was a lovely woman working that explained things and was very helpful. The younger staff is nice but I really enjoyed being able to speak to someone with a lot of experience. read more

I love bringing my 3 year old to Clay Cafe - he has such a blast picking out what to paint, choosing his colors, making a great mess. And I love that someone else cleans up his painty mess :) The pieces are on the pricey side, but there are often specials on the website. I also totally disagree with the posts about rude staff -- I have had only lovely interactions with everyone who works there. read more

1. Overpriced 2. I agree with so many that have posted here that the staff is SO rude and unhelpful. I had a rather shocking experience. I called to double check to see if my child's pieces were ready and here was the response form Julie, "I don't know. There are 5 people standing in front of me. You can either call back or just drive over here". She said this with quite a bit of attitude. My tip: find another place to paint pottery. read more

Had a living social voucher for this place. I went on a sunday right before a kiddie bday party. I had a good time, it was a chill atmosphere and they had a ton of stuff to choose to paint. If you plan on going def call ahead to see if they have any kiddie parties going on. You prob won't want to deal with sharing the restrooms or knocking one of the kiddies over. I'll prob go back again, my martini glass was super cute and i had a good time. read more

Every time I'm back in Virginia, I love to head to Clay Cafe for a little R&R filled with creativity and good people. The small pottery shop has so many options of items to paint and Hannah, the manager, is always there to answer any questions should you be at a standstill of which to paint or how to paint it. She even took the time to help me with detailed writing on the teacup I painted! 10/10 will go again. read more

Love this place! The owner is extremely knowledgeable and friendly, the staff is helpful, prices are reasonable. Great place to spend an afternoon being "unplugged" and getting creative! Highly recommend. (I have been coming here with my family or by myself for over 10 years.) read more

The camp here is awesome. I just finished a week there and it was so much fun. The day is only from 11 to 3 and we still do at least three amazing art projects each day. The choices of pottery to paint are awesome and not overpriced. They have friendly staff and it is never to crowded. All in all, best camp of the summer so much fun. read more

They were very rude, an elderly woman wanted to sit down, but the boss lady said it was for paying painters only. It wasn't until she begged to get a chair and rest with her grand children until she was allowed to sit. As painters, instead of getting direction we got warnings and passive aggressive guidance from the boss lady. All of the other workers were very friendly, but since it was the boss that was treating everyone this way, the rating has to go down. read more

Very disappointed that I went to pick up the horse my four-year-old painted, and two bowls my daughter and her friend made. I was told they get too many items in to keep them if you don't come back immediately. No, sorry, no phone call, nothing. So if someone gets sick or has a family emergency, etc. and they want to surprise their kids with the items they painted but took too long to pick them up due to this, they get told the $92 worth of items their children painted were thrown out. Disappointing customer service...or lack there of. read more

This studio is a charming place to go with a family, for a girl's night out, or even for some alone time. The staff and manager are knowledgeable and helpful. They offer as much or as little guidance as I want. I am not a very artistic person, and I really appreciate the willingness of all of the staff members to suggest and demonstrate techniques and color combinations. I've always been impressed with the staff's ability to manage parties, while still providing attention to the walk-in customers. I've witnessed situations in which customers have behaved quite rudely, and am always in awe of every staff member's patience and diplomacy. Customer service is an art, and these folks are true artists in more ways than one! read more