Costa Mesa Ceramics

My wife and I had a fantastic time taking an intro class to ceramics on the spinning wheel. Our instructor Kelly was very knowledgeable and helpful through the entire process. I would (and have) recommend an intro class here if you’re at all interested in learning ceramics. They also have a great store where you can find supplies and also finished pieces of pottery from they resident artists. I intend to come back for another lesson soon!

Great lesson and an informative instructor who helps beginners get on track when their projects fail. The giftshop has cute housewares for sale.

Love this place and the cozy and welcoming atmosphere it provides. I’ve been a member for a few years now. The staff are always friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable.

Great place and great vibes. Such a fun spot to get into ceramics. The instructors Lauren and Joey are on top of it. Check the website and Instagram for the latest updates.

My friend and I had our first class here (both our first time doing ceramics) and the teacher was really knowledgeable and told us every little technique which I appreciated. I liked how it was a small class so the teacher was able to come around and she helped us individually. It was a fun activity. I’ll be back for sure :)

I took a one-off class before covid-19, and also just completed a 6-week class with Teresa. She taught us very well and made it so fun! Kelly and everyone else at the studio are also very kind. They helped me every time I struggled during the practice/studio hours. I will definitely come back.

I went there for a class, and no one showed up. Inside looks like a potter's dream, though... And they have pre-made ceramics for sale, also. I will go back& find out more!

Love everything about Costa Mesa Ceramics! My lesson was led by Kelly and she did great. The entire staff does a great job at making you feel welcomed. I messed up quite a few times and didnt even feel slightly embarassed because of how great the instructors are and the overall climate of a small-class workshop.

The holy grail of pottery. While I haven't attended a class at Costa Mesa Ceramics just yet, I visited their storefront for a pop-up artist showcase. They used both the indoor rooms and the back patio space to highlight their students work, as well as other local creators. There was a huge selection of handcrafted mugs, bowls, jewelry dishes creative knick-knacks, and more. There was a selection of other handmade art, including jewelry, leather, and screen printed goodies. I loved that they brought in a coffee and taco vendor, keeping attendees well fed and happy. I ended up purchasing a number of items, including the most beautiful ceramic chime to hang outside. Overly impressed by this little pottery store, would love to return for a future hands on class.

I took the 6 week hand building class with Hannah. It was super fun and informative. Would highly recommend to other folks. We learned about pinch pots, coil pots, slab mugs, push plates, underglaze, glazing, and how to use related tools and equipment in the studio. The class includes a bag of clay and 6 practice sessions. Using the practice sessions is easy and everyone in the studio is so nice. They do provide examples of what you can make during each class and you can look at shelves to see what people are making. I'd recommend looking around in studio and online for ideas before classes so you're able to ask questions related to what you want to learn on each topic. I really had such a good time. I plan on signing up for a studio membership and eventually taking a wheel throwing class.

I took the one off Wheel Throwing Class ($60) and it was one of my favorite activities to do while in SoCal! It's located in a little parking lot by other shops so I would recommend parking by the side, which is where the entrance is at. Our class was led by Luke, who was super helpful when it came to fixing our clay or answering any questions! We started off by putting our things in a clean area, gathering our materials, and putting on an apron. I would suggest wearing clothes that you don't really care about, bringing hair ties for long hair, and taking off any jewelry. Afterwards, we are taught on how to set up our pottery wheel and position ourselves while we shape our clay. Our instructor then goes on to teach us the different stages of getting the clay centered and shaping it. However, I feel like the class would have been a lot better if we were taught step by step as we were about to do it instead of getting the information all at once because we all ended up forgetting details! Although our class was supposed to be 1.5 hrs, it went a little over because working with clay takes a lot of patience! At the end, we cleaned up our workstation by washing all of our tools at the two designated sinks and got to choose our glaze. Unfortunately, they don't notify you on when to pick up your pottery piece, but they do say to just pop in after four weeks so just mark your calendar! TLDR: The Wheel Throwing Class is a fun activity to do with friends, family, or as a cute little date so definitely check it out if you're in the area.

I took the six week beginner's wheel throwing course, and really loved it! Initially thought it was a bit pricy but it was really worth it considering you get six additional passes to come in for practice and those aren't limited to two hours! I really took the class because I thought it'll be fun but after finishing I have a new respect for pottery and the process it takes to make each piece. The beginner's course is a fantastic way to learn step by step how to throw and the whole process of completing a finished piece. You also get to see where everything is in the studio and all the tools are provided!

