The concept goes by a lot of names in a lot of different cities, but a popular store for clay-pottery decoration in the LA area is Color Me Mine. Every year ATPS at USC has a great Color Me Mine event on the 'SC campus where the Beverly Hills location employees bring out plates, mugs, bowls, and a large color palate for us to select our color scheme from. It is always a lot of fun, and my theme this year was Texas! But I digress. A year ago, I went with SWE USC to the Pasadena location in a joint event with SWE Cal-Tech. The event was a lot of fun, and the cute store was in walking distance of Cal-Tech, just inside downtown Pasadena (which is already altogether much cleaner looking than LA). The store hosts were very nice and helpful, even though we had a very large group, and the clay figure selection was varied and numerous. I ended up choosing a cute little piggy sprawled out on its side which I though was a very unique design and there was only one copy of. I had a great time overall, and the fired figure was delivered to me in a timely manner in mint condition--it looked great! Note that certain figures are very inexpensive, and others are more pricey, but they are all adorable or fun, and the amount you want to spend is completely up to you. I don't know what they sitting fee is though, as we did not have to pay for it. read more

It's a bit pricey but if you don't do it often, then it's worth it. If you make a day's activity out of it like I would, then sure. It's $10 to use their paint supplies and that includes firing up the finished ceramic piece that you paint. The real costs come in purchasing the actual item that you are going to paint. When I went here, I chose the coaster set, figuring I would get more paint for my buck with there being four coaster and a container to paint. I'm not too creative, but I had fun drawing and painting my favorite animals and using my favorite colors. Felt like a kid again. They do have a wide selection of things you can paint, for useful stuff like dishes and bowls to stuff that would be good as a paperweight, yet still sentimental in its own special way because you had a part in making it come alive in color. The only sucky part is that you actually have to wait a couple of days for them to be able to fire and glaze up your creation, so it sucks to have to make two trips, especially if it's out of the way for you. I did call the store before and asked whether I could bring my own ceramics, and they said we could, but that they couldn't guarantee their method of firing would set it because it was not for certain whether or not our ceramics that we could bring in would work, plus, I actually had trouble finding anything out there that could have been used, so I just stuck with the choices at the store. Fun activity for kids, I'm sure. read more

I went to Color Me Mine for a meeting/painting party and it was so much fun! The staff were very helpful and attentive to our group. It was very relaxing to paint with friends and be creative together! Great for groups and parties. read more

Nice place but expensive ! Studio fees: $6/kid, $10/adult plus the price of the object you want to paint ... One of the girls working there was rude and ignore us to avoid helping the mess ! In total I paid $104 for 3 kids for 2 hours ... read more

Spent a few hours here this afternoon and kudos to the owner and staff for making this an inviting and cozy place to work on great creations.! Have been to many similar locations in various counties. This one is tops and I will come back soon and bring family and friends. If I owned a shop I would treat customers with the same courtesy and kind manners that we experienced today. No wonder so many tables were full! Thank you. read more

Came to color me mine with the girls to make some cute stuff for our house . this place is always peaceful and clean and very nice people here to help you get started . read more

I went here with my girlfriend and it was very fun! I was a little disappointed with the selection of items to paint at first, but we finally settled on a pair of cute turtles. We apparently came at a great time because we were the only ones in there for a while, although it was still sometimes hard to waive down the workers to get more paints. Overall, I'd say it's a really fun place to go, especially if you have time to stay for a while. read more

Took my kids on a Saturday afternoon. If I'd known about reservations I would have made one. Thankfully we were able to get a table. The staff were very helpful but the place got very busy and it was difficult to get their attention after that. There's a huge selection of items to choose from and lots of fun for the kids. read more

