I have lived in Manchester for a very long time, yet this is my first time visiting The Firestone…read more I don't know what took me so long to try this place. It's a painting, an arts and craft, a bakery, and a coffee shop. Great place for friends to get together and spend quality time, with great refreshment. They make their own bread, Cheddar scallion scones, chocolate chip cookies, sandwiches, and many other items. My favorites are the different coffees and teas. The staff is very pleasant and helpful, both with the food service and the arts. What a gem to have on Main Street.

Surprisingly good food in a pottery painting place…read more Been meaning to review this place for a while. Each time I'd go in, see no one around, then left. This last attempt, there was a bunch of staff around so I got the full experience. The staff were very friendly and informative. They explained the pottery painting side of things to anyone painting a piece. They had a wealth of knowledge in that regard, explaining how to get the best results for each medium. I wasn't here for the pottery, I was here for the food. So they sat at a 4 top and let me go up to the cafe to order. The menu is basic, egg sandwiches, avocado toast, French toast, coffees and lattes. Some fresh baked pastries available but mostly simple dishes. I opted for their French toast latte and an egg sandwiches with bacon. Also got a cinnamon roll that was baked that morning. Food came out after a few minutes. Not speedy but not slow. Took some pics and dug in. There's a fundamental rule that I follow when reviewing. "The flavors on the description need to match the flavors of the dish." There's sandwich did this exemplary. The garlic aoli had a strong but slightly acidic bite to it, which helped the arugula's bitterness. The egg was fluffy, the tomato grilled and salted, and the bacon perfectly crispy. The soft home made bread was almost too soft, compressing down to nothing after each bite. If anything, the bread could've been grilled to give it a bit more structure. But besides that gripe, it's one of the best breakfast sandwiches I've had. The latte, that's what took the star off. The coffee is giv beans, so a good quality product. The problem was it was extremely, overbearingly bitter. With a French toast latte, you'd expect the sweet to counteract the bitter. But nope, the sweet came from the cold foam and the concentrated coffee at the base led to straight sips of cringingly bitter coffee. After mixing the cold foam into the coffee, it became more bearable. But the damage was done by that point, and my pallet was shot. Had to dump most of the coffee. Overall, it's a neat place to go to. It's rare to have activities along with good food, and the staff there make the experience great. Not too much a fan of the specialty coffee, but the food is well worth the price. A solid food choice for Main Street.

We had a challenge of sunflowers on a bottle... Our teacher guided us threw a hour and half journey…read moreof painting sunflowers on a bottle and wine glasses. They gave us plenty of time to drink and eat our snacks. We provided our food and booze..beer and wine are welcomed. I felt it was a little pricey for what it is. I wish they had better music as well but over all good time. I would do it again. Also have clay and ceramics as well

Sept., 2023, my hubby & I took a 2-hr. leaf-pressed, pottery bowl creation class with Astrid! It…read morewas a grand experience to experience a potter's wheel magic and be guided by Asterid. She was competent, super-helpful, and a true, master teacher, attentive and humorous. Thank you for providing us with a mutually-enjoyed afternoon! We shall be back!

Glazed is such a gem! The staff are super helpful with tips and tricks, you really feel like you…read morecan create your wildest ideas. The space is huge, perfect for large gatherings or parties, and the selection is incredible, from decorative pieces to kitchenware and cute tchotchkes. I'm obsessed with my little duck and would definitely recommend for a fun outing.

Had the absolute best time and experience! Staff were helpful in explaining what to do, and made…read moresure to mention to not feel bad asking them questions. We came with a big group of 10 which we reserved the table, a few of us have never painted pottery before. Glazed had an abundance of options from plates to pet bowls, spoon rests, margarita glasses, holiday options, vases, you name it they have it! For beginners like me they also have stencils that one can use. Can't wait to pick up my finished piece!

I held a fundraiser at Brush it Off for a local nonprofit. It was such a fun night! The location…read morehad everything set up for us. Instruction was provided as needed but otherwise it was relaxing and enjoyable. What a great way to spend time with friends and help raise money.

This place was awesome. David was an excellent teacher and after this experience i now want to try…read moremore classes, it was so fun.

This place was nice! We went for a group outing of seven people. When I called earlier in the week,…read morethe guy said we didn't need a reservation and could just walk in for Saturday. We all planned to meet there at 5 PM, but when we arrived, they told us we actually needed a reservation and had to come back at 6:45. Thankfully, West Hartford has plenty to do, so we walked around, grabbed some food, and returned for our reservation. One thing to know is that you pick the pottery you want to paint it's not a place where you make the pottery yourself. That has pros and cons, depending on your preferences. I'm honestly not that artistic when it comes to freehand painting, so I picked a simple snowflake design (probably the cheapest option at around $14). My friends picked reindeer, cookie trays, and other fun items. Painting was fun, but you have to leave your piece for 2-3 weeks to be glazed, so don't expect to take it home the same day. The space is small, but I liked the intimate setting. The staff was also very nice, and overall, I had a good experience. I would definitely go back.

