How do you write a review for your favourite place? I've been coming to Fire and Mud since my first class in February 2019 and I can truly say I've learned everything I know from this place!! Kathy really built the most wonderful third place. Whether you are looking for a totally novel experience or to dive headfirst into the addictive world of clay, you will find what you are looking for in this full service pottery studio with super accessible rates and a good variety of clay bodies to work with! The only prerequisite is that you take a class to get the lay of the land and then you are welcome to choose the level of commitment that suits your needs. I love the sense of community we have with all the regulars who come in - it's what's kept me coming back despite no longer living in North County. read more

Easy to make reservations online, but if you're making reservations to include your adult kids, the system won't reserve a spot for them if you identify yourself as a parent, it's better to call. Other than that, we had a great time and learned so much techniques from Brice, so patient and helpful for our group of first timers on the wheel. We'll be back for sure. Thanks to Brice for a great experience! read more

We had a birthday celebration with our friend who has been thinking about coming to the studio. Kathy the owner was really accommodating what we need for a group of 7. The instructor Isabella was great in the class helping us and making sure we are confident to make our 2nd piece after first practice. My girlfriends and I had so much fun and definitely we are going back to mater our skills. read more

Fire and Mud Studios - Art Galleries Near Me - San Marcos, California

I held my office year end party at their beginning wheel class and we had the best time. Madeline was so helpful and the whole group had a great time. We will be back read more

Fire and Mud Studios - Our creations - Art Galleries Near Me - San Marcos, California

See all

I've taken three classes at Fire and Mud studios and learned more than I have in 10 classes at the other studios in San Diego County and Riverside County. The owner kathy is an amazing instructor. She also employed several other instructors that are amazing, two of which I've had taken classes from all have been super great and make you feel like you'll be able to do this not just I'm helping you because you're never gonna get this, which is what generally happens at the other studios. Kathy herself is an amazing potter the entire studio is full of people who truly know what they're doing and willing to share their gift and talent with you. The other thing that makes For and Mud Studios a place I would recommend is that the atmosphere is just generally fun and welcoming!! I would say if you're interested in doing ceramics, pottery, hand building i'm certain you'll feel welcome and supported at Fire and Mud Studios read more

Fire and Mud Studios - Picture of people - Art Galleries Near Me - San Marcos, California

I've taken three classes here and all of the teachers are really knowledgeable. There is also an exceptionally friendly vibe in the studio! I'm becoming addicted to being there. read more

The staff here are extremely friendly and helpful. It's an extremely enjoyable atmosphere where the staff are welcome to help when they're free during open hour. I have been enjoying coming on the weekends and being creative. I highly recommend this place! read more

I took ceramics in college but have always struggled with anxiety. The comfort and warmth I have received at Fire and Mud Studios have made me feel so welcome and artistic to explore my creativity. I am so excited to take more pottery classes from them. It's great that they are down the street from my work too. I already feel like family there. read more

BE WARNED!!! Ceramics is addicting! Love this place! Everyone that works here is so kind and patient. I started with the Intro wheel and glaze package and I was hooked. Kathy and her team are so sweet and are happy to answer all my questions as I learn. Been thinking of trying our ceramics? Give Fire & Mud a try! Bonus: They have awesome ceramics for sale if you are looking for a unique gift. read more

See all

My sister and I came here a few months ago and signed up for the beginners package with a wheel class and a glazing class. I was really interested in getting into pottery and learning about the process. While we both enjoyed making our pieces and were happy with our results, we felt like the experience was lacking. Since we had never been in a pottery studio before, I expected there to be a more thorough introduction. We didn't get much guidance on how the studio worked and the purpose of certain tools. When we were finished with the wheel session, the instructor didn't show us the clean up process and just told us to clean our station when we were done. I had to ask another student who was already familiar with the process. The glazing class felt rushed to us as well. We came to the studio three times: to make our pieces, glaze them, and pick them up. Each time, we didn't feel very welcome. There was never anyone up front and we ended up awkwardly waiting to wave someone down or make eye contact with someone to get some help. Each time, we had to end up asking someone who wasn't staff for help. Someone in the middle of their own pottery session even came over to show us where our finished pieces were when we were picking them up. Maybe this is just how studios are supposed to be, but I didn't feel very comfortable here as a beginner. I honestly wish I could leave a better review, but for $75 each, I expected more. read more

i took a beginner wheel class with a friend for my birthday. the teacher (i think her name was cathy) was very welcoming and good at demonstrating the techniques. the studio has a fun and relaxed vibe to it, and everyone i met there was very kind read more

