I've came here few times with my family and loved each time! This place is so cute and cozy. All the staff are so friendly and welcoming. You don't have to an expert to take their group classes. It's all about having wonderful time with your loved ones! It's super easy to register for classes online. The sessions get booked quickly so register early. You have to register and pay color and glazing separately. It's no included in the first pottery session. There's a big parking lot which free across the street which makes it easy to get to. Absolutely recommend. read more

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Clay ground was a cool experience. I've never done pottery before so I thought I'd press my luck. Book in advance if you need to go on a specific day as they book quickly. I did the mud & merlot class. Interesting name as there was no merlot lol. I'm not sure if it's BYOB but no one was drinking which is fine because I don't drink myself. I'm not sure where one would place their bottle or glass anyway. Anywho, didn't care for the teacher. She rushed through explaining what to do. Thankfully there were assistants who helped the group as needed. So you do have to come back for a separate class to glaze your pottery. I'm not sure if that was explained in the initial booking. Parking is non existent in Ellicott city. Please plan your trip well. read more

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I had a great time at the one time Merlot and Mud class! I took ceramics in high school but could never successfully make anything on the wheel. I was prepared coming in for anything to happen, because the clay can have a mind of its own! I'm so excited to say that I made my first wheel piece! The class is very structured, which is great because they cover a lot of ground in one class. Our instructor Rachel gave great instructions. She broke everything down into specific steps, repeated the most important concepts, and knew what to tell us to lead to success. You could probably try everything by yourself, but there are some steps that need an extra hand from the instructors. On the other hand, you could have them help you with almost everything if you'd prefer. Be prepared though- in my class of 9 people, 3 people messed up the last step and ended up with nothing. Luckily they are prepared and will give you another piece to glaze later so you don't come away empty handed. I feel like I learned some skills, but this was mostly a great opportunity for me to make one piece and see if I'd like to try a pottery class in the future. It's a great course and the Clayground does an excellent job! read more

The ClayGround Studio and Gallery - The class's pieces - Arts & Crafts Near Me - Ellicott City, Maryland

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My friend and I took the Mud in Merlot class at Clay Ground Studio and it was such a fun experience! The small class size (about 10-12 people) allowed for plenty of hands-on guidance from the instructor, who explained everything well while letting us customize our pieces. We could make a vase, bowl, or mug--I made a bowl and my friend made a mug. The instructor helped us refine our shapes and even took photos and videos at a key point in the process, which was a nice touch. The class lasted about 1.5 to 2 hours and had a fun, relaxed atmosphere. The class was $55 and you can book a glazing session for an extra $10 after the class. I'd love to try their six-week course in the future! The studio is in a great area with lots of nearby restaurants, but parking can be tricky, so plan to arrive early. They allow a 15-minute grace period, but after that, you can't join. Overall, I'd highly recommend this class for anyone looking for a creative and enjoyable experience! read more

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I did the Mud and Merlot class here and it was awesome. I made a vase and can't wait to come back and glaze it. The teachers were all wonderful and very helpful. They wanted to ensure you got a good experience and so were willing to help anyway they can. I want to try a class next where you just mold the clay using different techniques to see how it would come out. read more

The ClayGround Studio and Gallery - Arts & Crafts Near Me - Ellicott City, Maryland

I enjoyed my experience at the Clayground Studio. The owners were kind and their furry helper was an added bonus. I did the pottery class. It is broken into two session. The first session you're making the item and the second one is catered towards glazing it. I took a day class, and it was very intimate. It was only myself and one other person. The instructor was very helpful and knowledgeable. When I came back to glaze it, the person that assisted me was helpful as well. Overall it was a great experience, and I would return. read more

Such a fun experience. We made an afternoon of it. Brunch at the nearby tavern, then strolling and window shopping along Main Street, ending with our pottery class. We had eight people in the class with one main instructor and a second one lending some help. Everyone had a great time. I don't even care how my cup turns out (we still have to return in 3 weeks to glaze it), the experience alone was worth the small cost. read more

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5/5. I took the Mud and Merlot class on a Saturday afternoon! The staff was very informative, personable, and helpful. They work with you every step of the way. They even take a few moments to take pictures of you and your group. I loved the experience and it was definitely something I can see myself coming back to do. During the class, you have the option to make a bowl, cup, or vase. You have to return in 3 weeks to 3 months to glaze your item. Overall, it was a great experience. Thank you Kayli and Mark! read more

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Well what can I say? THIS WAS SO FUN! I just may be an artist because my pottery came out wonderful. Our teachers personality was top tier she kept up entertained while teaching. I honestly forgot how much I paid but we were there for the mud and Merlot series. Too much Merlot not enough mud was happening in our corner . Park in Lot D and walk over. read more

