Obsessed with the pottery class I took today! So much fun, our instructor was the perfect amount of chatty to ensure it wasn't awkward or slow. Great directions and we made two pieces each. Such a fun day activity or date outing. I really have to say I think that the hands on part of a great teacher and great studio made it so memorable. Can't wait to see our pieces fired up soon! read more

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Lots of fun. Lots of ceramic options. Fun for all ages. The staff are helpful. The Cafe is clean.

First time trying throw wheel and it was a lot of fun! Oliver was a great teacher and I'm so happy with how my pieces turned out! read more

Clay Cafe - Summer Camps Near Me - Chantilly, Virginia

Very friendly staff. We did the pottery painting. Lots of items to choose from. Will go back again to try making our own pottery. They are very clean and organized. Love this place! read more

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We had such a good time, it was super busy but they put us on a waitlist and we got in pretty quickly. Everyone was so nice and they were very accommodating of my wheelchair. We're gonna come back to paint again when we pick up our pieces! read more

Love bringing my daughter here to paint . Prices are fair and they clean up after your session which is great. read more

Clay Cafe - Summer Camps Near Me - Chantilly, Virginia

I came here for the wheel class after purchasing a Groupon. It wasn't terrible, but I also wasn't very impressed. The set up is poor. It's 4 wheels crammed into a tiny little back corner and does not allow for social distancing. A person I've never met before was sitting like a foot away from me, and there was no way to create any space between us. I feel like they should limit this class to one party at a time if they cannot distance people--which they can't. The girl "teaching" the class was very young and provided little instruction. She seemed really confused when any questions were asked and just jumped in to do something herself on the "students" wheels, rather than explain how to do it. My first piece came out terrible because she would provide instructions halfway and the piece would be ruined by the time she gave the next step. My second piece came out okay, but it was mostly just because I followed what Ive seen in YouTube videos instead of waiting for instructions from the "instructor". I was supposed to receive a call after two weeks about my pieces and still haven't heard back. I tried calling and left a message the other day but no one has returned my call. Because of the Groupon, the price was decent and I think it was cool to try wheel pottery, but I feel like there has to be a better studio out there. read more

Clay Cafe - Wheel class - Summer Camps Near Me - Chantilly, Virginia

Clay Cafe is nestled in a plaza, located off of 50 and Airline Parkway. They offer a variety of paint-your-own pottery options, including canvas and art classes, camps, a space to hold special events (like birthdays), and even after school programs! The Cafe is very inviting when you step in - you wouldn't know it by its exterior! It's very cozy, and there are plenty of tables that are spread apart with room to move around. I loved the variety and the options you have of the pottery that line the shelves. The staff here are also very kind, welcoming, and very friendly, and they are always willing to answer any questions and/or provide assistance! The convenience of making online reservations for busy families is super, and you won't have any trouble finding parking in the shared plaza lot. Check this gem of a place out! +great selection of pottery +amazing options for classes and after-school programs +friendly and kind staff! +plenty of parking in plaza lot read more

I bought a Groupon for the clay wheel class, it has been something I have wanted to try forever! It was a great class. I was there with 3 other learners and our instructor, Amber. She was great. Amber walked us through the process and then had us do two pieces on our own! She was extremely knowledgeable, funny and over a great instructor. I had a great time and cannot wait to go back to paint my pieces and hopefully play with class somemk read more

Clay Cafe - Summer Camps Near Me - Chantilly, Virginia

This is place is delightful. It is clearly though run by artists, so I wouldn't expect a master class on pottery coming in. It's just a pretty chill place. I was gifted a Groupon to a wheel class. The instructor was a young person who was really kind. They provided an overview first, and then helped us through our processes. I ruined my first attempt. But got to try again and ended up making two pieces. It was an awesome date night option or even just a cool place to bring a friend. I plan on returning with my sibling for the class again. It's $8 to return and paint them. And then l will have to come back to pick them up I anticipate that this will mean I don't have my pieces for a month at least. Sure that's mildly inconvenient, but there really is no way around it and I expected that going in. read more

