Fire & Ice Pottery Studio

Derek Geiger

2024-04

My 8 year old daughter tripped over the MASSIVE uneven door step at the front door, and the staff blamed her for not watching her step. Once we got inside, the staff asked if we had been there before (my 8 year old had been one time months prior). Once they heard that my kid had been, they decided we didn’t need any further instruction whatsoever. So we started painting. My daughter tried to put back the paint bottles where she got them from (a polite thing to do), and the staff yelled at her saying “leave it on the table, we have to clean it first”. I guess my 8 year old should have known better... We finally finished and gave our painted products back. We were told we could pick them up the next weekend. Fast forward, I came to pick up our items and they asked for my last name. The attendant couldn’t locate our items, and with an annoyed expression asked “well what did you paint?!”. Our items were unlabeled because our original attendants never asked for a name or anything (even though I paid in full with a debit card). Once they located our items, the owner looked at me and said “the mug you painted is NOT food or drink friendly because you chose not to paint the inside of it”. I had ZERO instruction while I was painting, so now I have a coffee mug that I painted that can’t hold liquid because their employees couldn’t be bothered to provide any instruction. These could have been simple misunderstandings, but the staff and owner choose to be rude about it rather than helping their patrons. DO NOT COME HERE.

Ryan The Cyan

2024-04

Pleasant staff, kid-friendly. Very clear instructions and lots of great options! We came with 3 adults and a four-year-old, we all had a great time :)

Alexandrea R. Durham

2023-12

**This establishment lacks friendliness & a family-oriented atmosphere.**I apologize for the lengthy review, but reading through may save you time, money, and unnecessary distress.On December 2, 2023, we visited this venue to celebrate my mother's and son's birthdays, both falling in the first week of December. The initial impression was ordinary; the space was compact, lacking any distinctive features. Upon entering, one selects a pottery piece, albeit at a somewhat steep price, justified by the promised experience. As a Caldwell native, revisiting downtown always brings a nostalgic smile. After picking our pieces, we received basic instructions before commencing with the painting.Our experience took a downturn when my five-year-old daughter, midway through her painting, wanted to change her colors. Despite my repeated inquiries, she insisted on her initial choices. Annoyed, I sought permission to wash off the colors but was denied access to the employee-only area. The employee claimed the paint wouldn't come off due to a lack of base, to which I replied that I applied the base. Inquiring about a restroom, I was informed that customers couldn't wash pieces in the sink. I had questions for a bathroom to wash my hands as they had white paint all over. An employee offered to wash it for a fee, which I declined.Returning to my table, I attempted to use a sponge to wipe off the paint, causing no apparent issue. In hindsight, a fee discussion or information on the impact of washing on the firing process might have been helpful, especially prior to us beginning our painting party. However, an older woman approached, expressing hostility and belittlement. She accused me of inappropriate actions and intentions. Clarifying that I had no intention of washing my daughter's piece in the sink, she criticized my parenting. My father suggested leaving a negative review, and she replied by questioning the action with “That is not very Christian of you.”Despite explaining my daughter's age, the woman remained unyielding. As she threw a wet towel on the table, I discovered she was the business owner. Feeling disrespected, I decided to leave with my family. My son, visibly upset, cried as we departed. Expressing gratitude to a staff member cleaning the table, I couldn't help but feel sorry for him working in such a toxic environment. This experience was by far the worst, echoing similar negative encounters detailed in other reviews involving the business owner's attitude.I will not ever step into this business and will continue to relay my experience to others. There are other pottery painting businesses in the valley to visit. Skip this business as an option!

Kayla Brown

2023-05

If you plan to bring children (which is likely, painting pottery is for kids)…go somewhere else! I should have read the reviews before taking my boys this evening. Every thing we experienced is in other’s reviews and apparently the manager and owner just offer excuses. SO BUMMED that with their great location on the Plaza, they ended up being unprofessional, rude, overpriced and not kid-friendly!The overall vibe is dry, creepy and uncomfortable-No A/C and the staff are extremely rude, awkward and should not be working with customers. They don’t explain where the restrooms are and were not helpful when we needed extra supplies.The young teen boy working the desk watched my 6 year old like a hawk and would rush to the table and tell him to not use so much paint anytime he squeezed literally ONE extra drop of paint in his tray than he thought he should. You never reprimand a child, that is the parent’s job. And absolutely inappropriate when the child isn’t doing anything wrong! I have never felt so nickel and dimed over literally a SQUEEZE of paint, especially when paying $25 for small items? Very unprofessional and the worker continued to do so after I asked him not to and addressed he was not using too much paint as we were sharing the colors. See photo-this is absolutely not too much paint to use for 2 people! Appalling way to treat customers.My son accidentally knocked into a shelf (which is easy to do, there is no walking room everything is stuffed in super tight and uncomfortably) and the manager let out a huge sigh and rolled her eyes. I immediately told her that her behavior was inappropriate and he did nothing wrong, however he was already shamed by her and got upset and embarrassed.I asked to speak to the manager which happened to be the same woman and I told her how unimpressed I was with our service and treatment. She offered no apology and burst into tears and said her grandparents are dying and she literally ran to the bathroom and slammed the door shut and never left the entire time we were there (another 30 minutes).No resolution of any kind was offered - she literally hid from us! So I paid my $70(!) ticket and got the owner’s contact information, however, based on other reviews, I doubt it will help!

