My husband booked this for us for a valentine ghost themed movie moment and I love it! Our teacher was so patient and helped us when we screwed up on building the clay up haha We did three different bowls/cups with different styles and it cost $8-$10/ea to take our bowls home with us. It wasn't too bad. This was the first time we've done pottery, and honestly I would try it again! A great experience and super fun! read more

Clay - Arts & Entertainment Near Me - Long Beach, California

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Went for a private event for my bestie's birthday back in January - the class was great and our instructor deserves 5 stars for being super enthusiastic yet patient with our group of 9 people (especially since we were all beginners). He seemed extremely passionate in what he does! Giving a low rating just because of our experience with front desk staff. We come in super cordial just to be met with stank attitudes. A few weeks after our session, we called the place to follow up on our pieces and the woman on the phone sounded rude about us asking about it. We went to pick up our pieces recently and the woman at the front desk definitely sounded like the one we talked to on the phone, same voice and same unwelcoming attitude. As if our presence ruined her day or us picking up our pieces was such a drastic request for her to do. read more

Good news- close to my home, sells the clay, shelf space available to premium members, several wheels. Bad news- read your contract. Your $180 monthly membership does not include firing you glazed piece (that cast extra) and you will need to give a 30 day notice ( even though you will not be using the membership at all like in my case where I am unable to). I broke my finger 2 days after I started, so I could not use this membership for weeks in the beginning but did not complain. This was my problem. But... all together I have used the facility one time and then had personal issues that prevents me from using it now. I did not see the 30 day notice and am paying because I did sign it. It seems much like grifting. There is no downside for the studio (not using equipment so no wear and tear) except the loss of my monthly payment. Perhaps this sounds like sour grapes but I truly do not understand this extra month of payment besides they must think they need my money worse than I do. read more

This place is awesome. I had the pleasure of participating in a class there. The staff - super friendly and chill. We were able to handle and mold clay with our hands, using a spinning table. I'm not artistic but there was a something connective with being able using your hands to shape the clay into what spoke to you. Chris and Natalie were super supportive and encouraging. I will definitely be back! read more

We decided to add an activity for my friend's birthday and we picked here since it was close to the restaurant we wanted to try. Clay is a cute studio located in Downtown Long Beach. There are a couple of street meter parking. Watch for time limit cause I believe it's only 2 hours. We decided to do the intro wheel class for $65 per person. It was a two hour class. It was one hour of guided teaching and one hour of mostly free play and clean up. We got to make two items but only one item was included in the fees. You can pay extra to keep the second item. I thought it was a fun class. The instructor was very helpful and nice. They also help glaze our pieces and we just have to come back to pick them up. You have a choice of what glaze you would like also. I ended up picking white and it was so pretty. I really like how my piece came out. Overall, a fun activity to do if you're in the area. read more

Clay - Arts & Entertainment Near Me - Long Beach, California

Went for a private pottery class to make matcha bowl and whisk. It was $65 each and the class was two hours and you can make as many pieces as you can within that timeframe . The instructor was helpful and nice! Overall would recommend the experience. read more

Clay - Arts & Entertainment Near Me - Long Beach, California

I have been here twice! Once for the Halloween event and another for the Christmas event. Both times I had a blast!! Natalie S. was the instructor both times I went and she is absolutely the best! She gives great and detailed instructions and was very personable. I can't wait to come here again! read more

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A cute little studio spot in downtown long beach! Attended a throwing class here and the instructor was very knowledgeable and friendly. $80 gets you a 2 hour class with 2 attempts and 1 piece to take home. The instruction time is well used and we definitely gained an appreciation for the difficulty of working with clay! read more

Clay - Arts & Entertainment Near Me - Long Beach, California

First time here and took intro to clay making. Kenzie (sorry if misspelled) was our instructor was highly positive and engaging learning environment. Kenzie was knowledgeable, approachable and made the experience so fun! Definitely going back! read more

Clay - Arts & Entertainment Near Me - Long Beach, California

So much fun! This is a review for both Jingle All the Clay and Clay of the Dead. Both activities were unique and really well done. The tasty treats were a huge bonus for me too. I had Natalie as an instructor for both, and she's honestly why I returned for the holiday activity! She was super personable, extremely helpful, and made the class really enjoyable. I'll definitely be back for another themed class! read more

Clay - Arts & Entertainment Near Me - Long Beach, California

So much fun!!! We went to one of their date nights and decided to make bowls--- the process was smooth, our teacher was super helpful and explained everything in detail. Would definitely return again! read more