We just had a 'class' here and i would not recommend it. It was awkwardly quiet when we walked in, no Music or anything and instructor spent most of the time telling us we were doing something wrong without explaining how to do it right. Ended up leaving with nothing. I get she was young but the constant muddle school innuendo jones were getting old by the end of it and at 100$ and nothing for me to show for it it felt extreeemely awkward that she stood over and explained that we can go ahead and leave the tip before swiping the card. My husband ended up with a bowl out of it but we won't be back. 1/5 maaaaybe. I don't know if this was an off day or the norm, but save your money and skip the pottery wheel classes. read more

We came less than an hour before closing so there was no one.The girl working there was so nice and showed us everything and helped us get all set before she went over to give a pottery lesson. But many of the pottery is reasonably price and they have so many options and colors . This plate was 11.99 w the fees and tax my total came out to 24 dollars. Definitely recommend going w friends and family will be returning :) read more

Clay Cafe - Small Plate ~ $11.99 - Summer Camps Near Me - Chantilly, Virginia

Zero for poor quality and poor customer service Pinholes in my daughter's cup. Lady said there's nothing wrong with it, it's cosmetic. If they cannot make our cup cosmetically nice, there's no reason to return. Poor technique in their glazing. Been to many places and my ceramics never looked like this. read more

Clay Cafe - Poor quality. Poor technique. Pin holes from glazing the ceramic - Summer Camps Near Me - Chantilly, Virginia

Came in with my boyfriend for the first time. The instructors were friendly and had some quirky personalities. We shared the class with a father and daughter (honestly made the class 10x cuter). Canvas classes are definitely geared toward kids though. Regardless, we had a pleasant time and rediscovered our artistic abilities. read more

Clay Cafe - Moon and trees - Summer Camps Near Me - Chantilly, Virginia

Affordable prices, friendly service. You can bring in your own pieces to paint as well!

We went to use the pottery wheel through a Groupon. The teacher was nice, helpful and knowledgeable. The downside is that you leave your piece there to be fired and there is no real way to glaze it. We received our fired pieces later- that were not glazed and brought them home. The "class" was good. Two of us signed up and there were two other people there and only 3 wheels. We shared and it worked out. read more

During these difficult times it has been really challenging trying to find things for my mini ( 6 yro) and I to do . We happened to see Clay Cafe one day and decided to look into it . We called and discovered they were open and welcoming people to come in and make/ paint pottery pieces . We went at 4 pm on a weeknight . Everyone is required to wear masks , but given we were the only clients at this time there was no real worry . They offer a wide range of clay pottery sculptures at various price points. Then you pick out your colors , sit at a table that is fully stacked with all the paint supplies and get to creating your masterpiece . My daughter decided she wanted to do a plate with her handprint on it! This allowed her to create and paint it on her own! I helped which made it even more fun ! She was so proud and can't wait to give her masterpieces away to our family and loved ones! When done they take your masterpiece And describe to you the process. They put it in a kiln which hardens it and makes it super shiny . When done they call you back to come get it ( which can take a few days ). The price is 8 dollars to paint and they have sculptures ranging from 5-50 dollars . It's a little on the pricey side but the time spent being creative together, not having to clean up the mess and having a unique handmade masterpiece to give as a present makes it well worth the investment ! Highly recommend for everyone of all ages! read more

Clay Cafe - My little Picasso painting a snowman - Summer Camps Near Me - Chantilly, Virginia

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Fun place to take my daughter on a Sunday morning. It's $8 for paint and supplies + the piece of pottery you choose to paint. The lady there was friendly and explained everything, she also wiped down the tables. The only downside is that although they have restrooms, they don't have a changing pad or space to change toddlers. read more

Came here to paint pottery, hoping to find something similar to "Color Me Mine". When we arrived, we were given a table to sit at but absolutely no instructions from any of the workers. We had to ask for more brushes, a cup for water, and majority of the glaze bottles were basically empty. The staff was very low energy and not friendly. When we asked questions, such as "are we supposed to do a coat of water first?" or "do we have to use white glaze if we are leaving a portion blank?", we were met with very little help. There was also a very limited selection of pieces to paint. Not what we were hoping to experience when coming here. read more