I have nothing but great things to say about Costa Mesa Ceramics. This year, I wanted to pick up a few new hobbies with ceramics being one of them. I signed up for the 6 week wheel throwing course and it has been a pleasant experience. My teacher, Theresa, is knowledgeable and informative. She teaches us the basic techniques and listens to our concerns with wheel throwing. She offers great feedback and help when needed. The class is roughly about 8 people and we all have so much fun together. The studio is clean, well kept, and has lots of natural lighting. Everyone is respectful of each other and the space. What more can you want? Once my 6 week course is over, I plan on signing up for a membership. If you're looking for a great studio to start up a new hobby, I would highly recommend Costa Mesa Ceramics Studio!

The wheel class was very interesting and informative. It's beginner friendly and you get to create a small art piece. For this new year, if you're looking for a new hobby, CM Ceramics Studios is the place to start. The instructor goes step by step and helps you during the spinning process. Overall, I felt welcomed and I learned a lot of new things.

I can't say enough nice things about this place. Last night was the first time we ever tried pottery. And it was SO fun! We decided our intro to the ceramic arts would be at the Wine Night event. Along with tasty snacks and generous amounts of alcohol, you get an intro to both hand building and wheel throwing.For only $90/person, it's well worth the price! The instructors, Teresa and Hannah were both so encouraging and patient, despite the fact that I ended up wearing most of the clay and he needed a second batch (disaster! LOL). And the studio itself is bright and airy thanks to an open garage wall. There are displays of student work and items for sale, and they are all so pretty :) We had a great time, and I'm looking forward to joining the next 6 week session of wheel throwing and becoming a member.

Discovered this place via Google and Yelp search for pottery classes. My son's been going to clay class since first grade at another art studio and have advanced his technical skills. So I wanted him to try wheel throwing class. Signed him up for a 1 week summer camp here and he really enjoyed learning wheel throwing! This place is clean, spacious, open space in the back. The staffs are friendly. I'm looking forward to them offering more youth wheel throwing class for camps and after school! If time permits, I would like to sign up for myself and try the class.

My wife and I took the Tiki mug making class and had an amazing time! Everyone was so friendly and helpful in designing our Tiki mugs. They also have a great selection of ceramics made by local makers.

I took 3 wheel-throwing classes here. Although they're the same, each teacher's teaching style is different so it's worth experiencing multiple times. I like to take friends for their birthdays if they're interested. Staff lets you know pieces will be ready in several weeks, but they don't notify you when they are actually ready, so you just have to visit during the window they expect it to be ready by.

Such a great experience! Super fun and I learned a lot! The studio itself is super neat and you can see everyone's creations on the shelves. The class itself consisted of 6 people and an instructor, we waited about 15 minutes for the remaining 2 people that never showed. The session was supposed to be 6-7:30pm, but we ended up leaving closer to 8pm. It was a super informative process and would highly recommend! Excited to see the finished result in a couples of weeks. They offer membership for those who do pottery as a hobby, it seems like a great community! Would definitely sign up for another class, either solo or with more friends. Again, a really fun and great experience.

The wheel class was a lot of fun, and a great idea for anyone who doesn't have any prior experience with pottery! The instructors are very knowledgeable and attentive! Definitely recommend!!

Love all the employees - so knowledgeable, friendly, helpful, and funny. The environment for creativity and community is on point. Can't believe I went so long in the neighborhood and in life without the studio. It's become my second home, and I met my new best friends there. Being a member is the best way to experience it!

Luke was an amazing instructor, I would definitely come back and recommend to all my friends and family. I did not expect it to be as challenging as it was but it was definitely a fun and memorable experience.

Great place. Fun informative class .. Brooke doing a great job coaching with intro class to throwing on the wheel. Such a welcoming place !

I'm so grateful that I found Costa Mesa Ceramics Studio! I took the 6 week intro to throwing course with Brooke and it was the highlight of 2023. We learned how to throw, shape, trim & glaze. Brooke was so incredibly kind, friendly and helpful and each class was so much fun. I recently became a member and can't wait to continue my ceramics journey!

Purchased 3 classes for my mom's birthday for myself, mom, and my wife which is in 3 days. Mom got the flu, I called to re-schedule or get a credit (I didn't even ask for a refund as I like supporting small businesses.) They told me I couldn't get a refund or a credit for classes I purchased 3 days ago? Yeaaaa avoid this place and their BS cancellation policy.

I haven't thrown anything in such a long time. It was such a relief that our instructor Teresa made the lesson fun and was super informative in our short time with her. She was super helpful in making sure we all had fun and had enough time to finish our pieces. So excited to try out my new pieces!