David Patterson

2023-05

The ladies here are awesome. It was a great date night. You can bring your own booze and paint and sip. Reasonably priced and a fun time for a date or a family night.

darcy evans

2023-05

This place is amazing. Sit back and take your time. They have so many cute items to paint as well as many other things to do. Took my daughter and granddaughter while they were here. So patient with all our questions. Also have as many days as needed to go back and finish painting. Will be there again!

Mazie Hansen

2024-02

I came to pick up our pottery and the store says it is supposed to be open at three. I sat in the parking lot for 30 minutes and nobody has come to open the place up and it is very frustrating because it’s a 20 minute drive I just think if you’re going to own a business, you should be more professional and be open when you say.

Kim Collingham

2024-02

Great place and amazing selection. Service is always good. But the religious music gets really old every time we go.

Annabelle Garcia

2023-11

It’s a fun idea but the staff make your experience very unpleasant. They’re super strict about the amount of paint you use, how many brushes you take, and if you leave the cap open on the paint bottle you’re currently using at your table. They got mad at my mother and I for taking a Clorox wipe to clean off our hands and table area because they’re for employees only (not to mention I literally saw other people take Clorox wipes and they were fine with it). All the Jesus music and talk about Christianity constantly playing on the radio gets a bit annoying after a while. Not to mention the prices are a bit steep to begin with but I understand that the price covers the paint and firing of your pieces; I just think from a business standpoint that they’d want to have great customer service to keep people coming back to buy their expensive products 🤷‍♀️

Imjust Winnie

2024-02

Lady that runs the place is extremely RUDE. Mean to the kids and for some reason assumes she is better than everyone who doesn’t have a Jean skirt on down to their ankles. I don’t think she knows god doesn’t let in rude old hags that hate everyone… I will never return to that place again. Also if you have tattoos don’t go in, she will make it very known she has an Issue with you and will probably accuse you of trying to steal your own ALREADY PAID FOR art. Smh

Amber Pattison

2023-09

I love the idea of this business. I just wish it was ran by nicer people. It seems like they do not like children and are not friendly at all. It's kinda cramped in there and for heavens sake one of your kids accidently knocks something over or touches anything. Might as well glue your child to the chair to please the owners. Why do a business that attracts families with children if you don't like children? My advice to you, hire nicer people and have the owner stay home. I would love to come back and paint more, but not until they get new staff. It would also be nice if you werent playing a station talking about hell, while kids are in there. I get its a Christian station but I don't want my kids trying to paint and hearing them talk about going to hell. Maybe once you hear that.. change the station next time?

Reuben Jensen

2024-02

Drove here with my son for date night - the Google listing said they were open till 9:00. I checked their website calendar and called twice just in case. Nope. They're closed, and it's 7:00. Not happy.

Brooke Dixon

2021-05

Very fun place to spend some time with friends! Or your husband! Lots of options to choose from like painting, ceramics and glass fusing! Dawn is really helpful and gives lots of great tips. You don't even have to be crafty! She makes it easy! You won't be disappointed!

eric boehmer

2023-11

We had a great family night out painting ceramics here. The staff was very friendly and helpful. We will definitely be back again soon.

Matt True

2023-05

My wife has the most beautiful heart and is the pastors assistant at our church (I'm writing that to validate her credibility).My wife would go in quite often to spend quality time with her mom and our 7 yr old daughter. They would frequently talk about the bi-polar atmosphere they experienced due to the owners fluctuating moods.The last time they went in they got kicked out and told never to come back for less than a TEASPOON of unused paint. My daughter has been emotionally damaged from this horrible experience. She is still bringing it up at random times and occasionally still cries over the traumatic experience.If you have ethics, morals & integrity I strongly recommend you not take your family to this establishment.

julia Hopkins maxwell

2023-05

Went for a glass class. And I have learned so much about glass and how it works. I will be going back to make more. Very interesting and fun. These are before they are fired photos.