Amazing place, my friends and I had a pottery class and it was outstanding! The instructor was very helpful, she went far and beyond explaining and making sure we comfortable with what we were doing! Very happy we visited and we definitely will come back to paint our pieces of art and perhaps take another class. read more

Extremely rude staff. They promote their classes on Groupon and then dont have any slots for months. When asked, I got a response saying that " Go ahead and cancel it". Super unprofessional. Would suggest to stay away from them! read more

I do not live that close to this studio so I did not know about it until someone give my 6 years old daughter a gift cert. To try it out. It is a great quiet place to paint and talk. We went on Sunday for the best studio fee rate ($15 for 4 people: normally $7:50) The cost for each piece of pottery is kinda costly. But after the initial sticker shock I now buy a Groupon and enjoy the time connecting with friends and family. My daughter and I really enjoyed our experience. We even came back 5 more times since. It is addictive. Plan a minimum of 2 hours. The people who works there give you 5 minutes of intructions and they leave you to do your thing. I just called them when we are done to pay for the items. The studio then glazed and fire the ceramic pieces. They will call or email you onced it is done. Then you go to pick it up. I have used my pieces to eat / drink. Microwave it. Used in dishwasher top rack. I did noticed paint and glazed chipping off. I think it would last longer if hand wash and hand dry the pieces. Or better yet do a piece for display. Highly recommended if you have 2 hrs to kill and want to reconnect with a friend / family. read more

The service here is terrible. If you have painted pottery before and want zero assistance, this would work for you. You just have to figure it out yourself, figure out where the paints are, etc., while staff watch you from behind the counter. If you have never painted before, don't come here. read more

We went today (Sept 16) and we got there at 11 am. Come to find they didn't open on time. We waited for 25 minutes, and still no employee showed up. There was also about four other families waiting to go in. This was a huge disappointment because it was a day off for the kids, but we couldn't do pottery like we planned. If the website and google maps says you open at 11 am... open on time. I don't think I will be coming back because it is a little unprofessional. read more

Great place. We go there at least three times a year for our kids birthday hand prints. And even had a birthday party here. Try it out and u will love it. read more

My little sister and I stopped into Clay Cafe Studios on a weekday evening and we actually had a pretty good experience. We were immediately greeted upon entering and a kind, young female employee showed us what to do. We picked out 1 piece each to paint and grabbed the paints we needed. The studio was clean, and the employees (all young adults) were helpful but, quiet. Don't expect bubbly personalities from the employees. They pretty much left us alone to create our masterpieces. The young lady who checked us out was pretty friendly and told us to come back on Tuesdays when the Studio fees are 1/2 off ($3 a person). My little sister and I had a pretty good time here and we would definitely be back in the near future. read more

The owner responded to my post about the crapy attitude of the employee. Super impressed by this. Updating to 5 stars for this attention from the owner. read more

Extremely helpful staff who sat with us and helped us pick colors, textures, and designs. Loved the experience! Easy, relatively clean/neat, and fun! Went a second time and had a relatively unhelpful employee, but he left and the helpful employee we had in our previous visit arrived. I guess it is hit or miss. read more

I had not been here since the relocation period. I got a great deal on Groupon and came here on a Sunday to hangout with a friend and enjoy some painting time. Without the Groupon pricing is not too bad. The clay pieces you can choose to paint range from different prices... $3.99-$54.99. So there is a lot of flexibility there! $7 studio fee, per person. That covers the paint you'll use and supplies and such! Woman there was very friendly and the new location is bigger than the previous! Glad to see them progressing and hope to come back in the near future. read more