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Such a fun way to spend a girls night! I came here with some fellow Yelp elites. Our group is always looking for fun creative things to do and this one was a winner. The fact that it's byob further enhances the experience. The staff is super friendly, and tells the best jokes. Also, they will not let you fail, Marah is a rockstar and I'm ashamed to say she practically made my cup. Some things to note is that parking is kind of a pain since technically you're not supposed to park behind the building. Also you'll have to wait 3 weeks to go back to get your pottery glazed read more

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I love love love this place! I may have found my new hobby! So my girls and I came here for my birthday, Mud&Merlot, My girls were running late; however, the staff was understanding and accommodating. The staff is very hands-on and helpful! They made this an enjoyable experience for me. Just note that this is BYOB, they do not provide the merlot but they do provide the mud lol. Also, this is a two-part class. So you schedule your glazing class a week or up to three months after taking the initial class. I can't wait to showcase my final product. read more

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I've always wanted to do a pottery class and last night I did! My girlfriend organized a "Mud and Merlot" class. The class was led by The talented Ashley Starace. She was assisted by Marra Ashley was super fun and down to earth. The studio is super intimate. A group of us received hands on guided instruction on how to make a household good from clay. I saw things from vases to Bowls. It was a 2 hour class, hands on guided class. Our ticket came with a ticket to come back to paint the pottery. I felt like I could of benefited from a slower paced class or a 101 Despite this, it was a lot of fun! I would come back on a date or a weekend. As a leftie, it was very creative and a great outlet. They don't serve food so eat before you go. It's perfect for dates, small groups, or to connect. It you haven't tried it, book that class. I took off a star because I was a little turned off when I entered a young guy seemed annoyed that I was late and asked for where the class was. They don't serve Merlot either. Also, there is no close parking. You have to go around the corner to Lot B to park. Which sucked in the rain! read more

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Service/selection/Value I was looking for an activity to do on our anniversary and thought about doing a pottery class. I found this location on Yelp and thought to myself, "it's a bit far, but why not". I went online and booked the class on their website which was super easy. They have quite a few class selections even 6 week classes and pottery wheel. We booked the clay class where we made mugs. Caleb and all the other instructors were amazing. Upon walking in you're greeted and escorted upstairs to the class. Everything was setup and the ey have coat racks for you to set you stuff on. Value: The value was $65 per person and well with it! The cost includes the 2nd part of the class where you return to glaze your piece. Also, this is located in little cute Ellicott city Maryland where right after, you can walk around and grab some food or shop. I would totally return read more

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What a great night of fun and creativity. Our daughter gave me an "experience" birthday present and is an anniversary "experience" to learn to "throw" a pot class at the ClayGround Studio in Olde Ellicott City (Main Street). We were greeted by enthusiastic staff, including a beautiful chocolate lab. When we entered the classroom we were greeted by Mark our instructor. He was humorous, helpful and a great teacher. His step by step instructions and assistance made everyone at ease and feel assured. When he asked us if we wanted to make a mug, a bowl or a vase, he said he could promise a great experience, but not always the outcome. The end results were a variety of custom, handmade clay masterpieces for everyone. Next step, drying and return for the glazing process in 3 weeks. We can't wait! read more

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Great experience! This was my first time with pottery. The instructors were knowledgeable and helpful for the sessions for molding and glazing. Well worth the price. Also there selection of items to buy is unique. Recommend this experience to anyone looking for something creative and interactive to do. Oh and don't forget your wine, you can drink during the molding and glazing sessions. read more

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Fun time with my husband. The teacher for the class was great. It was very easy to follow for the most part lol! I can't wait to go back and glaze it. Oh wait let me schedule that!!! read more

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The two older employees at the front counter were very rude. They interupted us when we spoke, belittled us, and were generally passive aggressive. It was very uncomfortable. I was appauled when the woman treated my friend very condescendingly, as if he was a child! It was as if they were trying to make us feel like we were inconveniencing them, simply for picking up our art pieces. I do not recommend going here, and we will not be returning. read more

Loved this class and would highly recommend to do with other people or even solo! It was my first time working with clay and I was nervous I was going to be stressed the whole time but they explained every step so clearly and it was very fun. You have to go back 2-3 weeks after for glazing and then wait 2 weeks later to pick up. It's a longer process but it's very worth it and I will definitely be taking another class, I made a bowl but I'd like to learn how to make a mug or vase read more

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Loved my experience here! This was my first time trying a pottery class and I had a lot of fun! The instructors were kind, helpful, & entertaining. I definitely don't think I would have been able to get to where I was without their help so I appreciate it a lot. I ended up making a small bowl and I can't wait to glaze it and see the finished product in a few weeks! read more

The owner was rude from the get-go and hovered in the classroom looking pointedly at my guests. It made it really uncomfortable experience. Additionally, the mud and Merlot is false advertising as they do not provide wine for the $55 per person fee charged. When I used too much water on my pot they refused to fire it. This place should not be in business. read more

