Joined as a member in 2021. Studio has relocated to Pedro Point area of Pacifica. Friendly staff managing the business of running an open studio with members having access to dozen wheels and hand building tables. Kiln rangers working daily to manage three electric kilns. Margaret, the owner, offers separate high fire and atmospheric firing kiln at remote location. read more

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A wonderful place to learn, be challenged, and meet lovely people. I've only been a member for a year, but I've learned so much! And because of the talents and skills of the instructors and other members, I'm motivated to keep learning. Thanks!! read more

Amazing studio which offers 6 week classes for intro to wheel throwing and sculpture and in studio membership. The instructors here are so helpful to direct you as a beginner. It truly isn't as intimidating as it seems with the direction of the staff. I was surprised how quickly my piece came together and had so much fun in the process of making it with no experience prior. The possibilities to create are endless here, and the studio is well equipped which makes the process easy to enter into. I truly had a wonderful time, and they also offer private parties or classes too. Wonderful team! Don't hesitate to check them out, I plan to return. read more

For my daughter's 11th birthday we signed our family up to do a pottery class together. We signed up online and chose our two hour slot, and we had an amazing instructor named Emma. She was so patient and encouraging and also gave us such sound instruction. You can really tell it's a passion of hers. To say I enjoyed this is an understatement! My daughter loved it as well, and plans to try more classes (me too if I can). If you even have a passing interest in trying this, I encourage you to trust clay creations to get you started. It was thrilling to see a lump of clay come to life into a useful vessel. Everyone there making things looked like they were enjoying themselves. We were so impressed that we were able to make two beautiful bowls each. It was amazing. Thank you so much Emma for the beautiful memories and wonderful time!! read more

Clay Creations - The birthday girl hard at work making her bowl!! - Art Classes Near Me - Pacifica, California

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I visited Fall 2021 for a class and honestly wish I had paid the extra $15 to go elsewhere. The class was only 2 hours compared to the usual 3. Our instructor was very patient with our group and would ensure our safety by sanitizing everything they used. However, I felt that clear instructions and reasoning were lacking. My friends and I couldn't catch on what steps made the pottery process. I'd find things out too late - for example, that clay had a "lifespan," or that I was done but hadn't even shaped the bowl the way I hoped to. I didn't have a clear sense of the timeline for each step involved or why I was told to hold my hand a certain way. Overall, I think I'll need another class elsewhere to feel like it was worth it. Lastly, our ceramics pickup was equally confusing. We were given a window to pick up our pieces and the address. However when we got there there was no further instructions and no one helped us. We thought we had to search amongst the students' hundreds of works which I'm sure wouldn't be appreciated. read more

I highly recommend going elsewhere.The studio hours are limited and hard to work around (they were significantly reduced after they reopened), the work space itself is small, its expensive compared to other studios, and communication is terrible. Unless you have a lot of free time, the studio hours are problematic. Also, management is uncommuncative, almost never present, and unfriendly (the supervising artist's are nice, but also don't get much communication from management and can't always answer your questions -it is very difficult to get an answer from management). The community of artists among its ongoing students is fantastic (helpful, fun, and inspiring)! However, I cannot base my rating on a business based on how much I like its customers. You can decide for yourself whether you would like to enroll at Clay Creations. I actually have many good memories here! Its so sad that this place became what it now is after the pandemic. I recommend trying Higher Fire or another competing studio for better studio hours, a more functional workspace, better communication, and friendlier management. read more

Awesome place to learn. Very friendly staff and co learners. Thanks Cindy for accepting me as student. I have learn a lot.