What can I say, I love Color me Mine. However this location is AWFUL! Their customer service is atrocious. 1st Attempt: Called a day in advance to see if I could bring in a friend for her birthday. They told me that it shouldn't be a problem and to go ahead and come in. I had a whole day of girly things planned for the date and we show up. The location was closed for a private party for two children. They indicated that they had no room for us to paint, and that the parties were on the calendar for weeks. If they had notified me of this, I would have made sure to go to one of the other locations in Montrose, or Studio City. So this day I had planned for my friend all around the pasadena area was glitched. My friend was so understanding and took it in stride. 2nd Attempt: Did a do over of girls night to paint. Same friend and I came in about a month later to paint. They have a great selection of items to paint. However, the girls that were working were aloof once again. They weren't attentive to us at all. We were pretty much left on our own. Children were running all over the place knocking things down bumping into people painting, and yet the employees did or said nothing about it. When we completed our painting, we were told we would receive a phone in about a week for pick up. We waited two weeks with no phone call, and had to call them. When they finally picked up their phone I was told that someone spoke to me over a week ago and notified me that the items were ready. No such phone call was ever received or conversation took place. They couldn't even tell me who made the phone call. They just said someone with the initial "AM" made the call. Avoid this location if you can. There are other locations that are willing to serve their customers and provide great customer service. I am so disappointed with this location. Save yourself the trouble and aggravation of going here. read more

4 stars for the sweet and helpful staff. They patiently answered my questions as my GF laughed at me for "cheating." LOL I would go here more often but is is not cheap. What was a "date" night ended up totaling more than $65 plus we gave them a $10 tip for their helpfulness! Overall super fun and gratifying! read more

My daughter and I come to this color me mine often. It feels good to the soul to put paint on something... I especially love the holey bowlies... they are ramen bowls with a hole in the design for the chop sticks to rest on. The girls are always as helpful. There is a 90 min free parking lot directly across the street if you can paint your project in that short of time. Otherwise it maxes out at $6 for the day if you want to go have lunch somewhere nearby... plenty of excellent food to choose from. read more

Great place for a night out and some creativity, can't wait to go in soon after walking through and hearing about the upcoming events and deals going on! Awesome options for what to make and nice vibe for kids and adults read more

The main reason I hadn't been to a Color Me Mine before is because I thought it would be really expensive. Surprisingly, it's not bad. There's a $10 studio fee and then you just pay for whatever you choose to paint. Everything is still marked up, but there are many cheaper pieces to work with. The weekends get crazy (with kids!) and are always booked out. On a weekday, it's super empty and it's pretty fun to sit for a bit and be creative, even if you're not typically a very creative person. I'd definitely recommend this as a fun activity for kids or a fun thing to do with friends. read more

I go to Color Me Mine a lot because my daughter works there, but also because I love it. I took a couple of friends with me last Friday and they also loved it. It's also a good place to forget your problems because you totally concentrate on what you are doing AND have fun at the same time. The girls are all very attentive and helpful. I would recommend it to anyone for a date, hanging out with friends or with your kids. read more

My friend and I decided to do some last minute crafting before Christmas and we decided on a whim to go to Color Me Mine in Pasadena. we went on a Wednesday an brought cans for the food bank and we got free lab fees for the day! The items they have to paint are pretty cool. The staff were so nice and helpful. We had a blast painting our designs. We will be back to paint more soon. read more

This is a good activity to do with kids, but a few caveats: 1) Plan on spending a few hours or more here. It takes a while to paint items multiple coats. 2) Prices are not cheap. We bought 3 coffee cups and the total (1 child / 2 adult painters) was $90. read more

I love this place!! Its so much fun painting and it is something different to do. I wish they were open until later :/ but this is the only location thats closest to me and is open until 9. Our pieces were ready earlier than they told us it would be. The staff are also really nice. I will be going back :) read more

I had a communication mix up with someone else picking up my finished products and Katie was so sweet and helpful. Thank you Katie for dealing with the crazy confusion read more

