U Paint I Fire

Was an awesome experience! John (the owner) is so nice and really funny. Me and my girlfriend were cracking up the entire time! We each made a cup and bowl on the pottery wheel (first time) and are hooked! We can’t wait to go back!

We booked a table for our group of 6 to paint and enjoy each other’s company on a Friday night. It was such a positive experience for all of us.
The owner, John was so accommodating and he even allowed us to bring some food in while we painted. This was a success and we each have a souvenir to remember the night.
The items were ready a few days later and it was glazed to perfection. Only one of the items, a few spots were missed, so there was a smudge and another area had a dot of white, but all the other items looked fantastic.

Super friendly service and good prices! My sister and I had such a fun time painting mugs for presents. I highly recommend coming here if you are looking for a unique, positive experience!

John was very helpful to myself and my girlfriend. It was my first time ever painting ceramics and he was friendly and always quick to help us along. The selection of un-​painted ceramics were great and we chose two serving platters to paint and decorate. Space to paint and equipment were all included in the price and it was a great experience for us! Next time I am going to have to try a pottery class :)

We went for our friend’s birthday and it was great! The owner, John, was sweet and informative and helped us with our projects. He let us bring our own music and snacks as well! The party was around 2 hours. He even let my friend pick an authentic pashmina scarf for free from behind the counter.
There are a lot of options for every budget. I painted a small mug for $ 11 plus tax. «$ 11 for a mug?» you ask. But the atmosphere, the experience, the wonderful service and the art you create at the end are worth more than that.
Once we finished our pieces, we gave him our numbers and he phoned us a few days later to let us know that our items were done. I’ll definitely be back here!

A friend of mine organized a party for us at U Paint I Fire, and it was so much fun!
John (who runs it) is very helpful and nice.
His prices are very reasonable, and there are a wide variety of items to choose from.
I’ve been back a few times, and I’m looking forward to going again!

What brought me and my partner here was a Groupon to make a few pieces and what we got from this was a lesson in making some simple ceramics that were not that simple when you actually get your hands into the clay and start making things. I have never made something like this, through my days of elementary and high school I may have painted but no cups or plates were made by me so this was a whole new experience. We booked our appointment to come in through John (the owner) and we sat with 5 other people on the night we came in.
John has a flare of energy, and he spreads his knowledge about ceramics when you sit there, telling jokes and getting people to introduce themselves to break the ice in the air and to have fun with your creations. The package that we paid for was two items, one was a bowl or cup, the other was a creation of your choice, and each of us started with molding on own creations first. From dishes to plates he has a set of molds for you to get a defined shape from and it is up to you to shape the clay given into the creation of your choice. It may look easy, it may seem easy, it was not easy. From shaping, to cutting the excess clay off each creation it was fun, and gives you a whole new appreciation for people who are able to craft with this substance.
The second part of the night here was getting on the rotating spinner and creating a cup or bowl like a scene from Demi Moore in Ghost. Until you try it, you do not know how hard this is for a rookie. There is definitely skill involved in crafting a circular moving object, cause you can turn this thing into a pile of muck if you do it incorrectly, and that is the easy part. There where times were I started seeing my bowl or cup start wobbling, and going south and looking like garbage, and that is where John comes to play and ask you if you want to save it, and he somehow has a way of adding enough water and bringing your creation back to respectable life.
After we made shape of our creations, we left them there so that they could go into the oven and bake to make solid. John called us a few days later to come in when we have time to paint our items. So a second visit was in order, and another hour of painting to your hearts content on what shade you wanted your finished product to look. The whole process really shows a different artistic side to you, as what I thought I created wasn’t the end result, but I was happy nontheless.
After painting my plate and bowl, it was left again to be dried, and to add a clear coating so if you were to use it, it would be safe. John again phoned me to advise that my pieces of art were ready. Something fun to try, whether yourself, with a date, or in a group.

Last week I went to U Paint I Fire to get some plates done. After the Ceramics place at City Center on W. 12^th closing down, I was in the mood to do some functional art. I am not saying that what I made is the best art in the world, however, it is nice to eat from a plate that I made. The prices are fair and the person whom owns the place is very sweet, friendly and encouraging. He is much nicer than the lady that was running the Ceramics place, now closed, at City Square. They have a lot of projects to choose from in different price denominations. Just prepare at least 1 hour to work on your project.
Below is a picture of my completed project (s)

A group of us had booked in for an evening of painting and ended up having such a great time. Price wise it’s great, there is something for every budget, pay for the ceramic piece and the price includes all painting/​firing.
John, the owner, went above and beyond ensuring we had everything we needed. We’ll definitely be back!

Really fun place to spend an afternoon. John will take good care of you and your party while you paint the hours away. Simply come in, choose a piece of ceramics that fits your taste and budget and then let your creativity flow as you transform your blank «canvas» into a colourful masterpiece. When you’re done, it’ll take 2 – 3 days for the piece to be finished before you can pick it up. I painted a piggy bank and a mug on my visits and both turned out awesome. If you have a look in mind, bring a photo and John will help you pick out the right glazes to get your desired effect.
Also, if you want to get your hands nice and dirty, you can take lessons with John and he’ll show you how to use the wheel and make your own creations straight out of the bag of clay. I haven’t done this yet, but will definitely take him up on this service in the coming weeks.
I really look forward to going back and seeing what else I can whip up!
P. S. Most endearing thing about the whole experience is that John really goes above and beyond at trying to make sure everyone feels taken care of. I also love that he tries extra hard to remember faces and names.