I have not had a hand in pottery since high school so this was a nice activity to do and spend…read morequality time with friends and family. Claypen is located on Farmington Avenue in West Hartford Center between Walden and Dale streets. Lookout for the sessions posted outside if looking for something specific. I was attracted to the Studio Ghibli theme they were having and immediately made a reservation. I honestly didn't know what to expect until I arrived there. Upon check in, we were shown where we'd be seated and were told that we select any ceramic on the shelf and will be provided the paints and can even replenish it ourselves from the shelf. As well as take as much time as we needed to complete our design. My daughter did her own thing and drew Sanrio on different sides while I wanted to paint Haku and my friend, Totoro. I think it all came out really well!! I looked up an image tried to copy it onto the jar. Originally using a pencil and lightly tracing it onto the surface to not affect the image, although I was told that the pencil burns off during the baking process. We were also instructed to paint more than 1 coat so that the paint will show. The whole process was easy enough. When finished, everything can be brought to the counter for payment. Essentially the painting is free, it's the ceramic that needs to be paid for. I would think that the piece is averagely priced. If wanting to be sure, definitely ask before picking a piece. I'd certainly do this again.

I've really been debating leaving this review because I did enjoy the painting (for the most part)…read more We (my husband and I) went for the very first time a couple weeks ago to celebrate our wedding anniversary. We made reservations ahead of time and when we got there they were assigning tables to sit at. We got shown out table and then we got moved. We were shown the other places to sit so we started looking for the pieces we were going to paint. We returned to the table and another lady started telling us to move again, we would be better off sitting somewhere else. So now we've been moved twice and we end up at a table with little kids who have zero interest in painting. They are on their phones and pushing/knocking the table and my husband and I are having to stop continuously so our painting doesn't get messed up (it did when the kid hit the table and we needed assistance fixing the piece-and we complained at that time). I should note-when we first arrived we told them we were celebrating our anniversary (they asked) and we were told "oh, you need to do a tile!." We didn't think anything of it at that time. When we were almost finished painting the plate we had picked out, a tile was brought over to us. We never asked for it and honestly forgot all about it. It was given to us and we were told to enjoy it. We finally finished the plate and tile so we brought them up to the front. There, we were charged for the tile we never asked for and to be perfectly honest had zero interest in doing - we didn't even put much effort into painting it because at that point we wanted to get out of there. The girl checking us out had no desire to follow up on it so we left, mad. I was told "give us 2 weeks" for the pieces to be ready. No other instructions. So I go yesterday to pick up the pieces -2 weeks and 3 days later. I walk in and tell the desk I'm here to pick them up. "Did you call first?" Ummmm, no, I wasn't told to do that and it's been longer than the 2 weeks. Then she can't find my stuff in the computer, both by phone # and name. I tell her the date we were there and she has to go find the actual paper slip. Then she can't find the pieces and there are now 2 people looking for the items. They finally find them after about 10 minutes of me standing stupidly at the front. Did I enjoy the actual painting? Yes Did I enjoy the overall experience? No Was the customer service good? Not great Will we go back? Probably not, I might give them a 2nd try by my husband will definitely not.

This place is so cute and cozy! They have tons of options or choose from to paint! Little pricy but…read moreworth the money! Staff is super helpful! You paint your piece and pick it up 8-10 days later. It will come back glossy and beautiful. Don't forget to check upstairs for more paintable pieces! Will definitely be back for more! Thanks ClayTime! :)

This was my second time at Sawmill Pottery and I would recommend this experience to anyone who…read morewants to try to make pottery! The first time we made two bowls and this last time we went for Valentine's Day and make a bowl and mug. The teacher was so nice and friendly and really helpful. We had Dot as a teacher and she was so bubbly and had us very excited to make the pottery. I loved how Dot gave us all one on one attention and really let us do our own bowls and mugs. I love the way she taught us and helped us along the way. It's hard to do, but also very fun and I love making something of my own. Such a great experience and I can't wait to go back and make more!!

I bought a Wheel 101 class for a Christmas present for my wife, and I would be joining her. I…read morenever touched pottery making in my life, not even as a kid. Dot was a fantastic teacher and everyone there was guided by her with success at our bowl...um I mean our goal...lol I've got to say we both had a blast, it was more fun than I would have ever anticipated. In a nutshell, setup a class, I don't think you will be disappointed. We drove home talking about the next time and purchasing gift certificates for our married children.

A few years before the coronavirus I've been frequently visiting this place and now with Covid I've…read morebeen hearing to make another work with them again

I love going to Glazey Dayz. I have been going there since it opened when I was in middle school…read more I'm now in my 20s and I still go with my friends to paint. The owner is so sweet and fun! She makes the experience great and she is always around if you need help! It is reasonably priced and such a great activity!

Love love love this place! Rona does amazing craftsmanship beautiful designs and Love her ceramic…read moreacorns you can find out on the walking trails of Sturbridge MA!!!

Super high quality, beautiful and unique ceramics. Rona is a lovely human being and a conscientious…read morebusiness owner. So many beautiful pieces to choose from. Support local business. Get a unique gift for yourself, a special friend or family member! Whiskey cups, bowls, soap dispensers, vases, mugs, batter bowls, lamps, hanging lights and so much more.

I had an amazing experience at The Pottery Place in Albany, NY! This charming studio offers a…read morefantastic selection of pre-made pottery to paint, along with helpful guidance for beginners. The staff was incredibly friendly and patient, and I ended up having a really great time The atmosphere was so relaxing, and the studio was clean and well-organized. I loved that I could take my time painting my piece, the turn around time for firing and glazing was quite quick--my finished mug turned out even better than I imagined

The people who work there have no idea had to work with older adults or children…read more The explanation of the paints was so fast and not really in a way either group could understand No one offered help or explanation at the tables Obviously these people are burnt out and should get different jobs The expense would be worth it if there was any kind of enthusiasm offered I had the same bag issue but I can live with that My grandkids loved the final product but I would never repeat or recommend this experience