AWFUL EXPERIENCE, and fuming about it. My boyfriend and I wanted to paint our own pottery, and he suggested Clay Cafe as he had taken his daughter there a few years ago. We picked out our pieces once we got there. I will say they had a wide variety to choose from. No assistance from anyone in terms of picking out paints or brushes. A lady in the back sat eating pizza and looked very inconvenienced when we asked her about prices/ layers of paint. Upon checking out the cashier took my phone number and email, explaining I would be contacted in two weeks when the pieces were ready. Two weeks came and went. Then three...then four. I called several times. They kept telling me the kiln was having trouble because of the humidity. Last two times I called, no one picked up. Finally called today and after 30 minutes on the phone the lady said the pieces were "somewhere" and that I could come pick them up this weekend. I kindly asked if she'd consider even a partial refund- as my pieces had been a month and a half late. Her response was that I must have spelled my name/ email wrong!!! I left my name and contact info once in person and three times on the phone. Needless to say, we will go and try to recover our pieces this weekend. I would advise anyone that wants to actually walk away with pottery that you pay for to avoid this place. read more

My friend and I went here recently and had a terrible and bizarre experience. I needed to paint a gift for a friend, and we decided to go after 6 p.m. on a Saturday night in order to get half off our studio fees (as advertised on Clay Café's website). Upon arrival, the store was empty of patrons, and the woman working did not seem happy we were there. We selected our pottery pieces and asked the employee for sponges, but she told us that they rarely use sponges anymore because the pottery pieces don't stay on the shelves long enough to get dusty. My friend and I looked at our dust-covered pottery pieces and had to blow the dust off and wipe the dust off as best as we could. Then we went to select our paint colors, but the paint bottles were all mixed up, and many were not clearly labeled. Typically, a small glazed square of each color is displayed to show how the paint will look once the piece has gone through the kiln. However, most of the colors did not have that, so we had to guess how the color would turn out. Once we sat down, an unusual situation occurred. A man came in with his small daughter (she was probably about six years old) and selected a piece of pottery for his daughter to paint. While his daughter was painting, the man said to the employee, "I'll be right back" and DROVE AWAY leaving his young child completely unattended in the store. My friend and I stared incredulously at the employee, and she just smiled absently back at us. The child continued to paint by herself for about 15 minutes, and then her father came back. During that time, there was nothing stopping the child from leaving the store. My friend and I considered calling the police, but we didn't know what to do since the employee was clearly aware of the situation. Once we finished painting our pieces, we asked the employee if we should fill out anything to label our pieces, but she said no. She then proceeded to ring my friend up and neglected to add the late-night studio fee discount, which I quickly pointed out to her. She corrected the price, took our pieces, and we left. About 10 days later, my friend went back to pick up the finished pieces. Mine was ready, but they had LOST my friend's piece! When my friend asked for a refund, they said that maybe the piece was still in the kiln, but they couldn't check because the kiln was on. They told her to call back, and so she left with just my piece. Even if they find it, my friend will still have to be inconvenienced to return to the store a second time. We are both confused and frustrated by the obvious lack of customer service at the Clay Café, and I do not plan on returning. read more