Class was great! The instructor seems to really know what he's doing. He explained everything and helped us with our pottery pieces. We got a couple's class and it included drinks and a charcuterie board. I gave them only four stars because at the end of the class the instructor was left alone. He ended up doing the work of two since the other person left. I would also suggest to have someone go around the room to take pictures of the couples since everyone's hands are dirty from the clay. read more

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This is the worst studio I have ever been a member of and I have been a member of numerous studios. It is too small, very dirty, and the owner doesn't know how to run a business properly. The owner gives special privileges to certain individuals who try to boss other members around. In fact, many members have quit over the years because of the unfairness of this. I have met at least 5 other members who quit because of this and he fails to see that is why people often leave. I was so disappointed to find out that the owner also used member's money in a fundraiser to pay for a new kiln because he claimed he was broke but they saw on FB the elaborate expensive dinners and fancy vacations he was taking. This is just an awful studio and felt the need to express what I experienced and so many others have. read more

I took a class here randomly. It's something I've always want to do. I forgot the instructors name but she was super nice and helpful. If you told her what you wanted to accomplish she gave advice. She was super helpful. For the price it was pretty good. You get an excellent teacher and can make two pieces. Though you can only get one for free. I think it was great. Will be back. read more

Clay - My finished product - Arts & Entertainment Near Me - Long Beach, California

My friend and I saw an Instagram Reel about their workshops and signed up to make tumblers! The class is $65 which comes with one complimentary piece, and any additional pieces are $8 which is a great deal! Downtown Long Beach can be pretty stressful to navigate on a Saturday but we found metered street parking right outside the shop for $1/hr. Mark was an excellent instructor -- really clear in his demonstrations and very attentive and encouraging to each person in the class. It was such a fun and calm experience for being my first time doing pottery, and I would definitely come back and take another workshop! read more

At first, I was scared, but Mark quickly helped make our party comfortable. This place is a fun local easy going spot. You get personal 1 oh one attention classes are usually small. Bring your friends you don't need to know anything about pottery. It's a lot of fun. Had a blast. Thank you, Mark. read more

Great Birthday surprise! My daughter signed us up for a pottery class, hosted by Kenzie. Kenzie was very kind, great with instructions and super helpful & encouraging! Small class of 8 people, very comfortable. Recommend wearing clothes you can wash, even with their aprons messy fun! read more

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*Responding to the most common complaint about contacting the studio - You can text the phone line! It is not like someone is next to the phone the whole time - there are literally only two workers (often not there at the same time) that have multiple tasks like unloading/loading the kiln, preparing classes, assisting in production etc. The best thing to do is to come in during the open hours to ask about ceramic ware pick up. Also Eloise (co-owner of Clay) is super on top of the email so feel free to reach out that way. Remember this is a small community studio and be nice :) As a first responder, I felt burnt out especially after Los Angeles county was hit so hard in the winter of 2020/2021. When Clay opened back up around May, I was excited to join for classes. I took the basic series (9 classes) with Jojo and Cole. I loved it so much that I decided to become a member where you get a shelf, a key to the studio, and free firing and glazing. Almost everyday after work, I would go to wheel throw. I have since moved across the country and joined another ceramic studio. I can now more accurately describe how special Clay is after having another studio to compare. This studio is EXTRAORDINARY. Incredibly affordable, I will argue the most affordable pottery studio on either coast for the membership. The studio offers several options for clay bodies as well at a discount compared to big companies due to the whole sale discount. It is a very big deal that they do not charge members and students kiln fees. The two technicians - Collin and Olivia are literal gems and quickly became my good friends. They are very very hardworking and I always see them hustling. After going to another studio, I realized that other studios are not as inviting and community oriented. The studio is relatively diverse with a young crowd as well. Overall, I miss this studio so much. For those interested in a membership and more regular ceramics, this is the place. I hope to return soon! So jelly that they have a handbuilding class now :O read more

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I have been a member for two years and would never have left if not for the fact I am leaving Long Beach. I have been a member of other studios and this one is particularly well staffed, organized, and is full of very skilled potters. The skilled members make it a particularly great studio. Olivia, a staff member, was always so kind and knowledge and offered great advice whenever I was trying to solve a pottery challenge. She goes above and beyond to make sure everyone is taken care of. I will always remember my times at Clay and will miss it dearly. Five stars! read more

Clay - Arts & Entertainment Near Me - Long Beach, California

GREAT Place. Staff are all amazing. It is fun taking a class by yourself or with friends. The teachers are very helpful. read more

Such a fun place to bring the kids for clay classes. The lady that runs the classes is kind and patient. Every time we have attend their classes my kids come out wanting to book another class. Such an awesome learning experience. read more