I decided to take a pottery class on a whim and now I think I'm hooked! I signed up for their beginners pottery class on Friday evening. Make sure to register early because there's only 6 spots and a lot of them will say sold out. I thought the price was pretty good for a 1.5 hour session. Parking was easy here and I was greeted as soon as I walked in. You can see all the amazing creations they've made and I felt like soon that would be my creation (haha wishful thinking since it was my first time). Theresa our instructor was sweet and a great instructor. Since the class size is so small she was able to come around and help. Throwing on the wheel was so much fun, I successfully created two little bowls. When you're finished you can pick which color glaze you want for your project because the team will complete it for you. I can't wait to come back in a couple of weeks to see my finished project

This past December I took a one-off beginner wheel-throwing course here and I enjoyed it so much that I came back and enrolled in their 6-week introductory wheel-throwing course (6 classes at 2.5 hours). The studio seems a bit small but it has everything you would need. The courses were great and, at a maximum of 8 students per course, offered up a fairly intimate and enjoyable experience. The staff is extremely friendly and helpful. Theresa was my instructor for the one-off course and Hannah was my instructor for the 6-week and both were very patient and talented. I would definitely recommend the courses here. A part of the 6-week course includes 6 open studio sessions that you are able to use from 12-5:30pm Thursdays through Sunday. Now I wasn't able to use all of mine but for the ones I did use, I noticed that the community is also very friendly and kind as well. The only thing I was a bit disappointed by was that we did not learn as much as I would've hoped for in the 6-week course. I don't believe there is much material to cover over the course of 6 weeks so there was a good amount of time during the later classes where we just practiced.

Cute spot! I've always wanted to try a class and went with a couple of friends to one of their weekend classes. The instructor broke everything down into very manageable steps and came around to give tips. She really guided us through the entire process. The class was 1.5 hours long and we made one piece. They had us choose glaze colors and we went back 4 weeks later to pick up the fire pieces. The only thing I would wish for is if the class allowed you to create one additional piece while all the steps were fresh in your head so we could have another go (and not make the same mistakes as before).

we had fun there! the studio is cozy and comfortable Instructor is super nice and talented~~ great experience !

This is my second studio I've visited and by far the best!! The staff is so knowledgeable and helpful. The space is also big but the classes are intimate so that you really learn. The instructor took a lot of time to help each individual out and answer all questions. I'm so excited to take more classes here

Fantastic studio. We did a three hour "one off" pottery wheel class for a fun date and had such a good time. We were each able to throw two small bowls. It was our first time using a wheel, but we had both taken a hand building class once before in college. We've recommended Costa Mesa Ceramics to so many friends and I guess they listened because we haven't been able to get a spot since! Check the site and grab a seat if you can, reservations fill fast.

By far the best ceramic studio, EVER. Staff are EXCEPTIONAL. Exceptionally kind, polite, talented, and go above and beyond in every way. I tried another studio in OC (I had already booked and paid in advance), just to see the difference. This one was significantly better. The staff are highly quality and always have a positive attitude and a smile on their face- you can tell they are truly excited about art and feel they are valued members of the team. They are not burnt out, rude, and they do not lose your art pieces. This location is perfect, too. Just a few minutes from the beach and you can even see the ocean on the same block of the studio. Parking is super easy and there are always ample spots. If you have an expensive car you can park right out front just feet away and the studio has clear windows so you can see your car while you're making art.

The first time I came here I had a great experience!! So i bought a present for Mother's Day to come back with my sister and mom. We were all looking forward to it. Unfortunately, we came down with COVID 4 days prior to the class so wernt able to make it. We reached out asking for a credit to take a different class at a later time and they refused. They kept pointing to their policy that no matter what they give you nothing. Pretty disappointed we are out $170 and all they could say was give it to someone else? Poor customer service in my opinion.

Purchased the private lesson for 2 and loved the experience! I appreciated that Lauren stayed patient with me while setting a date for the class (you will schedule via email by costamesaceramics@gmail.com). Prior to arrival make sure you do the following: wear clothes you don't mind getting dirty, cut you nails, wear closed toed shoes, and don't wear rings/jewelry. Because the space accommodates 6 people at once, you will most likely be sharing the space with a couple other people but it will still be a "private lesson" since everyone else is just doing their thing. I was grateful that our teacher was so encouraging towards our "bowls". I put bowls in quotation since WE TRIED OUR BEST and although not perfect still BEAUTIFUL! The lesson went from 2:00-3:50ish so just under 2 hours. During that time we got to make three bowls and then chose which glaze colors to cover them with. Estimated time of pickup is 4 weeks but if you don't hear afterwards just call to check to see where they are in the queue.