Very unhappy customer. We went on Mother's Day at opening. We came here exactly 3 years ago and had a blast. Then, my two kids each painted coffee mugs as a gift for me. They were 3 and 1.5. At that time, the young female employees were very helpful and walked us through the paint color options and helped with setting us up. My kids proceeded to smudge their chosen colors all over the mugs with their bare hands. Those two mugs are my most treasured possessions to this day. So, 3 years later and 1 kid more, we wanted to return and recreate the special moment. My kids are now 5, 4, and 2. There was an older woman (owner?) who arrived 2 minutes before opening to unlock and setup. We waited outside in our car to make sure she was fully open for business before entering. Upon entering, she asked if we didn't realize she was closed. (Um what?) "oh no, we knew when you opened but got here early." She said she was up late the night before and reminded us that they don't open until noon on Sunday's. By this point, it was 12:05. I told her why we were there. We wanted coffee mugs to do the same thing we did in 2013. She said they were under new management. (Okay?) the kids picked out their mugs and we were directed to a table. She nicely explained where our paints go and how to select them. My kids started picking out colors, and I instructed them to each pick 3. The employee interjected to say young kids should really only have 1 color at a time otherwise the colors blend and don't look right. I again reminded her we were here before and knew we wanted three colors. She told me she was an art teacher for 30 years and knew a thing or two. (Your point?) I said I wanted the colors to blend and smudge because the kids are going to get their little handprints and fingerprints all over. She said, "but you have to have 3 coats of paint." I tried to nod and smile nicely because by this point, she was overstepping and no longer being helpful. We didn't need three coats of paint to make a mug. We didn't need to limit each layer to one color. She was very insistent that this was the only way to do it. By this point, I was afraid she wouldn't let us do what we planned and was thinking about walking out. I was trying to remain calm because I didn't want her ruining my Mother's Day. She went on to instruct is on which paintbrushes my kids needed to use. She told us which ones they shouldn't use. She showed us water cups and warned that they couldn't dip their paintbrushes in water and then paint again. It was as if she totally missed me saying twice that my kids paint these mugs with their fingers. So again, I said they probably won't need brushes since we want handprints. "Ohhh! Well, then you're going to need a sponge instead of brushes to get an even coat on their hands." In my head, I'm screaming, "JUST LEAVE US ALONE AND STOP TELLING US WHAT WE *NEED* TO DO!" I asked if they have smocks for the kids. She said they did have some but that my children wouldn't need them. I had to ask again. She said to follow her to the cabinet for smocks. When we got to the cabinet, she told me she felt like I was attacking her. At this point, I turned to my husband and said, "maybe we need to leave." She instantly tried to apologize and grabbed the smocks like we asked. (Omg) I was shaking after this. My kids witnessed everything we said, and it was like the fun just evaporated from our day. My daughter only wanted dark green for her mug and refused to pick any other colors because she thought she could only use one no matter what we said. My 2 yo was freaking out over the sponge and spent most of the "studio time" screaming. As I loaded the kids in the car, my husband paid the $70 total. The woman apologized (to him) and said he needed to remember she was a mother too. During our bathroom break in there, the bathroom was a dump. There was a bench seat from a car sitting near the toilet and the toilet was very dirty with crusty pee and hairs). The store is nothing like it was 3 years ago. I hope in writing this review something changes for them. I also hope my mugs don't "mysteriously" disappear like I read in other reviews. If this business cared about business, they'd keep their store clean, respect their customer's wishes, and seriously considering discounts when they make a customer unhappy. read more

While the service is horrible the prices are reasonable. If you haven't painted pottery before don't start here. Luckily I had some idea of what to do. While I was in there a family came in to make a legit complaint that the owners rudely dismissed. Overall, if you're looking to be left alone to paint its a great place. Of you need help try somewhere else. One more thing, when we went to pick up our pieces a week later only half of our order had been baked. They told us to come back again later. I dont have time to keep bouncing back and forth for that :( read more

I had yet another awful experience here. I thought I would give it one more chance- I will never return. I went in because I wanted to buy some platters that I could then bring with me for my child's class to decorate for their teacher, then bring back to get glazed. I called in advance was told this would be fine. When I got to the store, the lady who was there was clueless-- she couldn't help me. She didn't know the price of the item I wanted to buy, she didn't know what to give me to take, she couldn't answer any of my questions. She called another coworker who was on his lunch break. He made up prices for the platters, which were insane. He finally said, why don't I come back in an hour and he could help me then. Needless to say, with toddler in tow, I walked out and will NEVER return. This is not how you do business. If your store is open, you need to staff it at all times with knowledgeable people. Clay Cafe lost $100 of business in a matter of minutes. read more

Went there today at 2 pm. We were the only customers for about an hour. Older lady employee (long black hair) and one young employee. Both on their iPad type devices barely looking up. The young employee gave us one tip. Paint piece three times. No assistance in: selecting pottery, colors, finding a table, any tips for first timers, ignored the kids who were exited and happy. We found our own way through everything all the way to the sink for fresh water. Asked for aprons for the kids. Were told that paint comes out in the wash. We asked again, then received aprons for our girls. Most pieces had no prices. Before selecting you had to ask. My daughter didn't fit under the table. We got her tray from the car and made it work. No assistance/concern as we positioned ourselves as best we could around a table. Checkout $24 for painting a small pig. Then go back to pick it up 10 days later. The older lady took my phone and email but said they only email (sorry) when it's ready. Why do you needy phone number? An hour later a large group of older ladies came in occupying a big table. The older employe was super helpful then, bringing paints, giving tips to concerned first timers, joking and being interested. Positives: Catchy name. Was open today since it was too windy for the zoo. The "DJ Aviary" is around the corner (child loving owners who spend hours showing birds for free). The owner must have made his money a long time ago on this place - with these kind of people. read more