We had the worst experience at this place. Came in with my 2 boys for the first time, the guy who greeted us looked like he got irritated that we came it, spoke with an attitude. Sat at the table he rushed thur the instructions and every question was answered with an attitude. Ph boy and when we needed more paint that's was a whole different disaster. The other work female was worst than then guy. No hi no nothing short answers rolling of the eyes. Told us how much time we have about 10 times. Rushed us thru the whole process. When asked why because we dont have reservations and they put us at the table that was reserved for someone so they were rushing which made our experience a complete disaster. Mind u there were plenty of empty tables that they could of sat us. At the check out attitude and just plain rude. These people shouldn't work where children go to learn and have fun. If they had a bad day then they should of failed thier good mood pr stayed home. Never again are we going to this location. Management should really look into their employees and reevaluate them. Shame my boys had the worst experience ever. read more

Went to color me mine for a fun day with my friends, and it was wonderful! The staff was friendly and helpful when it came to getting us set up with our paint. Clara went out of her way to find me a nice bowl to paint, and pointed out the fine tip squeeze bottles and sponges for adding cute details! Will definitely be back!! read more

Fun for our kids, ages 5 to 13. Quiet on weekdays. It's a great way to spend a few hoursand the kids love having a cup or piggy bank that they made. read more

I have so much fun in this place, I love just painting my cup or bowl with my ceramic buddy. when im super stressed I want to come here, its art therapy :-) plus it helps when theres a starbucks down the block, so I can be there for a really long time. read more

My children had a blast! The atmosphere was kewl all around. The staff was extra helpful during most of experimenting. Our mothers day projects came out better than I planned and my family was happier than ever with the great options. I'd definetly recommend. read more

A great place to unwind and spend some quality time with family and friends! My friends and I paid a dollar entrance fee and had a blast choosing and coloring various ceramics. It's very therapeutic. Every first Friday of each month they have live music and people are welcome to bring their own bob (wine, beer, and etc) and snacks. One of my favorite places in Pasadena!!! read more

Very unique experience with the live performance and ceramics. Would recommend for family or small groups

Have you heard - Color Me Mine Pasadena has new owners and a new location! The place looks fabulous and the staff is so friendly and helpful. Absolutely check this place out and get in touch with your creative side! read more

I just had a first date here and I had a great time. It was the perfect place to have fun and bond with someone. It was so fun to be able to do this with someone. What an ice breaker. Highly recommend to anyone!! Especially for a first date! Try to paint the dog. read more

We've always had a great time here, but I can't express enough how wonderful the team at Color Me Mine was for our daughter's birthday party. Katie and Cece primarily assisted during the party, and they made it SO easy and fun for everyone. We were so happy with the service received at this location for our daughter and her friends! read more

Really good place to try out if you're ever in the old town area. Great customer service as well.

This place is super cute! To be honest I geeked out at the amount of ceramics here. I settled on a heart box I could use for jewelry. Basics - You pay for the ceramic piece and the studio fee, get your piece back in a week after they've fired it in the kiln. Service was good, the manager there was the only one working but he helped me trace a complex design on my box with some kind of fancy transfer paper. Saved me an hour of work. Will definitely go back! I have five more different ideas lined up. I suggest checking their weekly specials and discounts because it does get pricey. Mondays and Tuesdays are good for half off deals. read more

