When asking yourself about something to do near me in Chicago with a group of friends or family, consider
Color Me Mine
Why Color Me Mine is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Color Me Mine is an upscale, paint-your-own-pottery and craft studio that provides a unique, creative outlet for individuals, families, and friends to come together and enjoy artistic expression in a relaxed environment. Founded in 1991 and headquartered in Glendale, California, Color Me Mine has grown into a leader in the ceramics industry with franchise locations across the United States. The studio offers a wide variety of unpainted ceramic items such as plates, mugs, bowls, figurines, and more, which customers can personalize with their own designs and colors. Instruction and materials are provided by friendly, knowledgeable staff, making it accessible and enjoyable even for those with no prior artistic experience. Beyond ceramics, Color Me Mine occasionally offers additional creative activities including canvas painting, wet clay, mosaics, glass art, and tie-dye. The spacious studios can accommodate groups of 42 to 70 guests, making them ideal meeting spots for casual get-togethers, family fun, or special occasions. Customers also appreciate the option to have their finished pieces shipped to them, enhancing convenience. This combination of creativity, social interaction, helpful support, and product variety makes Color Me Mine a favored destination for meaningful and memorable artistic experiences among friends and family.
Here's what people think of Color Me Mine
As of recent, Color Me Mine holds a 4.7-star rating based on 93 reviews.
Customer reviews of Color Me Mine highlight an overall positive experience with a 4.7-star rating from 93 reviews. Many reviewers praise the studio for its welcoming atmosphere, helpful and attentive staff, and the fun, relaxing nature of the creative process. Positive feedback often notes that the activity is family-friendly, suitable for all skill levels, and reasonably priced compared to similar venues. Users enjoy the creative freedom to personalize their pottery and appreciate the professional guidance provided along the way. The option to ship finished items is frequently mentioned as a convenient feature, especially for customers visiting from out of town. On the other hand, some negative reviews mention occasional concerns such as limited paint color choices, small selection of smaller figurines to paint, and occasional quality control issues—like pottery arriving cracked or with paint colors not meeting expectations. A few customers also expressed dissatisfaction with the art studio fees and perceived restrictions on creativity due to paint regulations. Despite these critiques, most reviews conclude that Color Me Mine offers a cozy, enjoyable, and worthwhile experience. The studio maintains a strong reputation for fostering creativity and offering a unique, engaging environment conducive to socializing and artistic fun.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Noemi Monjaras
Pottery painting was really fun here. I love the full service as you can focus on painting your pieces and if you have questions, the people were very friendly and helped answer beginner technique questions. When we entered we were told that they only charge by the piece but when I looked at my receipt, it’s $12 per adult in addition to the pieces you pick. I couldn’t find this fee online, nor was I informed about this fee upfront. What would have been a $70 date quickly turned to over $100 for a couple pieces. This is a great one time experience and staff is very friendly, but if you’re looking to paint pottery as a hobby or on a budget, there are other studios that offer better and more transparent pricing.
Jacqueline Siegle
Whether you’re hosting a birthday party, social outing, or just want to spend an afternoon doing something creative, Color Me Mine is the place for you! There are a huge amount of pottery pieces to choose from, staff is attentive, and the turnaround is very quick (after you’ve painted your piece, they have to fire it to get the glossy finish). Pro tip: make sure you dampen your pottery piece beforehand, and lay down all of your base colors first so you don’t run out of time!
Danielle Garber
I’ve been here twice now and I’ll definitely be back! They have such a wide variety of items to paint and so many colors to choose from. My mom really enjoyed coming here and I enjoyed coming back for the valentines date night.
Nazym Dabyrtay
I highly recommend Color Me Mine for anyone looking to unleash their creativity or just have a fun and relaxing time. I’ll definitely be back soon to paint something new!
Albana Kuqo
Had a great time with friends celebrating my birthday at Color me Mine. It was a great experience ,so many options to chose from, amazing service , great ambience, beautiful store, just amazing ! 20 /10! Will definitely come back and create mire pieces!
How to reach Color Me Mine
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Why Color Me Mine may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Color Me Mine with your friends?
Gathering at Color Me Mine offers a truly unique and memorable way to connect with friends, creating more than just an ordinary hangout—it's an interactive journey of creativity and fun. Unlike typical social spots, Color Me Mine invites groups to engage in a hands-on artistic experience where everyone, regardless of artistic skill level, can paint their own pottery. This activity naturally encourages conversation, laughter, and collaboration as you share ideas and admire each other's creativity. The relaxed and welcoming environment makes it easy for everyone to unwind and express themselves, fostering closer bonds. Moreover, painting pottery serves as a lasting keepsake of the day, meaning you leave with not just memories but personalized art pieces that capture the spirit of your meetup. With a stellar rating of 4.7 from 93 reviews, Color Me Mine is evidently a favorite choice for those looking for both fun and meaningful group activities that go beyond dining or movies.
What activities are available at Color Me Mine?