I went with my boyfriend and his 6 yr old daughter, and I have to say this place was UTTERLY UNPROFESSIONAL, especially when I compare it to "All Fired Up" in Cleveland Park, which is where I've gone in the past. Go there instead, get a professional, courteous experience you deserve for your $$. 1. Place is cramped, and everything is WAY over priced, especially considering the "studio fees." Other businesses are much cheaper with better service. 2. Paint swatches displaying how each paint turns out once fired are usually displayed on the wall above the paints. Here they are stacked in a box in a corner, you have to dig through them to find your color. Plus, everyone has to look through the same box and hand the employee that swatch before she can find the corresponding paint. Basically it's a totally inefficient system, leads to A LOT of wasted time. 3. If I hadn't gone to these places before, our pieces would have be ruined. The employee we talked to has NO IDEA what was going on, and I was the one who had the explain to our 6 yr old the important technique of layering paint so it shows up, how the puffy paint works, where the stencils were, etc. At "All Fired Up" the employees are actually HELPFUL AND KNOWLEDGEABLE about where they work. 4. The employee grabbed our pieces right off the table WHILE THEY WERE STILL WET and completely smudged my 6 yr old's puffy paint writing and got fingerprints in the other pieces. HELLO?!!? We got a weak apology, and that was all. Next time, I will make the trip to DC or someplace else nearby. This place is an overpriced dump in comparison. read more

We've been here a few times, the first time for a birthday party (four years ago), then again with our Girl Scout troop (earlier this year to earn the Ceramics & Clay Junior badge) and just recently, for fun. Not sure why the reviews are so negative as we've been pleased each time we came. Just walk in and find a place to sit, pick out what you want to paint (additional cost, ranging from $8-$40), gather your colors and get to paintin'! In a week your items will be ready for pickup. Sign up for their newsletter to get coupons and specials. Tuesdays and Saturdays (after 6pm) everyone paints for $3 (regularly $6) and Sundays a family of four paints paints for $15. They also offer glass fusion. read more

Had a good experience doing this activity with my daughter. The staff while try to be helpful appear overworked and tired when giving you said assistance. Promised my pieces after 5-7 days and wasn't ready. When I provided my "order number" to check status, I was told that wasn't important but I needed to describe my piece. It couldn't be found. They seemed way overwhelmed with the camps they had running to handle their typical walk-ins. While I enjoyed the experience of doing crafts with my daughter, not sure I'll return due to the staff and the appearance of poor organization. Disappointing considering the novel idea. read more

Best Family Place Around !!! My family and I decided to try Clay Cafe Studios on a Saturday as our family day activity. As we entered the studio, we saw a lot of people and thought we might be have to come back another time. Just at that moment, we were greeted by a staff member whom was very helpful. He cleared a table for us for my husband and I and 3 children to sit immediately without any wait. We were new to the experience and was not sure where to start. The employee gladly helped us through the entire process, explaining everything with politeness and even took the time to sit down and work with my children. The place was SOOO busy but this employee put his customers first and did not make us feel like we were just 'another sale'. The owner came around and checked on all the customers periodically throughout our stay (we were there for about an hour). She was always smiling and was great with the children! It was one of our best family day activity in years and my children beg to return every Saturday! If you are looking for a respectable and family oriented place to spend time with your children, I HIGHLY recommend Clay Cafe Studios. The staff is warm and welcoming and highly knowledgeable..... and they are great with children! Check out their website as I think they offer deals on certain days of the week as well as summer camps !! www.claycafechantilly.com 5***** + ! read more

Great selection of items but just wished they had more variety of brushes and materials to paint with. My piece came out great and love the environment. Nice and big space and chill attitude. The prices for the items are a little bit cheaper than most but then they have a sitting fee so it comes out to be almost on par with other places. Also the shopping center area has some great snack and coffee places if you need a pick me up from painting. read more