This place has no understanding or concern for children's hard work!!!! I didn't want my first Yelp review to be a negative one, but what happened at Color Me Mine Pasadena is unforgivable. I would have given the place a zero if I could. First, we had made an appointment the previous day, but when we arrived the reservation was not there, but there was a table available for us. My younger child who is 4 years old chose a knob to paint and worked on it for a good part of the hour. When I went to pay, I was told that we needed to have a set of four knobs and couldn't purchase only one. My only option was to get 3 more knobs and come back to paint them another time. There was not a sign anywhere indicating that 4 needed to be purchased and none of the knobs matched. There were not 4 matching knobs. I explained to the worker that there were not 4 knobs that matched. She explained I would not be charged for the knob, only the mug that my other child painted. I understood that to mean I wouldn't be charged, but would still get it since there were no knobs that matched it. I went on to complete my purchase and before I walked out of the store asked to confirm about the knob. The worker said I am only getting the mug. The knob had been cleaned, meaning the work that my 4 year old had done was GONE! This was less than a minute later! Needless to say, my child and I were very upset that the work was gone, and there was no way it could be remedied. The knob was meant to be a birthday present. The owner came out to talk to me after I had requested to see her. Her explanation to me is that if I were at a restaurant and returned my French fries they would be put in the trash. I called back while I was driving home since my child was still distraught and my older child was worried that the other project we had paid for would also be washed away. I explained that I was not satisfied with the fact that the knob had been taken away so quickly and I was not given the option of purchasing only one knob considering that none of the knobs matched. Also, I requested that they value a child's work at least until the family had walked out of the door. If I would have realized that the knob was going to be washed, I might have purchase the set. If the owner would have been more compromising, she may have had my business for years to come, including birthday parties and other events. But being unwilling to compromise on a few dollars has now cost her thousands! read more

It's a fun activity at the beginning but gets tiring and tedious. The glaze comes out really ugly and it's pretty expensive for the outcome. Maybe I just have really high expectations as I have experience in ceramics. Definitely not worth it in my book. read more

I don't see where all these bad reviews are coming from. My recent trip to Color Me Mine was nothing short of perfect! First of all, I love the location. it's on the corner of Fair Oaks and Green so you have plenty of people watching from your seat in the studio. The two girls working on Tuesday were amazing. Both were ultra friendly and extremely helpful in helping us with ideas and any questions we had. They even offered us fresh oranges and chocolates! The studio offers a plethora of options for you to paint; everything from a common coffee cup and saucer to a pretty large garden gnome. Guy, girl, old, young; there's something for everyone to enjoy. I don't know if this was just the case because the two girls working were awesome, but the play list they had on throughout the store was so kick ass. They played everything from Jack Johnson to Radiohead. I found myself singing along with every song while I painted my giant coffee mug! I will definitely come back here whenever I'm feeling crafty. Color Me Mine offers a great experience that will leave you with a smile on your face! read more

