Color Me Mine

A high school friend and I had a great mini-​reunion and ceramics painting session one week ago. It was my first time at this studio, though not my first time painting ceramics. I really enjoyed meeting the staff and am a fan of the supervisor (manager?) who helped me correct a mistake and who also caught a paint error made by a staff member.
I painted a small box and top, decorated for Valentine’s Day, as a gift for my husband. He loved the surprise and it has already found a space on his dresser top.
There is a great atmosphere at the studio. While it’s clear that some of the staff are unsure about process and how to be most helpful, all are genuinely friendly and very nice. I’ll go back!

I went to this studio for the first time about a week ago with my friend. We thought we’d be there for 1 – 2 hrs, and ended up staying for almost 5hrs! That was because the studio environment really opened up our creative side and we were just having too much fun. The staff at this location was superrrr patient and friendly, and spent a lot of time with us explaining how to use different design techniques to achieve the color and texture that we were aiming for. The studio was clean, the pottery selection was impressive and the experience left me wanting to come back again soon! Only downside is having to wait a week to be able to pick up your piece (I haven’t had a chance yet to pick mine up). Nonetheless, a really fun and relaxing time, and a great way to bond with people.

Staff was so patient and friendly. I gave 4 because they couldn’t tell us how to replicate one of the pottery designs on display. Then why put it up? We sat there for 5 hours and we were not rushed out to accommodate other people. You do have to wait one week to pick up your art so don’t expect to walk out with your finished product. Overall fun experience and would come back again.

The staff is knowledgeable AND good at teaching. Nicki was an amazing coach, lots of energy and GREAT customer service. The experience at this place was therapeutic. On top of that, they have lots of options (several different ceramic pieces, various paint colors, design ideas, etc.). I definitely recommend this place!

This place is amazing! It’s a great place to go if you’re looking for an activity that will take a few hours, especially if you want to relax. They also have very reasonable prices. Their customer service is really good too– I went with a friend and we couldn’t figure out what to make for quite a while. Instead of getting frustrated with us they were happily and patiently helping us with our decisions. I’ll definitely be coming back soon! (Btw our mugs came out awesome)

I had a really great time here with my son. He painted a vase that is currently on our dining room table and I painted cup that I periodically drink my coffee from. I was very pleased with the selection of pieces to paint and with the staff and their explanation of the process. I plan to go back in the near future to work on a set of coasters.

This would be a one star review but the actual experience of painting the pieces was extremely pleasant and the staff on that night were wonderful.
The pick up experience however, was a nightmare. First, they lost one of the two pieces we painted. It could be mixed up with someone else’s piece, it could still be in the kiln, they just don’t know. Second, the staff was slow. The salesperson Maya must have walked across the floor two or three times at a snail’s pace each time without one of the piece. She was also slow to give details. I had figured out what was going on by her second snail crawl to the register but she didn’t bother to tell me what had happened until the third. Third, they were rude. Not Maya, she was just ridiculously annoying slow and uncommunicative but the other salesperson whose name I should have gotten but didn’t. At first she was fine but then my companion who looks younger than she is asked a simple question, «why weren’t the two pieces kept together?» Because my companion looks like a child but isn’t the salesperson copped an attitude which is completely unacceptable on many levels.
I doubt we’ll return except for a refund (because I doubt those two will be able to find anything) and that is unfortunate because usually it is a very pleasant experience at Color Me Mine but if they are incapable of doing the main task of their job, giving you back the art you paint, then what is the point?
Update 7÷4÷15: I got a message this morning from Dedre of Color Me Mine, apologizing for the confusion and saying that she had found the piece. I went by to pick up the piece and she apologized again for the confusion. Unfortunately, the piece she brought out wasn’t mine. However, there was a big difference from the last experience to this experience because Dedre explained what was going on and the steps she would take to correct it and followed through. She was the only staff person (that I could see) in the store and the store was full. She managed to check out several people and thoroughly look for my piece all while keeping me informed of what she was doing. It took about 30 minutes total for her to locate the right piece (which I totally understand) but she did and was courteous and professional the whole time and gave us a coupon for the next time. She singlehandedly made up for everything that had went wrong before and I have absolutely no complaints. We will definitely be returning and not just to use the coupon.

This was a very THERAPEUTIC experience and I enjoyed coming with my sisters to do this. I would def suggest this as a must place to visit when you come to Silver Spring Area. It’s a plus that it is DOWNTOWN and you have places to eat at and other things to get into.