Clay - Clay project- Angry Bird - Arts & Entertainment Near Me - Long Beach, California

What a beautiful experience! It was calming and healing working with my hands. My friend and I took the intro class. Kenzie was an amazing teacher. She provided a calm atmosphere and made the process easy. It was my first time doing pottery. I learned a lot and enjoyed it. I recommend this class for couples or groups. It's a good bonding activity. read more

Clay - Arts & Entertainment Near Me - Long Beach, California

Good people! Positive experience! I noticed that they were kind and patient. Ceramics is so fun...have a great time with clay and expression! read more

I've always wanted to try out pottery but had no idea where to start until my friend introduced me to Clay. This is a local pottery shop in downtown Long Beach and it has now been my favorite studio to go to when it comes to classes and practice! Since it is located in downtown, they only offer metered street parking, but I've always been able to find a parking spot somewhere nearby even on busy days! I was able to easily purchase my pass online and it's pretty standard pricing compared to all of the other pottery studios I've checked out. But I do appreciate how they offer sales every now and then, because it definitely helps with the overall cost. They have a small storefront where they sell cute knick knacks and in the back is their actual studio. I've been attending their multi-class series and my favorite instructor has to be Mark! He's so attentive to everyone, provides great feedback, and also is so supportive in whatever it is you're trying to create! It's been an amazing time learning from someone so talented and kind. read more

I tried to talk to someone there. One of the employees came to the door and proceeded to close and lock the door in my face without even asking me anything or saying anything to me. It was actually the second time that happened at this location. I had already bought all of my supplies. I wanted to ask questions in person. The 2 different women act so entitled. I am a local artist. I do MANY crafts. I will never go back and preach what terrible people work there. SOOO Disappointed !!! read more

This was an absolute amazing experience, we went for the pottery class for kids and the instructor was so amazing. Super patient, informative and creative. Hands on experience with options for different sculptures and colors to choose from. Definitely have your kids take a class or grown up class both are fun and interactive. read more

I'm currently have a membership at this pottery studio. I have been going here for a few months now and I can't lie but I love this place. The workers are friendly and honestly do a lot to keep this studio running. In the front of the studio, there are pottery pieces that members have made and are for sale. In the middle theres a shelf of things you're allowed to use and 6 wheels available to use. Towards the back, there are the kilns, sink, and restroom. Currently we are in a pandemic but Clay on First has been doing really well keeping the place clean and tighty. There are disposable masks available to use. Hand sanitizers available in 2 different places. Lysol spray to disinfect. I could tell this studio really cares about their members. Whenever I had questions about anything during after hours, I would shoot them an email and they have always responded pretty quickly. The staff are amazing and they have a lot of things available to use along with their membership. Some things this studio has the following available to use: -restroom -Roughly 20 cone 10 glazes / hand drill to mix glazes -under glazes -Bats / bat pins -Wax /wax brushes -sponges -Trimming tools / needle tools / ribs / etc -slab roller -pot lifters -Scale -6 throwing wheels -spay bottles -aprons / towels PS. This list is not everything but most things I could think off my head. This studio has a lot of things so you don't really have to go out to buy your own things unless you want to. I honestly think I'll keep the membership here because it's a good studio and playing with clay is really relaxing. read more

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Shout out to Daniel for being such an awesome, helpful, fun, and patient instructor. My sister and I attended one of the throwing classes with him today and he created such a community in those two hours. He made it feel safe to mess up and was always offering pointers. He was super duper cool and we will absolutely be coming back. Even the cleaning up part was cool! It felt very much like we were a community taking care of the space and not like a chore. The whole thing was awesome. Oh also, tip: if the Clay store is closed you can enter through the mushroom store read more

My teenager and I took the intro to wheel pottery class with Kenzie and Chris. We had an awesome time, and the instructors were wonderful. They were helpful, and kind, and encouraging. We can't wait to go back and take a full series. read more

3.5 stars. What a fun experience with my boyfriend on 8/6/17 :) The process of booking the Groupon was easy, but on their website was a bit difficult as it confused me when I entered two different codes. I ended up with two different confirmations under my name, but that's okay because it was fixed right when we got to the location. Parking was also a bit confusing, but alas we found one that was available and we scored on free parking! You get one giant block of clay to work with and cut into 4 different pieces. You gotta pound it to make it more malleable. It can be stressful at first because of not being able to mold your clay. Our instructor, Ariel, was pretty knowledgeable and able to help you if you somehow tear into your clay model. I kind of got the hang of it after a few tries, but still found it stressful, lol! After the 2 hour session was over, we all had to clean up our stations... which took awhile because there was about 10 of us and only 2 sinks. You also get an option to purchase a colored glaze for your piece, which is an additional $5 per piece. She stated that it will take anywhere from 6-8 weeks and they hold it up to 8 months for you. I didn't enjoy the fact that we didn't get a receipt with our payment and had to ask for one. Anywho, thanks for teaching us the basics! We can't wait to pick up our 4 pieces! read more