Took a 6-7:30pm saturday one-off workshop. The instructor was very nice, funny, and patient. You follow along with her during the first half of the class to make a piece. Then you are able to make one on your own while she walks around and checks in with you at each step. Afterwards, you get to pick a glaze based on the clay that was given out. I felt that the class was not long enough, and I'm looking forward to going back for another class! It was a very soothing and calm experience. Great class to get away from the rush of the world. Everyone was very covid conscious as well. Lots of hand washing involved.

Truly such a special place, I'm so grateful I found Costa Mesa Ceramics Studio! I took a one-off course here earlier this year and have since become a member and enrolled in a couple of their six-week courses. Their equipment and firing services are excellent, but what sets them apart from other studios is the community and culture they've built. Everyone I've met there (especially the studio staff and instructors) is so kind and welcoming, regardless of what level you're at with pottery. I've taken classes and been a member at a couple of other studios over the years, and none have compared to what they've built at Costa Mesa Ceramics. I couldn't imagine going anywhere else now that I've found this studio - I look forward to the days I get to come in the most and am eager to bring in friends and family to try their one-off courses so they can experience it too.

I've been attending Saturday afternoon classes at Costa Mesa Ceramics for around two months now. Pros: - Small studio: There are only six wheels, so you get a lot of feedback and student-centered instruction. - Teresa and Lauren: These gals have created a warm community culture and go out of their way to help you bring your creative vision to life. - Hella accommodating: With everything. Scheduling. Forgetting things. A hiccup with your art and they fix it to make sure that it's still functional. These are small moments but they speak volumes. Cons: - Limited Open Hours (however, if you attend Saturday classes, they will let you stay afterwards - again, hella accommodating!) - Classes: They are popular and sell out almost immediately. If it's available, jump on it! Overall, Costa Mesa Ceramics reaches beyond a business and into a community. If you're an intermediate learner who has slipped through the cracks of larger studios, I would highly recommend 4-pack Saturday classes with Teresa. If you're a beginning learner, I also would highly recommend the 4-pack Saturday classes with Teresa - she's the bee's knees!

I was thrilled when I found a sense of community at Costa Mesa Ceramics. I don't recall how I found CMC but thrilled when I did. I'm a beginner and I feel like a pro' after taking a hand building course. OPEN STUDIO has flexible open hours and the teachers are always sharing an abundance of knowledge. Smile and ask, they enjoy sharing. Lastly, it is stocked with just about every tool you will need to create your next piece. I'm hooked and love it. DO IT!

Took my first ceramics class last week, and I loveddd it!! It was so fun, and Teresa made it easy to follow along. Would totally recommend to everyone! Can't wait to pick up my pieces

A really fun class! My husband and I threw clay for the first time and it was more challenging than we thought it would be. The instructor was sweet and gave us the tips and tricks to make beautiful pottery.

You know I always try to champion the little guys. Or little ladies in this case. Owned by two artists that operate the facility, these ladies have a great thing going. This is a full production, educational facility. Plenty of wheels and room for hand building. Huge glazing station with plenty of cool colors to choose from. Everything, as far as I know, is cone 5-6. Many classes are offered to the public at various levels of skill. Open Studio time is also available. I would mention that the studio is somewhat estrogen driven, which is awesome! I have seen some men in there but largely, the population is female. Since they will hopefully rule the planet someday, this gives them a place unite and create. Some clay is a available upon request but not much in the way of equipment. They do on occasion host a ceramics/art festival. I really liked the way it had a community feel where people, not just artists are welcome. I do feel this is more than just a business but rather a community hub that brings people together. Do yourself and these women a favor and support a small business, you won't regret it!

My husband and I live near by and we walk our dogs all the time near this business. We had always wanted to take a class and do something fun together. When we walked by this evening (Saturday) we noticed they where open and saw a small group of ppl inside. We wanted to see if we could get information about their classes. When my husband approached the door he was ignored and he asked if he could speak to someone in charge... no one ever came to the door. He got a bit upset and left. Told me to get info myself on the way back. A few minutes later I approached the door and they did the same thing to me. They looked at me like I was out of this world and I finally said " is some one gonna help me and answer a question?" A woman that saw me standing at the door finally came out because my dog barked. She asked me what I needed and I told her I had a question and wanted some information about classes. She was rude and told me that she was in a middle of a class and had I to go online. She was very dismissive and didn't want to give me a second of her time. Her customer service was not polite and she probably should of handled it differently. She never apologized for making me wait or in this case she didn't seem to care. I like helping small local businesses but I would never support a business that treated us the way they did. Just like another person wrote... I would give them a zero rating and take my business elsewhere. Rude rude rude!

