I want to write this review mainly because I do not agree with the karen who wrote the most recent negative review here. I have been to Clay Dreams multiple times for team events and every time the staff goes above and beyond to be friendly, respectful, and supportive of us! It's a small space, but that's Boston area for you. And I love that it's a small local business! I recommend this place to everyone and will be back for many times to come! read more

Great experience, looking forward to our next visit! We've been coming here as a family since our daughter was little. We haven't been in years since life got busy, but my daughter went again last week with her friend and painted an adorable light switch plate! She came in with a vision of paint splattered in quirky colors, and the staff didn't hesitate to get the supplies she would need. They showed her how to splatter paint with a toothbrush to get this fun Jackson Pollock kind of punk style. She was nervous, but everyone was super helpful and reassuring the whole time! She's really happy with how her painting came out, she did a great job! I'm really glad this place is still here, and thriving after all these years. The layout is different, and there's friendly new faces working there, but it's the same hidden gem it was when we first visited! It was a great location for birthday parties and play-dates back in the day, and now that our girl's going off to college, the wife and I might treat ourselves to a Paint and Sip night or two! read more

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Clay Dreams is the best place in the greater Boston area. I have been going to this studio for nearly two years. The staff are truly the best. They are helpful, knowledgeable, and really take the time to get to know each individual customer. Additionally, they are always more than happy to help guide the artistic process or teach new techniques. I have learned so much in my time going to this studio and my pieces reflect that. The selection and quality of both pieces and paints to choose from is amazing. But nothing compares to the community feel. I have attended the studio alone, with friends, with my mom, my daughter, my cousin...regardless of who is there, the people who work there always makes it feel like home. read more

Clay Dreams - Paint-Your-Own Pottery Near Me - Arlington, Massachusetts

Been there many times for parties and with work friends. Always a great time. Great neighborhood resource. read more

What a wonderful place to have in our community. I've been here with friends to paint, and it is such a fun time. My five year old has been here to paint, and she is absolutely so proud of the cat she painted. My dog also appreciates walking by and getting some water from the dog bowl left out front. What a gem! read more

This is a great place, highly recommend. Party experience for children is terrific. Love their themed paint nights. Met lots of new people all having so much fun. So many choices, from large vases to small ornaments. Something for every age and ability. The instructions were clear and staff very helpful and pleasant. It was very busy but they made the rounds to every table checking on customers, refilling paints and providing the perfect brushes for my "concept". Can't wait to go back. read more

Clay Dreams is a true gem. Our community is so lucky to have had a pottery studio for the past 25 Years! (they just celebrated this hallmark). The staff are amazingly creative and helpful and make any clay "dream" of yours possible. I still have the plates and bowls my kids created 25 years ago and they bring such happy memories. Many of these paint your own pottery studios come and go, but this one is here for the long hall and we all benefit! read more

my friends and i are pottery painting lovers, its our thing we like to meet up and do together. this place is by far the worst one we have ever been to over the years. They charge a studio fee which they explained covered the paint and brushes, but then did not allow us access to the paints or brushes. you were allowed to pick only 4 colors and they brought a drop of each color out to you at a time. you had to sit there and raise your hand like a little kid if you wanted more paint. charging a studio fee and being so stingy with the brushes/paints is absurd we had never been to a pottery painting place like this. when we complained about this one of the workers then bragged that they were allowed to use as much paint as they want there, it was so strange. we asked for slightly better and bigger brushes since the only ones on our table were three small dingy ones and they gave us two more brushes even though there was three of us. the place had very little options to choose from and everything had dust on it. we went to sponge ours down and got in trouble for cleaning the pottery we paid to paint, once again treating three grown women like small children. this place was also one of the more expensive pottery painting places for what it had to offer. the bathroom has no sink. the owner or manager was showing me and my friend a photo her cat while we waited for our friend to finish painting, and this lady then "jokingly" demanded that our friend stop painting to look at a photo of her cat. we love animals as much as the next person but this interaction was just not appropriate towards not only strangers but paying customers. the entire experience was bad and left us feeling uncomfortable. my pottery came out with bubbles and that has also never happened to me before and they refused to refund me. we do not recommend this place read more