Clay - Arts & Entertainment Near Me - Long Beach, California

I felt so bittersweet about my experience at Clay's so it has taken me a while to gather my thoughts to give a fair review of my experience. I was torn between giving a 3 star or a 4 star, but I had to really ask myself, would I come back here? The answer is no, I would not come back so I can't really give them that 4. The studio is intimate and I can see that if I had a different instructor, I may have enjoyed my experience more. Our young and friendly purple-haired instructor KEPT INTERFERING with our artwork ... I actually really liked my first piece but she kept insisting that I keep on messing with it and it literally tore right in front of here and she just walked away... like do better on your next one... This also happened with my cousin where she was hands on trying to show him something and she told him to step on the pedal and his amazing artwork tore up right in the middle. We had 4 things to make and on the 4th thing she was going on and on about how she would leave us alone unless we basically begged her to help us... and guess what? She still came by and interfered. I was so over it... After we were done we had to intensely clean... There was only 2 sinks and about 9 of us had to wait to wash up all of our tools and work station stuff... It was like slave work. I would pay a studio more just to avoid this whole cleaning thing. It really takes away from the fun of the experience. Hidden fees!! If you would like to keep any of your pieces, that is not included with the course fees. Each piece you would like to glaze and kiln is an additional $5. My cousin and I both pondered if we cared to come back to Long Beach considering we didn't looooove any of our other pieces. We paid for 1 each but I might be too lazy to drive to Long Beach to pick it up... If it's your first time, wear clothes you aren't afraid of getting dirty... probably pants since you have to put your legs around the wheel. Dresses are not recommended. I also recommend trimming your nails down short so the clay does not get stuck in your nail or tear up your artwork. Good luck!! I hope you get Clay teaching your class and not the instructor we had. read more

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Such a fun experience!!! Came here on a date with my bf not knowing anything about pottery making. We got the introductory lesson that last about 2 hours and gives you the ability to mold 4 pieces of clay into a vase, bowl, cup, and a design of your choosing. I chose a ring holder! Everything from the actual prepping of our clay pieces to the spinning of our designs was very informative. I love that I got to learn more about pottery and the different techniques you can use throughout. Our class went by very fast and our instructor, Cole, was great with helping us and being very patient. At the end you are able to purchase one (or all) of your pieces for $8 each with a glazed color added. You just have to pick them up in 6 weeks. Overall, we really enjoyed ourselves and I'd recommend anyone who wants to try out pottery for the first time, to check this place out! Note: Make sure to wear something you don't mind getting dirty. They do offer aprons, but there's a chance you could still get clay all over your clothes. read more

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Hi. Could the Manager plz message me? Every time I'm in Long Beach or near there this store is closed. :( Re: Image...I called and left a voice message on Sunday, however it's now Thursday (after closing) and nobody has called me back. Our pottery pieces are on hold until 11.31.18 per the text message, however there's only 30 days in November. I can swing by on Saturday 12.01.18 (aka "11.31.18" lol) to get these. Please do not toss them out (we already paid). I'll update this review to higher stars once I hear back and get this resolved. Thx. read more

Clay - Arts & Entertainment Near Me - Long Beach, California

Love the staff! The you g lady with green eyes always helps me every time i deliver and pick up my clay creations. She's been helping me with knowledge about clay as well. Such a sweet and helpful gal. I love how cheap it is to use their kiln. read more

Clay - Finished product out of kiln - Arts & Entertainment Near Me - Long Beach, California

I found this spot because of Groupon. The Groupon offer was $30 per person for a 2 Hour Introduction to Wheel Thrown Ceramics. I've never done this before so I definitely wanted to check it out. The place is pretty small - I think they can take about 8 people per session so it does get booked. Make sure you book in advance so you get the date and times you want. We arrived on time and found meter street parking. To my surprise, each of us got 4 pieces of clay to work with. The first 3 were for a Cup, a Bowl and a Vase. The last one was for your imagination lol. Before we began, we had to play with the clay for it to become softer and let the air out (kind of like kneading dough for bread). After that, we sat on our stations behind the wheel and started making our masterpieces. Since arts and ceramics is not my forte and I have pretty fat fingers - I destroyed 3 of the 4 clay pieces in the middle or near the end of each piece. However, the instructor was very nice and gave me 3 extra pieces. In the end, each of us made 4 pieces. You get to choose which ones you want to glaze/fire and keep for $5. Theres many colors to choose from. It takes 6-8 weeks for them to prepare that and you have to pick it up which is the only downside. You pay in advance as well. I just got the pieces back and they are great! It was a great experience. My GF and I had a blast although we didn't make the prettiest of them all. The instructor was very nice and friendly. I recommend coming in with normal clothes because you WILL GET DIRTY. read more