Came here on a Friday morning (2/4) for a beginner class and it was so fun yet calming at the same time. The class takes 8 people and is about 2 hours. Our instructor was so sweet and encouraging the entire time, making everyone feel welcomed. I have yet to pick up my piece which takes about 4 weeks to dry/glaze/fire from initial class date but know I will definitely be coming back for another class!

Absolutely amazing and so reasonably priced for wheel throwing lesson, then you pick the glaze and they glaze and fire for you!

There are so many reasons to love Costa Mesa Ceramics. Friendly, knowledgeable, and fun staff. Aesthetic, CLEAN, and spacious studio space. Quality equipment and materials. Not to mention it's a woman-owned small business. This studio has options for everyone, from first-time students to experienced ceramicists. I took a 6-week course at the studio and became a shelf member for several months and loved that I could practice and learn in an environment with fellow artists and helpful ceramic technicians. With COVID, I started making pottery at home, but I use their firing services and they are so organized and flexible! If you're looking around for ceramic studios in OC, look no further!

I am wrapping up the 6-week beginner's course and felt obligated to leave a review, especially in light of having read a couple less-than-positive reviews about Costa Mesa Ceramics from a couple unhappy campers prior to signing up for the course myself. I don't think I've ever had a better teacher at ANYTHING than Theresa, our instructor for the course. She exudes passion for ceramics and caring for her students (which is remarkable, especially given how relatively little time she has spent with us -- after all, it's only a 6-week course!). Ceramics is an incredibly technical art and Theresa manages to precisely articulate confusing concepts. She is patient, always prepared, and very open and accessible. The studio itself has a very pleasant atmosphere; it's clean, impeccably maintained yet warm and inviting. From the get-go, it's clear that Costa Mesa Ceramics is treasured by its owner(s) and members. I can tell already that I will miss the course. At the risk of being redundant, I could not recommend Costa Mesa Ceramics higher! I am incredibly grateful. Thank you.

Loved the class I took. Id love to try one of their other courses in the future and highly recommend.

Nestled and hidden in a small corner of Costa Mesa, is the wonderful Costa Mesa Ceramics Studio. My friends and I (group of 5) really enjoyed our private group session/class in April. We each made four pieces in our 2 hour session. Our instructor was able to guide us and help us out when we needed. All the staff there was super nice and helpful! After we made our pieces in the class, the staff would later help us to glaze and fire the pieces. We just picked up our pieces this weekend, and they were so beautiful! Several of our group members want to try it again!! After taking the class, I can see how people would get hooked on pottery making!!!

Such a great atmosphere, so relaxing. It was my first experience using the pottery wheel and I'm so excited to attend another class. My daughter and Son-in-law attended the with me, it was my Mother's Day gift. I would definitely recommend giving it a try.

My 9-year-old-daughter wanted to take a pottery class for her birthday. After searching around I found Costa Mesa Ceramics Studio. This is our first time with clay and Theresa was great and explained everything thoroughly! Can't wait to pick up our items. My daughter had fun and so did I!

My boyfriend and I had so much fun here! We took the wheel class and loved it! Will definitely be coming back.

This is a great place to take a ceramic class. I am learning how to throw. Wohoo!!! Gina is patient and a good teacher for lefties like myself. This place is really spacious.

Unfortunately, I haven't had the best experience coming into the studio. Instructor, Teresa is always very condescending and rude to me each time I come in. The studio is nice but I won't be coming there anymore bc of her.

We took the intro private class for 6 people and had a great time! Our teacher Teresa was really great and friendly. Our group had never done anything like this before and left wanting to take more classes.

Great experience at this ceramic studio Theresa and Lauren are great!! Well equipped studio and is currently expanding the studio. Love this place!

This review is primarily for Lauren, who seems to be the studio manager (or the person who handles scheduling). I took a private class here, but the process of actually booking a class time was difficult and extremely unorganized. She didn't reply to my emails for days; and even I called, she was dismissive, asking if I could call back later because she was in the middle of a class. When I finally went in to the studio to take my class, Lauren at one point answered the phone; and after chatting with the customer, made some rude, offhand comment to the extent of, "it amazes me how people ask the most obvious questions." Seriously? Maybe if the studio were run in a more orderly manner, people wouldn't find the need to double-check everything. This is not to say the class wasn't good (my teacher was helpful), but the studio overall left a bad taste in my mouth.