Staff is so nice, sweet and helpful! They were so patient with my LO who needed " all the colors of the rainbow" taking time to stop and refill her palette as needed! This has since become a favorite spot and every time are pleased and happy with the slow paced atmosphere that allows us to take our time and not feel rushed. read more

I used to come here when I was a kid and I loved it! Groupon has deals for painting for 1 or 2 so I purchased a weekend pass for 2 people for $27. So worth it. It includes pottery and the painting fee! We came on a Saturday and the place was empty. Everyone was friendly and we picked out our pieces and started to paint. They only give you 4 colors to start but you can request more. The lady there didn't enforce the 2 hour limit so that was nice. Both items came out great! It's a little expensive without a Groupon but it's worth visiting! read more

Clay Dreams - Minnie! - Paint-Your-Own Pottery Near Me - Arlington, Massachusetts

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Had my 9 year old's birthday here and the staff were AMAZING. So nice, thoughtful, helpful, and prepared. We had a wonderful time, and now I'm thinking about going to an adult paint night! Super well run business and fun way to spend an evening. read more

Really enjoyed my session time and working with the lovely folks at Clay Dreams. I wanted to paint a travel mug for my girlfriend as a gift. Not only did they put travel mugs in stock when I asked if they had them but they gave me advice to help me produce the cutest gift for my girlfriend. (She loved the gift.) I cannot wait to come back! read more

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This place really deserves a shout out! My child just had her birthday party here yesterday. The staff (led by Sarah) was so nice and kind. Having 12 5- and 6-year-olds and guiding them to do what they should is not easy but the staff made sure everyone was happy and calm and enjoy their time. They were so helpful throughout the whole party. The place is clean and organized. We will be back soon!! read more

So fun. This place was pretty fun -- no time pressure, very cozy feeling and very friendly staff. The downside is that they have all these letters I wanted to paint, but they didnt have the ones I needed!! read more

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I've been here multiple times and it has always been very nice. I had a couple of birthday parties here pre-pandemic, and always had a good time. I love that they have such a large selection of things to paint. read more

Do not go here - Rude staff, super unpleasant experience. I had bought a Groupon for my niece and I. Staff member named Brooklyn was extremely rude to both of us. No wonder there was no one else painting. ended up going to another clay painting (Made by Me - where I would def suggest going) read more

I come here about once every 2 months with my 2 kids. We really love doing arts and crafts and this allows up to spend some time chatting and creating side by side. The space is tight, and a little dusty, but the experience is nice. The staff are a little lacking in their attention and I think if they nail the customer service this could really generate more money. So for an experience with my kids its good, customer service could be better. And make sure you go to the bathroom before you come here. The restroom isn't really client friendly and has a curtain for a door. This does need to be addressed when this is a family environment and kids have to use the loo every hour. read more

My first experience was at Clay Room in Brookline, which is a 5-star experience and self-service oriented. I used a Groupon here and came with my little cousin and boyfriend. The owner greeted us and she was working wth her son. Very family oriented. I really liked the pottery selection they had but they only let you start off with 4 paint colors and if yo want more you have to get them know. At one point, they got really busy and the owner was running around everywhere. So it was hard in that sense to keep asking for paint. I prefer a self-service approach. The squeeze bottles, you need to ask for which was another inconvenience. But I really like the owner and had a good time. This was a 4 star experience. Now why not a 5-star? One of their employees said my piece will be done on the 7th day, when I called her on day 6... nope, not done. So I walked out with 3 out of my 4 pieces. She told me she will call me when it's ready and she never did. This part is frustrating especially when I called the day before to ensure it would be done at the day of pick up. And my day of pick up is the time they said it would be ready - 7 day turnaround time! read more