Clay - Arts & Entertainment Near Me - Long Beach, California

The Studio: Small studio. There is a small section of retail selling cute little ceramics. Step inside, there is a big table for prepping the clay. There are total 8 stations. The Class: Small class (6-8 people) which is great because everyone can get some attention from the instructor. Our instructor, Alice, is AWESOME!! She is young and has good energy. Super friendly and explain every step in detail in the class. She will help you when she sees you are "struggling". This is an introductory class. We learn about how to operate the machine and get to create 3 items (bowls & cups). Nothing fancy for the first class but it is definitely a good learning experience. They only have 3 aprons in the studio so if you have one at home, bring it with you. You are going to get dirty, don't wear nice clothes or any jewelry. Wear something comfortable. After you finish the raw piece, you can choose what color to put on the ceramic. The studio will finish the item for you, $5 per each piece. It takes about 6-8 weeks to pick up the final product. Overall, EXCELLENT hands on experience!! FUN FUN FUN~ The Parking: Street metered parking (2 hours, free after 6pm), during weekends, might be challenging. read more

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Clay was awesome! I came here with my gf after browsing for a fun activity on Groupon. FYI - they also have offers on LivingSocial if that works better for you. You buy the voucher, make an appointment online, and just show up. Parking is meter parking on the street until 6pm, $1/hr with a 2hr max. After that, its free. Our session was supposed to be with 6 people, but the 4 others ended being no-shows, which was great for us since we essentially got a private lesson, but bad for Clay I guess. Our instructor, who I forgot the name to, was extremely friendly, patient, and helpful! Our voucher covered about an hour or so of activity - she taught us how to prepare the clay and eventually how to use the spinning wheel to make four things - a vase, a cup, and bowl, and a fourth item of whatever you want (we chose a plate). A helpful tip is to wear something you wouldn't mind getting dirty, because you definitely will get at least your pants dirty. Another helpful tip is to not think highly of yourself. Pottery can be hard for beginners, I went in thinking I was going to make some kind of fancy-pants vase; but the outcome was...a vase that looked like a wide cup ha. If you want to keep your "masterpiece," its $5 a piece, a reasonable fee. And the firing process will take about 6-8 weeks I think. If you haven't tried it, give it a go and take advantage of the discounted offers from Groupon/LivingSocial! It's a great date idea and I'd consider going again. read more

Clay - Clearly, the bottom row is the instructors haha - Arts & Entertainment Near Me - Long Beach, California

Can't say that I wanted to do this beginner class but the wife and friend's spoke and I went. Well, I have to say, quite a bit of fun working with clay and the wheel to create three different things. Admittedly, very simple and basic but the time working with each project and working the clay was more fun than I ever imagined. Highly recommend for anyone. Also, a big shout out to Jackie, our instructor. Patient and very helpful which allowed all of us to have some success and a great experience. read more

Our Girl Scout troop did a class here and the gentleman ( sorry I forgot his name) who taught the class was so patient and attentive to the girls. I recommend this class to all scouts girls and boys. read more

Creative and fun activity to share with friends. Friend came upon a Groupon deal that got a private lesson with an instructor for the four of us. The class was two hours long and was taught how to prep and use the wheel pottery. The instructor was informative and helpful. She was great with explaining what needs to be done and assisted us when we struggle to keep up. We prepped the clay to get it ready for the wheel, got to learn how get rid of bubbles. We brought them over to the wheel and learned the basics. First attempt was to make a cylinder shape like a mug (without the handle). Second was to make a bowl or a dish and third was to make a different variation of the bowl. The last attempt was free form to revisit any of the skills learned. The time was tight and we felt a bit rushed in the end. We were unable to design the pieces other than the shape. Each of the pieces can be glazed and picked up after completion for $8 each. They would help clean the edges, glazed the piece in the color of your choice and ready for pick up 6-8 weeks. Overall, it was a fun experience. Would have wished that there was sample of the results before the class started so we know what to expect (but I understand that if people were to see what we are attempting to do, they would work ahead of themselves without learning the techniques). Would recommend checking this place out as an activity to do with small group of friends. Reservation for classes is strongly recommended for first timer. read more