The studio is a veritable nexus of creative energy. Chilled out artists and artists in the making. Exploration, discovery and encouragement abound here. Margaret is a doll. Practical maker space. Well maintained and clean. Sensible rules and best practices. Very humane pricing and business model. Whether you are an artist or one on the rise, you are lucky to find a slot here as it is chronically full. Now I understand why. read more

This is an amazing place to learn the art of throwing pottery and more! For years now I have been searching the Bay Area for a good pottery class. But, it was incredibly hard to find a class that focused primarily on throwing rather than making clay figurines, hand building etc. Community college classes were often very crowded, leaving the new student at their wheel, on their own, without much one-on-one help or direction from the teacher. Clay creations remedied all that. Margaret is the owner of this hip, personable studio. She herself is a talented professional potter. She could be spending all her time at home throwing pots for a living. Instead, she chooses to share a good portion of her time and energies teaching her craft. And she is an excellent teacher. Her passion and excitement about her students' learning is obvious. She breaks it down into pieces so they can master each step. She is focused and deliberate in her lessons. Yet, she is very encouraging and yet keeps it light and fun along the way. She makes sure to circulate, spending time with each and every student. She also has employed other professional potters to share their expertise during the classes! Last night, I learned how to trim from a production potter who has been doing this since the 1970's. And it was practically a one-on-one demo! The studio itself is clean, well equipped, well lit, well ventilated and well organized. I was a little angst at first wondering if I had to buy a bunch of expensive tools or supplies in order to take the class. But, lucky for me, Margaret has all the necessities for the newbies. Even the clay and firing is included in my fee! :) And the studio has a 'club' or family feel to it as there are people who have been coming there for years. They are all so warm and welcoming. It is an easy place to be. I look forward to spending many more hours at Clay Creations...a gem of a find. read more

Clay Creations - Bowl created at Margaret's studio after 8 weeks of classes. - Art Classes Near Me - Pacifica, California

The class I took here was fine. However, I do not recommend the home studio membership because of the lack of communication and organization here. Poor customer service - be ready to receive a lot of attitude/shady comments both in person and/or via email if you misunderstood something due to their lack of communication (lots of he said she said). As mentioned in a previous review, it would be super helpful if they had some sort of training in business management/customer service. Very surprised to see only good reviews on both Yelp and Google. read more

First timer here. I searched the entire Bay Area for a place to learn and play with ceramics. I'm incredibly happy with Clay Creations. David has an absolutely kind demeanor and a deep understanding of the art. He's been an amazing and patient teacher. I look forward to many more days at the studio. I found my happy place and I'm so grateful. read more

I love Clay Creations. I've always wanted to learn how to throw pottery and i've been taking classes here for the past few months! Margaret and Georgine are wonderful and patient instructors---I couldn't have asked for a better introduction to this art form. I highly recommend the four week introductory class--you're guided through the process of throwing a few different projects, trimming, and glazing, and in the end, you've got some pretty cute little bowls and a mug, or lidded jar, etc. to admire and show off to your friends! I loved the class so much I decided to stay on to learn more. It's a warm, welcoming, and friendly environment and a great way to spend some of your free time. The studio is incredibly clean and there is a lot of space to work around in. read more

Still love Clay Creations...it has grown so much in the 10+ years. Margaret the owner is an amazing lady. The place has really matured and turned into a real artist studio. there is a lot of freedom and creativity to be had. it is also a welcome and friendly community. Newcomers are always welcomed. Start with a class and see how you like it. I am currently taking sculpture with Jane and I love it! I too have graduated from painting pottery to a more sophisticated medium...you can too (don't worry i still love to paint pottery). read more

3 of us took a 1.5 hour sculpting class with David in December. He provided plenty of tools and ideas/tips and positive feedback along the process. My project got a crack in it and David went the extra mile to fix the crack and paint the glaze so the crack isn't noticeable now. Thank you, David! It was a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon and we will definitely return! read more