Had such an amazing time at ClayGround!! I came with a group of 4 for "Mud and Merlot" (their intro pottery class). We realized when we got there that it was actually a BYOB class, which we probably could have figured by the name lol. Nonetheless, we loved this class! It was ~ 2 hours and we got to learn a good deal about the basics of pottery from start to finish. They give you a good little heap of clay to work with and help you throughout the process. You also get to come back in around a month to glaze and finish your piece to get it looking nice and pretty! Our instructor, Eric, was awesome! He was incredibly kind, humorous and very fun to work with, making the class all the more enjoyable. I would for sure recommend him. I can't wait to come back and finish my piece! read more

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This is a great place to get your hands wet and ready for molding. They offer introductory classes that you can join solo or with a group. My friends and I went to a Mud & Merlot class, which is BYOB. We didn't realize the BYOB part, but enjoyed the class nonetheless! The instructor was very knowledgeable of the craft. She led the class with a lot of humor, offering tips and suggestions to mold our various vessels. Each person that we met, from the owners to other staff, was very friendly and cracked a few jokes. Make sure you book your subsequent class as soon as possible, as the slots fill up faster than expected. read more

I literally can't wait to come back. I did mess up on my piece at the end and now have to go back to redeem ourselves. The instructors are patient and very helpful. read more

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Clayground is a must do activity for everyone, young and old, budding artists, accomplished artists, or those who are feeling a little creative. We celebrated the activity part of my daughter's 13-year old birthday party - a pottery class - at Clayground. We reserved several pottery wheels. The young ladies loved it! They had a tremendous time creating, laughing, and being kids. The instructors are warm and welcoming. They are enthusiastic, patient and provide great tips. Did I mention they're patient?! There some adults also taking classes and enjoying themselves as much as the party. My wife and 23-year old are going to return to take a class. The parents who attended our party plan to return as well. Clayground is located in a memorable setting in picturesque Elicott City. Make a day of it, be artistic, do some shopping, grab a drink or dinner. A perfect day! read more

The ClayGround Studio and Gallery - Clayground - Arts & Crafts Near Me - Ellicott City, Maryland

LOVE LOVE LOVED IT!!!! Highly recommended this place. Money very well spent. The instructors were equal parts helpful and hilarious. Location was perfect, tons of restaurants and other cool shops near by. Truly Mud and Merlot was an unequivocal hit with my boyfriend!!!! If you thinking of booking this for a date, or just to learn more about pottery stop thinking about it and DO IT NOW we will definitely be coming back! read more

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Me and my girlfriend had thee absolute best time!! Far better than I expected the studio is so cute and Mark was an amazing instructor and extremely helpful throughout the whole process. Can't wait to return for glazing! read more

The ClayGround Studio and Gallery - Arts & Crafts Near Me - Ellicott City, Maryland

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I love this place and I am so happy that I got an opportunity to do such a fun and unique thing. I came here two times so far and I would say that both times were so exciting. The instructors were so nice and helpful. They helped out whenever I had a question. They made it easier by breaking each step down by step by step. I would say that it was a lot easier the second time I made my pottery. You can bring your own drinks to pottery class. I can't wait to go back to glaze what I made and I have another class lined up! Such a fun experience and you should definitely give it a chance. read more

I came here with a groupon and had SO MUCH FUN! It was a BYOB pottery class, people were drinking, conversation was flowing, and there was so much laughter! The instructors were so personable and wanted to help you learn how to shape your piece and make it into whatever you wanted. The only reason that I didn't give this a full 5 stars is because it's a 3 pt engagement. First trip is making the pottery, then you come back to paint it, then you come back to pick it up. I don't see anyway around that but it's just up to you to remember to schedule the appointments for each of these visits. read more

The ClayGround Studio and Gallery - Arts & Crafts Near Me - Ellicott City, Maryland

I had an amazing time. The mosaics class was delightful. The owners are an adorable couple and they're so sweet. Extra points for being family-owned! Their customer service was great. The experience was very fun. They had plenty of options for objects to create on. I chose the picture frame. You don't even have to be naturally artistic to make something beautiful. It was my first time and it came out great. It was well worth the money. 10/10 experience! read more

The ClayGround Studio and Gallery - Mosaic Picture Frame - Arts & Crafts Near Me - Ellicott City, Maryland

I needed to cancel and reschedule my glazing appointment due to bad weather. I sent an email requesting to reschedule it as instructed in the email and received a reply back saying that by canceling I was putting others at a disadvantage. I enjoyed the first two experiences at this establishment but the interaction by email was not very pleasant. read more