My best friend and I went a couple weeks ago to celebrate my birthday. We do this every single year as a gift to each other, and it has become a great tradition. This is a day that we had been planning for over a month. This particular location we had been to once before, a couple days after it initially opened. The experience at the time was good, nothing to complain about. This last trip, however, was extremely disappointing and frustrating. We walked inside the store and chose our pieces. We picked out the same piece - a crock at a price of $38 bucks a piece. We sat down and started painting. It was mid afternoon when we arrived, about 3 pm. We had brought lunch with us, and were excited to leisurely enjoy the remainder of our evening painting our pieces. An hr and 45 mins later, two of the girls working at the store came up to us at our table. One of the girls said to us "you have 15 mins left to paint, we are going to start cleaning up and have you guys pack up your stuff for the evening because we are closing up the store for an event tonight at 8." What!? We were so confused. She (not sure if her name was Allison or Kelly - she has short dark brown hair) continued on by saying repeatedly "no worries, no worries, you can always come back later and we won't recharge you." We hadn't even had a chance to speak yet. Mind you, this is at 4:45 pm. Their posted hours on the door and online reflect that they were open until 9 pm. They did have a chalkboard sign in the front indicating that they were having a Halloween paint party that evening, but never were we told that they would be closing at 5 for this event. In addition, the sign did not state that the event was reservation only and that regular patrons would not be able to participate. We just stared at the girl in shock for a couple seconds or so. At first we thought the girl was joking with us because we had no indication that the store was closing. I said to her that I didn't understand, that if the event didn't start until 3 hrs later, why we would have to leave now. I offered to move to another table if they needed to clear an area for the event. We explained that it was already difficult for us to schedule this outing, as we had already waited a month and we both have tight work schedules. They went away for a couple mins, and I found out after that they called the owner to see if we could stay longer. She approved us staying until 5:50. What a nice lady...right... Before we left I asked one of the girls if we could get a discount of some sort for having to return at another time, and she again scurried away to talk to her friend and call the owner. She said we could have 5 bucks off our studio fees. It didn't cover the gas to get there and the parking structure charge, but it was better than nothing. On a side note, the two working the store at the time were incapable of handling any issues themselves. They hid behind their counter, crouching low, and talked about my friend and I the entire time we painted. Their counter was only 4 feet away from our table. We could hear everything you said, girls. Real nice customer service. So we packed up our stuff and left for the day. We were lucky enough to be able to return the next morning to finish. When we arrived, both girls that had been working the previous day were gone. What a relief! The atmosphere was completely different. We were nearing the tail-end of our project when I got up to use the restroom. When I returned to the table, my friend told me that one of the girls had given her a heads up that they would be closing in two hours for an event. Still, no sign on the door. At that time, however, we were nearly finished and she had the decency to give us ample time to finish. I was pretty peeved though, that any additional customers that walked through the door to paint were not informed of their short time to paint. Not a single person was told that they closed early - even when they arrived half an hr prior to "closing time." Before we left one of the two girls that had been working the day prior showed up for her shift. This girl - I forget her name - she did not have short hair and was wearing a red ribbon tied around her ponytail. She recognized us and in the snottiest fake voice said "oh you two made it back to finish! How exciting!" Lovely staff. A week later I called in to make sure our pieces were done. I spoke on the phone with the short haired girl I had dealt with the first day. She reminded me at the end of the phone call that their hours were until 9 pm that day. I didn't say or do anything because I knew that they still had our pieces at the store. After 38 bucks each for two pieces, and a studio fee that was another 10 dollars, I really didn't want to risk our pieces being broken. Thankfully, they weren't. There was a sweet girl that wore a little darker eye makeup. She was very nice to me when I went to pick up the pieces. Refreshing contrast from her peers. read more

friendly staff. pretty attentive. daughter enjoyed herself. but DOUBLE CHECK the prices because i just spent $42 on a bowl that i could have sworn was $22 and they had no other similar bowl in the store to verify the price. and the on line promo says "half off studio fees" on Tuesdays so i was under the impression that all fees; adult & child were 1/2 off but only the adult fee was reduced. so $60 & one and a half hours later #BAM - next time we paint at home LOL read more

Its a fun place for dates, catch up, and much more. The problem is that its $10 for ENTRANCE FEE. that ONLY includes the TOOLS and PAINT. Its EXTRA for the ceramics, DEPENDING ON WHICH YOU PICK. Its definately nice place to take your date though, not saving on cash though. They ship the ceramics for $20 but if you come back and get it, it is Free. read more

Color Me Mine is under new ownership and is absolutely FABULOUS - definitely worth checking out! The owners are extremely customer oriented and staff is wonderful. They bend over backwords to make the experience one that will be truely worth your visit! read more

Was very apprehensive about coming here due to the previous reviews. Came here with some friends, low and behold I come to find out that there are NEW OWNERS running the show here. Service was amazing and the place had a feel good vibe. Had to wait about 30 minutes to get a table because it was full, but boy was it worth it. The lady who helped me was JILL. I highly recommend her. Helped me and my friends paint some masterpieces haha. Very sweet and very cute might i add! All in all it was a great experience and I will definitely be coming back!! P,S, DONT LET THE EARLIER REVIEWS SCARE YOU OFF!!!! read more

My 6 year old daughter and I had fun spending 2 hours there painting the pieces we chose. It's a bit pricy for all the pieces but we had a good time! read more

This is a chain, so they're all fine, I'm sure. Did Ceramics in college and these guys know their stuff despite being sorely underpaid. But I go back because of the super-cool staff. read more