I took my Sunday School class here for our winter activity to paint ornaments. The kids were so excited when we got here. We were immediately seated at the long table in the back. They were kind enough to allow us to have our lunch there prior to starting our session. The ladies working introduced themselves and provided instruction to the kids about the process. Of course with our large group of kids, we went overtime but the hostesses were too kind to us and did not kick us out until we were all done. It was a really good time and I really appreciated the great customer service, especially with their busy holiday season crowd!

I definitely frequent this place — typically 2 times a month. I can have my «me time» or bring my 5 year old with me for some QT. The staff is super helpful n friendly! Definitely recommended!

This place was great! I’ve been to several before but first time at this location. Very patient and understanding. Brought a child w/​autism and they gave me no trouble-​even when he suddenly ran across the store (around breakable items), was making loud noises, and attempting to eat paint. Some may say of course they were great about it, since it’s a kids place but unfortunately all kids places are not so understanding. Thanks for giving us a happy memory and a great gift for his parents.

I went here with my daughter and we had a great time. We’ll definitely be coming back.
The staff were all friendly and took their time explaining the prep and painting process, which I appreciated. It can be a bit overwhelming to understand how to get the most out of your painting, but the overview wasn’t too long and was informative.
They kind of leave you to your own devices after the intro, which was nice. I was contending with a 5 year old’s short attention span and my desire to just get to it. They have quite a few resources available to you: paint, stamps, pens, etc, are all abundant.
The only downside (which probably won’t bother most people) is that the staff are a bit casual in their interactions with each other. While they’re professional with customers, I could overhear their conversations very easily and some of it wasn’t particularly appropriate for the wide age ranges CMM gets.

This is such a cute concept for older kids and adults. We actually went here after my mother-​in-​law passed away as a way to remember her. She was into crafts and painting and the kids all made a craft in her honor and it was a really special moment. On the fun side, I have taken my daughter here when she was 5. I think she was too young because the ceramics are expensive and she just painted the plate all one color. But when she turned 8 we took her back and she actually does more designs and have created really nice pieces that she has given away as gifts. We wanted to have her bday party here, but we needed a place for 20 kids (and their parents) and it was going to be way too tight unless we rented the whole place out. This place has great theme activities which are really motivate you to come for a visit. I wish that they could give you your ceramics that same day, but you have to come back and pick it up.

It had been years since I had been to a Color Me Mine and was happy to find one in my neighborhood. I went there on their Ladies Night so it was really busy. It was fun and painting your own pottery is sort of therapeutic. I’ll probably go back in the future, but I only rated it 3 stars because I felt their customer service could have been better. It took a while for someone to greet me and the girl that finally did was a little short with me and my friends. She wasn’t rude, but she just seemed like she was so over the job or something. That’s all.

My little brother was visiting and I thought it was time for him to get out of the house a bit and do something creative. So we went here. As the other reviews explain: you pick a piece of pottery from their selection (mugs, plates, bowls), and then you sit down and paint your selection. Before you make a mess, someone comes to your table and explains the basics of painting and where all of the supplies are located if the need for more paint or paintbrushes arises.
I found the painting to be therapeutic, and the environment was sort of relaxing. Sort of because of a birthday party going on, but if you come on another day, it should be completely relaxing. I found it easy to get lost in my work and be completely focused, even with all of the kids present.
The prices are a bit high. The cheapest thing I could find was $ 12 (regular coffee mug). The total cost is the price of your item + $ 10 studio fee. Because I came with a group of people, I thought the studio fee would be applied to the entire group ($ 10 for all 3 people), but it was for each person. They must make a killing off of those fees.
The service was great — the person who sat us down and explained the ropes was friendly, and easy to get a hold of even with the party going on (she had a lot of running around!).
After you finish your masterpiece, they fire it up in a kiln and you’ll get your piece back in about a week. I got an email letting me know mine was ready in about five days. In all, I think this is a great place to take the young ones. It’s also great place to come and simply create something with your hands with supplies you wouldn’t normally have laying around the house.

Me and my fiancé’ came here on a simple day date. She loves to paint and so do I, so this was perfect for us to just waste some time. The reason why I only gave it three stars, is because the girl who was supposed to be helping us at the front, pretty much found more interest in her cell phone, and a book she was reading to actually help us. We had to wait just for her to get our paints, and that was a little ridiculous, being so it only takes a few seconds to pick out some colors.
When her shift was over, and another woman came in to replace her, we found out that we were supposed to have signed in first on a computer, and then we recieved our bills, which we were also supposed to receive in the beginning. But I’m guessing the first girls’ book and phone was more important then a little customer service.
We overall enjoyed ourselves, and our pieces came out looking amazing. Can’t wait to go and pick them up, and put them on display in the house.