Lemonade

2023-05

So unpleasant!!! The staff was SO RUDE, very unfriendly, unhelpful & really expensive.. ZERO CUSTOMER SERVICE SKILLS!!! It definitely ruined the mood of my group of people & my grandma’s birthday… non of us will be going back… We will also spread the word of our unfriendly experience. I’m normally a huge supporter of small businesses… but not to undeserving rude people! Very disappointed!

Apple Run

2022-05

Quaint little place in downtown Caldwell to paint your own pottery. For the space there are tons of selections, media, tools, and the staff is friendly and helpful. I will be back again and again.

Linda Pahl

2023-07

First time here, and all us ladies had a great time. Can't wait to do it again.

danielle moffat

2023-05

We were so mistreated here. We had our kids we had not even sit down yet and one of three workers yelled at us sit that one down we said ok while sitting him Down she yelled you only have three choice sit him down. Hold him or stop him down. She was awful we knew they need to sit down. And we’re doing it. Then the next kid came in and she was so kind to them. We did not do a thing at all we had just got there. I will never take anyone here ever. I will tell every one I know that to never go hereI wish we could hit a a negative rating. Most adult treatment ever

Riri

2023-08

They were very rude to me, They explained all the instructions and i tried to follow them the best i could. I went to wash my hands off and so happen to go to the wrong sink they scream at me and were giving very dirty looks after intill i left. i felt very uncomfortable the whole time.

Shauna Webb

2023-09

We had a party here recently, and Dawn and Bridget were awesome! They were so helpful and patient in explaining everything and teaching techniques and answering our questions. Thank you so much!

Briar

2023-05

I tried to visit this place but had a VERY strange experience instead. When I tried to get my wheelchair in the door, there was a short step on the side the manager had open along with tables full of patrons on both sides blocking a good portion of the way in. Once she finally noticed me trying to get in, I called to the manager and asked her if the other door was accessible at all and she yelled "it's the same on both sides" at me in an annoyed tone.Y'all, it's not the same on both sides.I could have accessed the shop if she opened the other door. I don't want to speculate too much on her motivations for telling a disabled veteran they can't come in her shop, but I DO know I emailed Destination Caldwell about this and they verified I could have gotten in the other door but that she keeps it locked and should have been willing to open it for me, so take it as you will. I know I won't be back and neither will any of my friends or family.

Taylor Duncan

2023-05

Took my daughter here to paint ceramics as Christmas presents. Management was rude and unprofessional at the time of services. When I went back a week later to pick up the ceramics we were told they had lost them and IF they found them they would give us a call. Didn’t hear from them so after 3 WEEKS I called to get a refund. The woman on the phone was annoyed that I was even calling. Don’t go here. Waste of time and money.

Charm Chavez

2022-05

Dawn was Wonderful she answered all of our questions and was extremely friendly with my girls she gave us tips and frequently stopped what she was doing to help with what we needed, at one point we probably had way more paint bottles than needed but she didn't complain. Very clear instructions and comfortable atmosphere. Lots of colors and supplies to choose from! Thanks for a wonderful experience we will definitely be back.

Ciera Buhler

2022-05

I absolutely love this spot for the kids and I. So many things to choose from for beginners or more talented painters. Pick up your finished, fired pieces 1 week later.

Alondra Torres Sanpedro

2023-08

Please read reviews before going to this establishment. The owner of this place is super rude and not friendly. The first time I came here I had a great experience but the second time I came here with my family they ruined the experience for me. Will not be going back sadly.

Dustie Ward

2022-05

I will never come back here. The owner (Dawn?) was so extremely unprofessional.She arrived when we were checking out. Made her employee feel stupid for giving us “too much paint” explained to her loudly there’s a science behind it. Making me and my 3 children feel extremely uncomfortable. When I did finally ask if something was wrong, and telling her we felt uncomfortable she went on to explain she is getting over a bad head ache!! How ridiculous! I wish I wouldn’t have paid because I will never ever come back to this place. Worst $40 I’ve ever spent.

Kevin Hansen

2020-05

The owner runs the place. She has the patients of a kindergarten teacher. She was fun, happy, and professional. My wife and I were on a date and we stayed for hours because we loved it. We chose to make a cut glass fruit bowl. The owner even dimmed the lights and set out candles. Such a romantic place on the plaza. If you are looking for a fun evening with easy conversation full of creativity and in our case teamwork, this is the place.

Ashley Cano

2022-05

The owner was very dry and rude. For a place that should be fun and relaxing was extremely stressful. She left one of our kids in tears over a sponge with paint on it. I will not give my business to them again. I recommend puffy mondaes.