I went here with 2 of my friends- one had her heart set on painting one of those vintage Christmas trees with the lights on them. They are apparently hard to come by, and she enjoys crafts, so she figured she would make it herself. The trees cost $45-85 which seems like a lot, but maybe that's standard. They were of course out of the $45 ones, and apparently the ones being made are accounted for. Don't make more Christmas trees around Christmas time, or anything. The man who was working immediately told us we needed to pick items quickly because they were closing early. They are open till 9 p.m. on Thursdays and we got there at 7:20 p.m. Also, we are not little kids so we should neither be spoken to like little kids, or should it be assumed we would take that long. We were done by 8:40 by the way. His tone made two of us want to leave, but we were there to make the tree. But we didn't pick out our own items, because I don't give money to rude people. He was a little more helpful explaining the colors and helping the drying process, but he gave us a ridiculously small amount of paint and said it would be enough. We probably refilled 5 or 6 times. There were two women working who were a lot nicer than he was, so maybe certain shifts are not as bad. The fun of this trip was pretty much taken away, so I wouldn't take a date of kids, or the elderly, or anyone you like with you. Flying solo with 2 hours free and a mission seems to be the demographic that would do all right here. read more

Went here today with my 2.5 year old and 5 month old to paint some things for Christmas. The staff was extremely helpful and accommodating. I had called earlier in the morning to ask if they had any flat ornaments to use for my baby's footprint. The woman on the phone put me on hold, went to check, and kindly put one aside for me. After we picked our items and sat down, another employee helped me paint my baby's foot and stamp it on the ornament - and she nailed it on the first try! I'll definitely bring my kids here again. read more

This place is a huge heartbreak. If you don't pick up your very expensive order in 30 Days the owner gives it away! My poor daughter worked on a gift for her friend but because I got busy and forgot to pick our order up my daughter now does not have a personal gift for her friend. I think for the price of the pottery, paints and sitting fee the owner can make ONE call before she gives your items that you paid for to a "Charity". And i'd like to know why any charity would want pre-painted ceramic kid crafts. Is it so the little kids in the shelters can see what they can afford to do? This woman is sick. as the owner so boldly brought to my attention and I do understand that she has a 30 day policy, to pick up your things or she'll donate them. And as she also boldly pointed out ... I do realize it was posted on the wall at her store. I would like to make a recommendation, that she make just one reminder phone call to those of us who are juggling a full-time job and five children. I definitely don't think that's too much to ask. And after doing a little research not only is it unethical to give away things that people gave her money for...Is there a legal question involved here, does she have to give me back my 70 bucks now that she didn't produce the items I paid for... read more

Recently my friends and family threw me a small get together and thought it would be fun to relive my childhood birthday party days by painting pottery. 7 of us, all adults reserved a time slot on Saturday. The woman who seemed to be in charge was very unfriendly and did not give us any direction, which really wasted a lot of time. She never smiled, seemed confused by our questions, and did not respond to our requests for creative ideas or assistance. Back in the day painting pottery was fun and free spirited, I did not get those same feelings from Clay Dreams. Since then I have heard wonderful things about other pottery painting businesses in Cambridge (Made by Me) and in Newton (Clayroom). I will not be returning to Clay Dreams, nor will I be referring others there. read more

Kid-friendly, cheerful place. I went here to make Fathers Day gifts for all the men in my daughter's life, and the staff was happy and helpful. There was a birthday party going on at the next table, and the kiddos seemed to really be enjoying themselves. Clay Dreams has really made the ceramics experience unintimidating for people who haven't been around glazes, kilns, paintbrushes, etc. Instructions are clearly spelled out for the newbie, and the staff leads you through each step. If you're searching for a "throw-your-own vase" sort of studio, this isn't a place for you. However, if you're looking for a little artsy entertainment with a cute souvenir, this is a great choice. Takes a week or so to get your glazed treasures back. read more

Went with 4 kids and spent $80+ for 4 small pieces. Not worth it really especially given the appalling service. The staff can't answer any questions and it wasn't even busy. Good thing I looked at the receipt (since I was surprised at the cost) because they added a $12 extra charge. When I asked why, she shrugged with no response no apology before removing it. Would not recommend and certainly will not return. read more