Great concept. Poor execution. Who closes the week before Christmas ferpete'sake????? Love to paint pottery and while living in the City was a regular at Terra Mia. (5 stars). Took my son to paint some pottery x-mas gifts on December 13 at Clay Creations since we now live around the corner. Was nice. Set to pick it up in a week (which is actually a long wait time compared to other studios). No one told us they would be CLOSED starting December 21st. So I arrive before Xmas to see a huge sign in the front window saying they are closed until January 5th. (a sign I would have noticed had it been there as the owner claimed on 12/13). OMG. There are imortant pressies in there - HOSTAGE!!!! I leave a voice mail - no response. They are obviously moving - which is a big deal, I get it. So I go back in week of Jan 5 to claim my kid's goods, walk in the door of the new place to be told by the owner "this is not a good time, I'm teaching a class..." - again, WHA? So I wait a few minuted, no big deal. But now I'm a little mad. I mention to her I didn't know they were going to be closed....she cuts me off and launches into "we had signs up, we did this we did that, we called people TWICE" she says....Um, I didn't get a phone call - not one. Well, she says, they must not have been able to read the number - which HER STAFF wrote down!!!!!! Bottom line is the business owner's response to this gaffe was completely inappropriate and made me feel like crap. It felt so much like a confrontation I nearly cried in my car when I left. Please, blonde business lady, please go to management classes and learn how to treat a customer. I'll never go back. read more

I've been a member of Clay Creations for only several months and can't say enough great things about it. The teachers here are passionate and knowledgeable. Members are extremely helpful and encouraging. As a beginner potter, I need all the advice/instruction I can get, and I get plenty of it in this studio. Very good hours for somebody with a day job: Mon: 7:30-10pm, Tue-Fri: 6:30-9pm, Weekends: 9am-5pm. Or you can come in the morning (9am-1pm). Open studio membership is $110/month (additional fee for classes if you decide to take one). This includes glaze, firings and a storage cubby. In comparison, another open studio in the area is charging $28-34 for 4 hrs. In addition, Clay Creations is one of the few studios which don't require being enrolled in classes in order to be a member. I've tried several other studios in the area. Convenient hours, competitive membership fee, knowledgeable instructors and friendly members make this studio an exceptional place for learning and exploring your creativity. read more

This is a great place to have fun and be creative. I've only been here a couple of times and I must say I'm starting to enjoy hanging out here especially when you want to just get a mental break, relax, and be creative. They don't charge you per hour so you can pretty much stay there until they close. I just wish the place was a little bigger but it's a nice clean environment. read more

My kids (ages 4 & 9) had a blast at Clay creations! David was so patient & taught them so much about clay making. He made it a lot of fun... Their projects came out adorable!! Thank you Clay Creations for a fun day!!! read more

I LOVE this place. When I go there I typically pick something off the shelf to paint and then try to turn it into something really nifty. Most memorably they have plates and mugs, little figurines, really cool decorative boxes, and coin banks! They have a whole bunch of different colored paints, stencils in all different shapes, and the staff is super helpful and sweet. It's just a really great enviornment to go and be creative and end up with something really cool to show for it that you can keep forever. You can paint for as long as you want, the price on the item you choose includes paint, firing, everything, so you can even take your piece home and then come back and finish painting it later if you run out of time. You can book parties there, and they also offer classes in making things on your own. It's a blast! read more

Fantastic. My 7 year old daughter has been learning and creating here with a class a couple different days a week. She absolutely loves the class and Margaret - her teacher. My daughter's creativity has really improved beautifully over the years. In addition Margaret has always been professional and friendly. read more

ok yes they have classes... yet their resident artists do sell their creations... makes great gift shopping... even if you gift yourself with the creation you find. great people to talk with about the products and classes... if you have time and have questions I recommend you stop by to ask them read more

What a great place to do clay! I'm an experienced clay artist that needed a shared facility to continue my work. Found Clay Creations in January 2012 and it fits all my needs and more! Here I have the freedom to work independently, yet have the benefit of collaboration from all levels of experience. Both children and adult class participation stimulate creativity at all levels. It's a welcoming studio space with a well-maintained, organized facility. Members respect each other and the space. I've also made valued friendships in this special space. Well done, Ms. Tassi. So appreciate your vision. Wish you all the best. read more