I just took someone here as a first date. Way better first date than a movie or just eating dinner. Except for one thing, we had long stretches of silence because we both really got into our projects and were concentrating so hard. But during the rest of the time it was most certainly a lot of fun.
So as one of the other reviews explained… when you go in you pick yourself a piece of pottery from the wall (they are labeled with the price) and then you take it to an empty seat and one of the people working there will bring you a bowl with water, some sponges, and explain how the process works. Pick your colors, grab your brushes, and get to work. Even a small piece is likely to take you at least two hours, so plan accordingly. After you are done you pay for the object you picked, and a $ 10 studio fee. So bear that in mind when selecting your piece.
I was very pleased with the process overall. It was fun and in a few days I will get to go pick up my new Beer Stein… painted to look like the TARDIS (yeah, I’m nerdy). I would highly recommend going here with a few friends and embracing your childlike qualities. I would however like to see a greater variety of pottery to chose from. Very little jumped out at me (but when I go back I am definitely getting myself the human skull to paint).

Downgraded the rating … We just picked up our pieces and found that one was broken (and repaired with glue). Accidents happen (as posted at the entrance), but they should have said something.
Thankfully, the piece didn’t belong to one of the kids. Although, if it were mine, I’d be livid — these things take a while to finish!!! We’ll go to a less busy pottery place next time.

I love color me mine. A friend took me to Silver Spring when we were in college in the area (she was from MoCo and knew downtown SS well). At first I thought it seemed ridiculous, but we finally went one day and I love this place. We went 3 more times during college and when I moved out of the DC area I missed it more than I missed most things.
I am back in the area for the summer and am living in SS and one of my goals was to make it back. I convinced my boyfriend to come with me, but warned him that it takes me forever to finish a piece. He grudgingly agreed to go.
You walk in, you go to the pottery wall (priced from $ 10 – 50 depending on what you get), and you pick what you want to paint. You go to a table that the helpers have already set up for you with water and sponges, and you clean off the pottery to get rid of any dust, dirt, or things that might get into your paint. If you haven’t been, the helpers will explain the process, otherwise you just figure out what you want to do and do it. They have paint, brushes, sponges, stencils, stamps, pretty much anything you want.
I’m not exactly talented when it comes to art so I generally go for the abstract. Its super relaxing just to focus on painting for a few hours (sometimes more than a few hours…). Don’t go when you’re feeling rushed, you need time to really get the piece the way you want it. At the end, you leave your finished piece on the table, and the helpers will take it to the back once its dry and get it ready for the kiln. A week later, you pick it up!
For the amount of time I always spend there, I don’t think it’s pricey. I spent $ 50 + tip for my boyfriend and I to spend 5ish hours there last weekend and we both have something to take home with us. Plenty of us spend that much on a hair cut/​pedicure/​dinner etc. I think it’s well worth the money.
The pottery is microwave safe too, I have a giant teacup and saucer that I use for soup all the time.

I have always wanted to go to a place like this and I am so glad that I finally got the chance. The staff was very friendly and helpful, even for a group of 15 of us. I felt bad that the poor girl had to explain the process about 7 times for people that arrived at different times.
Here’s how it works though. You go in and select a piece of pottery to paint or decorate. Most of the pieces there are under $ 30; however this is a $ 10 studio fee, that includes all of the paints, glazes and the firing of the pottery in the kiln (you go back a week to later to pick up your pieces). Once you select a piece of pottery, you choose the colors that you wish to use on your piece from a color key. All of the colors on the key are numbered coded, so you can go up to the paint table and just look for the number to put on your palette. Color Me Mine also supplies stencils and printouts for those wishing to get really creative or if you wish to freestyle a drawing. It took me about 2 hours to paint a small jewelry box, since you need to apply 3 coats of glaze to your piece. Allow yourself enough time to come here and have a good time.
If you check out their website, they have some days where the studio fee is discounted. We, for instance, went on a Friday night and the studio fee was reduced to $ 5 per person for Ladies Night (it was also BYOB too!). I am looking forward to going back on my own though and spending an afternoon painting away; it is very therapeutic. Also, just a word to the wise… the staff warned us that Saturdays and Sundays are often booked with birthday parties and children’s gatherings, so beware of that.