The beginner class was incredibly fun and quite affordable. Instructor was kind, informative and patient. And we did it! We created several wonderful pieces that we cannot wait to glaze. read more

We are not a 'crafty' family. My 9 year old daughter had a fractured wrist and needed to make a ceramic bowel for a school project. I called Fire and Mud, explained the situation and arranged a visit. As soon as we arrived, Kathy and her team put my daughter at ease, worked around her fracture and got her up and running with the wheel in no time. Very relaxed atmosphere and my daughter created a beautiful bowel, decorated with an ornate rose. We were on a tight time scale. Kathy went above and beyond to get it fired, glazed and refired in time for the project deadline. Amazing service and wonderful people. Thank you!!!!! read more

Fire and Mud Studios - Art Galleries Near Me - San Marcos, California

Such a great studio with patient and encouraging instructors. Katherine, Patrick, and Arthur are all great at providing step by step stages of throwing and trimming. It's always a relaxing experience going to this studio and seeing what I can create. I'll definitely be back for more classes and possibly my own bag of clay for their open studio sessions. read more

I ordered a mug from here recently. The whole process was smooth and seamless. This studio has great and helpful customer service . I love my mug and the outcome was excellent. Would definitely shop here again! read more

Upping my review to 3 stars based off Kathy's kind and constructive response AND after hearing that additional space has been added. Hopefully this additional space includes more shelving as well as labeled shelves. Just my 2 cents. read more

I randomly signed up for a single adult beginner's class for a Friday night with Jude. It turned out that I was the only real beginner there so I felt a little out of place at first. I had absolutely zero experience with the wheel or pottery in general and Jude was very helpful in going over all of the steps for me to become familiar with the entire process. She's a great teacher! I recommend wearing something you don't mind getting dirty even though there were some aprons available. Don't wear any rings, bracelets, or watches when going to do this class. Also, I learned it is better to have short nails when working on the wheel. The class was a perfect way for me to focus on nothing else but the wheel in front of me. I loved that part of it! I made two small bowls, which was a cool experience. One thing I didn't know ahead of time was that I would have to sign up for a separate glaze class (since I bought only one class versus a package) to complete my bowls. I would come back here again to continue practicing. read more

The owner of this place is amazing!!!!!!!!!!!! So supportive of new creatives and they are quick to remember who you are (even if half your face is covered with a mask). I have taken multiple classes and just really enjoyed my time at this place. I've taken all my friends here and have 0 complaints. If you're new and want to learn how to throw or hand build or even create your own studio I recommend this place! read more

Super helpful and kind staff, fun place to learn all the techniques for wheel and hand building pottery, trimming, glazing and more... but be careful, pottery is very addicting! read more

I came in here really not knowing what to expect, but when my friends showed up and we met Rey, I had a really good feeling that we were in good hands! The whole time I just really wanted to play the music from Ghost while my friends and I were getting our lesson on how to throw and pull clay to make some tea cups and bowls! This was such a crazy experience because I loved every minute of it! My friends had an amazing 2 hour lesson with Rey and we learned so much about how to properly do certain techniques, make the bowls and cups that we had, and then also cleaning up! It's only right that once you make your mess, you clean up so that was super fun as well! We only did part one of everything when we did our first session. Now we have to wait two weeks until we can go back (our things we made have to properly dry) before we can start glazing our creations and then putting it into the kiln!! Rey is super amazing to work with and I learned so much that night! I have to give her mad props because she was teaching 5 adults who have never done this before all on her own! WHAT A PRO!! read more

See all

I've been here maybe five times, and this is the place I am proud to say I got my start throwing on the wheel. I took a beginner's class with Desiree, who was really articulate and a great teacher and since then have bought some clay and have been using "open wheel" time. Every time I am at open wheel, the owner, Kathy, has been extremely supportive and checks on us to see if we need any help. I have zero artistic talent so I really have appreciated this. I think the prices are very reasonable here since they include a large assortment of glazing and multiple firings. They are really well-organized and have been really flexible to work with. Honestly, the customer service here is second-to-none. I have been coming here weekly from La Jolla because this place is worth it. Definitely take a class here, at least, if you can. read more