I had a good experience here on 12/30/13. I came with my three young children. The place was nearly empty and the selection wasn't the greatest but the employees were very kind and helpful. I wonder if they've taken the negative reviews to heart. read more

I went to Clay Dreams yesterday after buying a Groupon. It was a delightful and relaxing experience. I had the good fortune to be under the instruction of resident artist, Lauren, who was knowledgable, professional, and extremely helpful and pleasant. She was very courteous to every customer who came into the place! Loved the experience and found very relaxing and "soothing". A great experience! read more

I love this place. It's a nice quiet activity to take my children to and create one of a kind artworks that can be used daily - from plates of all sizes, to bowls, to serving trays or cups. You can make beautiful gifts or something nice for yourself. They have wine and painting parties for adults, which I hope to go to some day when my children are a bit older. read more

If I could give this place zero or negative stars, I would. I don't know where these positive reviewers went, but it couldn't have possibly been here. The customer service is deplorable. I asked where items were and the employee responded with a vague wave of the arm and a curt, "over there." The selection is paltry, the shelves nearly bare. The place is, in general, really dirty and dingy. I was thinking of hosting my daughter's birthday party here (with at least 10 kids...cha-ching!) but after this experience, I would be embarrassed to have people I know go there and think that THIS is what I find entertaining and acceptable. Furthermore, I felt so uncomfortable by how rudly this employee treated me, that I would never expose a group of eight year-old children to the same treatment. I have made arrangements to host my daughter's party elsewhere, where I know we will be treated well, have a much broader selection, and I will not be embarrassed by the experience. You get what you pay for. The prices here were quite low in comparison to competing shops, but the quality of the inventory and the rudeness of the staff have driven me (happily) to do business with the more costly, but much more professionally run, pleasantly appointed, and better stocked "Made by Me" in Cambridge. read more

Guy that runs this place is a complete jerk. Look down a bit and you'll notice many 1 and 2 star reviews. That's cause, like I said, complete jerk. Rude, snippy, bossy, and impatient. He's one of those types that abuses his tiny amount of power by trying to aggressively "manage" what everyone is doing. Also, the prices are kind of ridiculous for what you get. Avoid... and try Art Beat across the street. They're very nice and more reasonably priced. read more

We had been going to clay dreams all winter, I brought my children, their friends and this is a very expensive hobby. Unfortunately on our last visit (a purchase of $70.00) I forgot to pick it up. It's summer and everyone gets busy. If you don't pick up your stuff with in 30 days the owner does NOT give you a curtesy call, she just gives your stuff away. Keep in mind, this woman has seen me often, all winter so I don't think a call is too much to ask. I am so disappointed in the policy at "Clay Dreams" she should rename her store "Clay Dream Crushers". My poor daughter worked so hard on her plate and it was a gift for her friend that was moving away, that is what reminded me that we had to pick up our order. I will NOT be going back to Clay Dreams, there are hundreds of other places like this one that have a more realistic pick up policy for busy mom's. I feel like my kids have been punished because I forgot to get their stuff. read more

I've always been happy with the selection of pieces to paint here, the problem is the staff. The owner is really nice, but I've had some run-ins with some nasty people. There was one man who gave me a terrible attitude, apparently he was bothered that I needed more paint when he was about to go out on a cigarette break. We came in almost an hour and a half before they closed and felt rushed by him the entire time. read more

Friendly service. Wide variety of things to paint. However, and this is a *big* however, if you paint a piece, do *not* expect it to be ready when they say it will. I planned a birthday party based on when they told me I could pick up the present I had created. As of today, the party is tonight and the piece is NOT ready. It was a disappointment. I would use this place again, but if you use them, be sure to allow extra time for you piece to be ready! They are not accurate in their quotes about time. I don't think this is intentional on their part, but I have found it unprofessional and irritating. read more

I recommend Clay Dreams for a fun thing to do with friends and kids. The service is helpful and friendly. Painting pottery is a lot of fun and Clay Dreams has a great selection of items to paint and paint colors! read more