WOW, inspiring, fun and comforting! If you want a space to be creative and meet new, wonderful friends I recommend Clay Creations. Did i mention the price is amazing? That really counts these days. I love it! read more

This place is even more wonderful in the new space near the beach and the organic market. Clay Creations is a huge place to be creative, with three large rooms and the great woman who runs it: Margaret. One of the kindest people I have met in the Bay Area. I have been going to Clay Creations for 3 years now and watched Margaret teach classes of all ages in ceramics and throwing pots, plus help people paint existing unfinished pottery that she has for sale, plus holding birthday parties, plus letting people like me do their own thing. If you want to do make art, from painting with your kids to taking your kids to Margaret's camp to hand-building or throwing your own works, this is the place. There's all levels of participation. She's open often these days, and she also finds time to do her own work and her work is inspiring. I cannot recommend Clay Creations enough. It's very relaxing to work in clay. More people in society should... read more

Clay Creations is a great place. The proprietor, Margaret is bursting with knowledge and creativity. My daughter was enrolled last summer for a week long camp and again this summer. We have also done the parent child classes. Those are great too. The creations Margaret has pulled out of these children is amazing. They have worked on the wheel, did hand bulding, worked on a public mosaic, did canvas painting, and on top of all that, they can go back to the studio on their free time to paint all their creations. And, if youre not into the clay part and only want to paint, there is a wide variety of premade ceramics to choose from. Clay Creations is a great place to spend your time. read more

This studio has it all! Whether you are trying ceramics for the first time, or are a more experienced potter who needs to quit working out of the garage, you will find a welcoming atmosphere at Clay Creations. There is a sense of community here, from the owner Margaret, to the other teachers, and all of the members. The studio usually has a couple of "regulars" working, but I've never felt crowded--and I don't like working in a vaccum!. Those "regulars" contain a wealth of knowledge, and they have always been willing to help me create better art. I started with Margaret and Sheila's Introductory class, then moved up to Margaret's Intermediate class, and liked it so much I added Jane's sculpture class. Come on down! read more

I needed some red clay for a natural aquarium (soil, clay, dolomite, potash, etc), and all the big chain stores had clay full of additives and whatnot. The clay I got from Clay Creations is perfect -- red (iron rich) and air dry. The woman who helped me was super polite and generous with the amount of recycled clay she offered. read more

Great place! Stopped by for a pottery sale and was impressed with the quality of pottery and art that people made there. I particularly liked the sculptures of waves but all the art work was amazing. I took a class from Margaret, she was so talented, yet patient - I learned so much. I was struck by how friendly and helpful everyone was. They have fun classes for kids and beginners, as well as a great set up for experienced potters. A lot of fun!! read more

My daughter and I took a beginning wheel-throwing class here over the summer. Margaret is a patient, encouraging, and gifted instructor. She really knows how to support beginners who might be tentative working on the wheel for the first time. She is clear about which parts of the techniques are best followed closely, (and which ones can be adjusted to your individual preferences without disaster striking). I like the intimate nature of the small studio and felt that both the artists and students were friendly and respectful. It is a gem for all ages. read more

I can't say enough about Clay Creations. I had no prior clay experience and I wasn't sure where to start. I stopped at the studio on a Sunday afternoon and spoke with David. He took his time to explain everything I needed to know. I decided to start with the hand-building class and now I am a member of this fantastic studio. David is a fantastic sculptor and extremely generous with his knowledge. Samantha's hand-building and glazing classes are fun and creative. She is very helpful in correcting any errors you might make and teaching you the correct way. Samantha really focuses on personal attention due to her small class size. The owner Margaret and her staff run their business very professionally and makes you feel at home. I highly recommend checking out Clay Creations if you are seeking a fun new hobby. Their studio is spacious, well equipped, clean, and the members are very respectful to the newbies such as my self. Parking is plentiful which is another bonus. This is a perfect place to start a new journey. read more