I took my employees for a fun team building exercise, we did the 2 hour class throwing pots and then went back to glaze them. This was a fun way to get creative for a group of around 6. Recommend for small corporate teams or a small celebration with friends. It was fun to see how different everyone's pieces came out! read more

See all

Called to purchase clay and the woman I spoke to was so incredibly rude. I kindly said their prices were double (literally twice the amount) the price of another clay supplier farther away, and she very rudely and aggressively said, "Well go there then." I wasn't criticizing, or being remotely rude, I was just trying to understand what the difference was and to make sure I wasn't being quoted to use their kiln too. read more

My children and I just got done with the beginner wheel class at Fire and Mud studios and had a wonderful experience! My kids are 10 and 13 and it was appropriate for both children. We had Patrick as our instructor and he was so kind, knowledgeable, and patient. He explained things, and got us going on the wheel within about 10 minutes. We all had our own wheels, and we were making bowls, vases, and cups - depending on what was happening on the wheel (as it is tricky). This was a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon. I highly recommend taking a class with Patrick. He is a super awesome and kind man and really helped all of us feel successful in our pottery journey read more

I have been going to this studio for over 2 years now. I had always wanted to try pottery and had zero experience. I have taken several classes with different instructors in wheel, handbuilding and glaze. There are many different clay types and all of the supplies you need are provided. The prices are great but the best thing about this studio is how immensely welcoming everyone is. It doesn't matter if you were a contestant on The Great British Throw Down or you've only ever played with Play Doh, you will be welcomed here. After the first classes you're allowed to do open wheel and come throw on your own. You're given creative license to just try! Other studios I've looked at have had a much more restrictive set up and you weren't allowed to go off on you're own. Even when throwing on your own there are always people around to help and give tips. It's a great place to learn and grow as a potter. I could not recommend this studio more highly. Also, be prepared to meet amazing people and be a part of clay community! It's so fun! read more

It was awesome I learned so much with Z she is a amazing teacher, I already registered for my next class with her. Thank u Z

I took their beginner wheel class and found it very informative and fun. Desiree was a great instructor and helped me improve on my skills. I can't wait to take another class there! read more

I love this place! The owner and staff are friendly and welcoming and helpful.   When I walk in, I'm greeted like a friend. The classes are fun, but even if you just go in to build or throw or glaze, the staff are ready to help. I guess I'm glad it's not closer to my home, otherwise I'd be in there all the time! Thanks Kathy & crew! read more

I've really liked my experiences with Fire and Mud. They are always really helpful to me when I mess something up and always seem to have plenty of space to throw clay on the wheel.  I first found this place by seeing some of their work in Solana Beach and really liked the aesthetic their artists seem to have. I was hoping they could teach me their style, and while I am still working on my technique, I'm hopeful. Studio is very clean and organized, but the people are really the ones who make this place awesome. read more

Wonderful experience. Took my mom and brothers here for an adult Throwing It On the Wheel class. If there was a level lower than beginner that where my family would be. The instructor was so patient with us and also very personable. The class is limited to 6 which is really nice. The family and I enjoyed our class immensely. TIP: Wear clothes you don't mind getting clay on. I underestimated how much clay would actually get on me. read more

Neat experience. I'd do it again. But the bowls I made got lost and someone else ended up with them and I had theirs I guess... Anyways it was disappointing that I didn't get to take home something that I actually made which was the whole point of me going initially. read more

Fire and Mud Studios - Art Galleries Near Me - San Marcos, California

See all

New ownership. Weird rules. You can't sell anything you make here! Like if you want to make a hobby out of selling pottery on the side. I told the new owner the FIRST DAY that I wanted to do that, and she said "Cool!" But then when I started telling her how I was doing, she kicked me out. I don't understand, because as I sold my pieces, I was telling people about her studio, AND I was going back every time, spending money on her business by renting studio time, buying clay from her, etc. Her reasoning for kicking me out--just one random day when I came in-- was, "I don't feel comfortable with you making money off of what you do here." WHAT? How is that negative for you? If anything, it's only positive for your business. Well. I was kicked out and I do not recommend this studio. read more