I went here recently with another mom friend and our two daughters, age 4 and 5. We all had a lot of fun picking our pottery - they had lots of fun coin banks for the kids in various shapes. And we had fun painting it as well - after some initial confusion on paint colors, we got the colors we needed. There was only one person there on staff, and he seemed a bit overwhelmed, so we just helped ourselves when we needed more paint. Our pieces were ready a week later, as promised, and turned out looking quite nice. And the price was reasonable, especially with the groupon. I'd go back and paint pottery here again! read more

I have been here twice and its ok, not great. The positives: they have lots of cool things to paint. The negatives: the people that work there are weird and rude, and they only let you take 4 colors of paint, which I thought was very strange. You are better off going to this place in Belmont called Indigo Fire. read more

Staff were friendly. They were encouraging. Worth every penny spent. I will definitely go again. You have to pick a piece. The cost will be mentioned. Initially you have to choose 4 colors and start painting. If you request for additional colors,the staff will provide the same. read more

Went there with my sister and niece. The guy working was so rude to us that we left within 5 minutes. DO NOT GO THERE. For a few more dollars go to "made by me" a bit further down on Mass Ave. They are really nice there and have better choices. read more

I've been in this store a few times over the years, and I've never had a problem with the staff, the selection or the overall experience. The most recent time was yesterday, when the Christmas rush was on. The place was NOT a mess, the people were courteous and let us know what to expect (including whether we could get our creations in time for Christmas) and, even though it was close to Christmas, there were plenty of items to choose from. There were several people, including a lot of children, in the store, and we all had fun. From what I heard, there are a lot of grandmothers who will have a very merry Christmas this year because their grandchildren took the time to make their own creations instead of buying something less meaningful in a store, and much of that was due to the man (whom many have complained about) because he helped them know what to do with their own creativity. One more thing - I brought a friend of mine to the store, and she had never been there before. She also made a point of saying that she plans on being back again. read more

LOVE Clay Dreams! I have been coming here since the place opened 16 years ago when I was a little girl. They have had a few not so friendly employees along the way but the owner, Rosemary is absolutely wonderful!!!! She is this SUPER friendly older woman who has been in the ceramics and teaching business 40 years and she clearly knows what she is doing. Her current staff is quite small and are all family members and family friends and they are all helpful and attentive. The place is a good size with walk-in service and a separate party room that you can reserve ahead of time. The price is very reasonable at the cost of a piece plus a small studio fee that has no time limit and they have a very good selection of pieces to paint that are always changing, they will even specially order something for you if they can. As for the comments I read below about the place being dirty and dingy, I'm sorry but I have to disagree. I always see the staff cleaning, doing dishes, moping floors, dusting, etc, etc. The building is a bit older so its not perfectly new and modern but seriously, it is an art studio for kids so of course there is going to be paint on a few surfaces. The place is run more old fashioned with paper slips and on an honor system. You pick your piece, paint, pay and leave. Then the staff glaze it and fire it for you and you pick up a week later. You are supposed to bring your receipt that they give you when you come to pick up your piece but most people forget it and they usually remember you and your pieces that you painted and always double check the names on the bottom. It is really simple and doesn't require much instruction as the whole place is a do-it yourself and be creative atmosphere, the staff is really just there to monitor, help get you set up and answer any questions but the painting is creative people don't stress over it, this place is meant for you to relax and let kids be kids! Overall this place is amazing to take the kids for a new activity, host a party or go on a date or girls night out! I highly recommend Clay Dreams! read more

A great activity for couples! Only issue is that though there is a sign saying they throw things away after 30days, they don't tell you that and the sign in not even visible. I went to pick up our stuff and this rude 15yo girl tells me "if they are here they are in the basement and would have to call you back" and stares at me like implying Im annoying her. I asked her to check and she comes back saying "we threw it away", points to this sign but at no point does she apologize or even says anything. I say thank you and she doesn't even answer that. That girl alone is the reason you want to avoid this place on a Saturday morning read more