We were scheduled for the Mud and Merlot class and had to reschedule twice due to things that came up and a rain storm and then we got 6 inches of snow and asked to reschedule because we couldn't drive out and the customer service team was rude, laughing when I stated who I was, saying the second time was your charm, cancelled our appointment, and then hung up. safe to say we won't make an appointment there when we were made to feel unwelcome and disliked. read more

I've been going here for years and have tried it all: fused glass, pottery wheel, hand building with clay and mosaics. The teachers share their expertise and guide you. It's always a good time and as they expand with more instructors it only gets better. A great vibe here, a good place to escape for a while. The owners are kind, funny and welcoming. read more

GREAT ART PIECES, JEWELRY, LAID BACK STUDIO CLASSES I bought a groupon for the pottery class which I used last Friday. There's plenty of parking lots on either side of the studio. The class accommodate 6 students. The instructor was pretty cool and she gave us instructions first then helped each of us for the whole process. Since it was my first time, I find her approach very helping. I have to go back to finish t and paint the piece and then to collect it but I loved my piece. The gallery itself is pretty cool with beautiful art pieces and pretty jewelry and they offer you discount with the class. Make sure to book class well in advance (like a month or so ) because the slots fill up pretty fast!!! read more

The ClayGround Studio and Gallery - Arts & Crafts Near Me - Ellicott City, Maryland

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This is a really awesome place to have a date night! I loved how well the staff interacted with their customers. They made jokes when we checked in (which allowed us to feel more at ease with the whole experience) and offered free coffee (if you want something else to drink, you will have to pay out of pocket, but it's not expensive). We went to the Mud and Merlot session where you could pretty much make anything you wanted (cup, bowl, vase etc). Our instructor was very down to earth, skilled and explained each part of the process throughly. Once you finish your clay mold, you will need to schedule to glaze it (anywhere after 3 weeks). The glazing process is also covered in what you pay for so no worries on extra cost to finish it. When we left, I had forgotten my bracelets at my station and they were nice enough to call me to let me know. I HIGHLY recommend this place to anyone who would either like to go on a date night or to try something new for the first time. It can be a little tricky to find Parking but you can park in parking lot D or B and walk to it. They will tow your car if you park somewhere you shouldn't. There are also A LOT of shops and stores around to check out. Shout out to the instructor that did mud and merlot on 12/28 from 3-5PM. Note: even though it says mud and merlot, there isn't actually wine. You can however bring your own bottle. Check out their website read more

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Do not recommend you patron this business. They notified us after the 48 hour cancellation window that parking was going to be an issue due to spring fest. I requested that we get a credit so we could come another time as my friend and I did not want to deal with crowds and parking issues (the lot was going to be closed). The gentleman not only refused to provide a credit (again they notified us outside of the 48 hour window) but was extremely rude and unprofessional. We will take a loss and they seem to be ok with not gaining our business. read more

The overall glazing part of the experience was good, and the staff instructing the class were very kind and helpful. But the three older people at the front desk (2 males and 1 female) were very rude. They were not welcoming and made fun of me. I said that they misheard and they continued to laugh at me and mock me. I was so shocked how they were openly making fun of a paying customer. I would not recommend this place based off the mistreatment. read more

This was the perfect date night location for our group of 4. We went for the pottery class. From the moment we walked in we were greeted and shown to our area. They were very punctual and everything went well. I appreciated our instructor who helped us when needed and for me it was often. If I were local I would come more often. However, I plan on bringing my son because he enjoys making pottery. read more

The glass fusion "instructor " left very much to be desired. She sped through instructions, and I do mean sped, then left us saying she was a mother bird pushing her children out of the nest to fly. By the end of our time she reappeared and silently began taking our works or art; no comments or compliments. When I asked what came next, she thrust a piece of paper at me saying she had already told us (2 hours earlier). When I thanked her for all her help and guidance, and for taking our infused glass tiles to the kiln, she responded that, yes, this was what her master's degree was for. Either a really bad day for her or she really hates her job. Either way, she made me really not want to return. read more

Went to a mud & Merlot class, I really liked it. The man at the front desk was able to squeeze me in even when the class was sold out, and I think that was pretty cool of him. The class instructors were very funny & informative, and was definitely a memorable experience for my friend and me. The vibe is very peaceful and the pottery studio has the most gorgeous windows that let in natural light and has a nice view of the woods behind the building. I'd definitely recommend it to anyone who wants to dabble in pottery or just wants to try something new with friends or family. NOTE: MUD & MERLOT IS BYOB! read more

The ClayGround Studio and Gallery - Clay and pottery wheel at start of class. - Arts & Crafts Near Me - Ellicott City, Maryland

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This place is a great experience to do when you want to try out something new with your SO or with your friends this is a nice small intimate setting for good vibes! Only down side is that you have to come back in 3 weeks for glazing and then another 3 weeks for it to dry and pick up. Definitely a great experience to do when you live nearby. read more