This is actually a reply to Andre J's one star review and misinformation. I have been a long time satisfied, very happy customer of Fire & mud both with Rae and now Kathy ( who is great). You can absolutely sell anything you make there, you can buy someone else's piece and sell it if that is your wish.I met Andre when he came in the studio. He was not doing "hobby" pottery to try and sell. He was starting a kick starter in which he wanted to hire other potters to make items for him. When I asked " Are you going to use your kick starter money to open your own studio for production?" He Said "No, I plan on using this one, I don't even want to be a potter I'm just going to have other people do it." He also was doing many other sneaky things trying to go around the new owner. The reason brining in other potters plural would be an issue is we only have six wheels for every customer who comes in to use and if he has other potters plural coming to make his pieces there would be no room for anyone else; not too mention kiln use. I do not believe he had intentions to pay extra kiln fees for all of his production. Bottom line is we do not have a facility big enough to have a person come in and run their full blown mass production pottery business out of the already existing business. Especially when they are being sneaky. Saying things to the owner like" oh I didn't know you were going to be here today." Also one of the potters he brought in to do his work for him is not even aloud at the Palomar college campus because of assault accusations. If you are interested in pottery/ ceramics at any skill level this place is awesome with awesome instructors, fun workshops and open studio time. And you may absolutely sell what you make. Fire & mud! read more

I have been going for the past 2 months, because my daughters gave me a group of classes for my birthday. It's been years since I made pottery, but Kathy, Alex and Madelyn are so patient, helpful and encouraging (as I'm sure the other staff members are also, but I haven't met them yet.) What a perfect place for all levels to be creative, be inspired by the work of all the other talented people, and to just have fun. Highly recommend! read more

Love this place. I've known Kathy for years and she is very passionate about what she does. She is a true artist. Classes, items for sale. Can't wait to take another class. I had never worked with clay before and what an experience. Check it out, more later but I wanted to get the word out!! read more

Fire and Mud Studios is a great place for clay crafts! They have 6 wheels, and after purchasing the introductory package (throwing on the wheel class as well as glaze class) you are able to come in during "open time" and use the wheels with your purchased clay (available at the studio) for only $8. This studio provides an incredible place to develop a really calming and rewarding hobby. I am in love with it! A big thanks to Katherine for all of her help and direction. read more

Took a awesome class Last night with Madelyn!! It was awesome learned a bunch and had a ton of fun she is a awesome teacher if ya want to learn ceramics this is the place super friendly reasonably priced and epic! Go if ya get a chance read more

This is an amazing studio for both people new to pottery and for advanced students. Amazing owner and fellow potters. Large selection of glazes to choose from and all the tools you need to get started. read more

I wanted to take a moment to share an honest review that I think would help others understand the studio and what they offer a little better. My friend and I signed up for a beginning wheel class and it was a lot of fun. We both made small little bowls and enjoyed the experience. We had the impression that the class included glazing and firing your piece but it doesn't and it's a separate class that you need to pay for. Good to know, since that was not shared up front. However, what really took me by surprise was the customer service I experienced when I called to try and problem solve as to how we could get our pieces glazed and fired. My friend and I weren't able to take the second class due to crazy schedules and I called to see if it could be glazed and fired for us with whatever colors the shop chose. I recommended dipping it in whatever was convenient as they worked on other pieces. After speaking with one employee, who said they could do that for us, I am assuming the owner got on the phone. She changed the option to $25 a piece to glaze and fire plus was very defensive when I told her that $50 was a ridiculous price to dip two bowls in glaze and put in the kiln while they were already doing so for other pieces anyway. I've had experience with glazing and firing and it's not 'extra work' as she said. In the end, the phone call ended, when I hung up because she became so upset when I told her I'd be letting others know. Just not the way to handle customer service. Soooo if you want to take all the classes, go for it! Otherwise, I'd recommend a different studio. read more

My experience at Fire and Mud Studios was very disappointing. I came here with friends for an evening class to celebrate. We are beginners but really were there just to have fun and explore while doing something creative. It was very serious and we were given very little freedom to make what we wanted. The class ended 25 minutes before our expected end time so we had ample time to clean up after ourselves... I don't mind cleaning up, I had just expected a 2 hour class, or at least a warning when time was running out as my piece was not quite finished yet. At the end we were told we would not have our items glazed, we'd each need to purchase a glaze class to be able to use our pottery. No where on the sign-up for the class did it say we'd need to purchase an additional class to be able to actually take home or use our pottery. This was not mentioned during the class until we specifically asked. If you do decide to go to Fire and Mud Studios be sure you call and specifically ask if you will be able to take home a finished piece at the end of your class, apparently that is not standard here. I will not be going back to the additional class nor ever go back to Fire and Mud. read more