At Color Me Mine, the main attraction is the paint-your-own-pottery experience. You select from a wide variety of unpainted ceramic pieces, including plates, mugs, figurines, bowls, and seasonal or themed items, offering ample choice to suit everyone's taste and skill level. After choosing your piece, you pick from a vibrant palette of ceramic glazes and paints to bring your vision to life. The studio provides all necessary tools, brushes, and supplies, making it easy to get started. Staff members are on hand to offer tips, techniques, and creative guidance, ensuring newcomers feel confident and experienced painters stay inspired. In addition to free painting, Color Me Mine hosts classes and special events for adults and children alike, which can add educational elements or seasonal celebrations to your visit. Once painted, the pottery is glazed and kiln-fired by the studio professionals, transforming your creation into durable, usable art you can cherish for years.
Why is Color Me Mine perfect for a group meetup?
Color Me Mine’s welcoming and spacious studio environment is designed with groups in mind, making it an ideal venue for birthdays, family gatherings, or casual hangouts with friends. The process of painting pottery side-by-side naturally sparks conversations and shared enjoyment, strengthening social connections. The diverse range of pottery pieces ensures that each person can embark on a project matching their personality and mood, allowing for both individual expression and collective fun. The studio staff are experienced in facilitating group workshops and parties, providing tailored guidance and creating a smooth, enjoyable experience for everyone involved. Furthermore, because this activity is both creative and relaxing, it accommodates different energy levels and interests—so even those who are less confident artists can enjoy the soothing, hands-on nature of painting. Overall, Color Me Mine combines artistry, entertainment, and social interaction in one appealing package, perfect for memorable group experiences.
What makes Color Me Mine suitable for all ages?
Color Me Mine is intentionally family-friendly and inclusive, welcoming painters from toddlers to seniors. Because no artistic skill or prior experience is required, the studio creates a judgment-free zone where creativity is celebrated at any ability level. Younger children enjoy choosing simple and fun designs, focusing on color application and creativity, while older participants can dive into detailed work for a personal challenge or gift-making. The staff provide child-safe materials and supervise younger painters to ensure both safety and success. Additionally, many Color Me Mine locations host kids’ parties and summer art clubs, fostering early art appreciation and social skills. For adults, it’s a relaxing escape and an opportunity to reconnect with childlike wonder through tactile creativity. This broad appeal makes Color Me Mine a destination that satisfies diverse groups, whether families, friends, or mixed-age parties.
How can Color Me Mine enhance your social and creative skills?
Participating in pottery painting at Color Me Mine actively stimulates both social engagement and creative thinking. As you work on your piece, you experiment with color mixing, brush techniques, and design layouts, tapping into your artistic intuition and problem-solving. Collaborating or simply sharing tips with friends introduces an enriching social dynamic, promoting communication and mutual encouragement. This creative environment lowers stress, making it easier to open up and interact; many visitors find that painting helps them think differently or discover new talents. For groups, designing themed pottery or coordinating color schemes can turn painting into a collaborative project, enhancing teamwork skills in a lighthearted context. Beyond the artistic outcomes, the patience and focus involved contribute to mindfulness, helping participants leave with a greater sense of calm and accomplishment alongside their finished work.
What kinds of events or parties can you host at Color Me Mine?
Color Me Mine is well-equipped to host a variety of group events such as birthday parties, bridal showers, corporate team outings, family reunions, and fundraising events. Their party packages typically include private or semi-private studio space, all supplies needed for pottery painting, and assistance from staff to run the event smoothly. Many locations also offer customizable options like themed pottery pieces, group instruction, and food or beverage arrangements through partnerships with local vendors. This flexibility makes the studio a perfect venue whether you want a casual creative day with friends or a more structured celebration. Hosting an event at Color Me Mine guarantees a festive atmosphere with meaningful activities that encourage interaction and creativity, standing out from typical party venues. Plus, guests leave with a tangible souvenir of the occasion, offering lasting memories beyond photographs.
How accessible and convenient is Color Me Mine for visitors?
Most Color Me Mine studios are conveniently located in shopping centers or malls, making them easy to find and access via car or public transit. Their open hours generally cover afternoons and evenings throughout the week, with extended hours on weekends to accommodate varying schedules. Whether you prefer to walk in without an appointment or book a session in advance, the process is straightforward, supporting spontaneous or planned visits alike. Accommodation for groups is also streamlined; many studios allow reservations for larger parties online or over the phone. For anyone concerned about artistic ability or time constraints, Color Me Mine’s staff provide expert guidance and flexibility, ensuring that visitors enjoy a relaxed yet fulfilling experience. The studio also follows safety and cleanliness protocols, providing a comfortable environment for all. Overall, the accessibility and guest-centered approach enhance Color Me Mine’s suitability as a hassle-free destination for meetups.
What lasting value and memories does Color Me Mine provide?
Beyond the immediate fun, the pottery pieces you paint at Color Me Mine become personalized keepsakes that hold sentimental value unique to each meetup. These finished works remind you of the time spent together, making ordinary days into special moments commemorated through art. Whether it’s a birthday mug, a decorative plate, or a customized figurine, the handcrafted nature of each item makes it an irreplaceable memory anchor. The creative process itself often leaves guests feeling inspired and fulfilled, sparking new hobbies or artistic interests long after they leave the studio. The combination of a cozy social setting, guided creativity, and a lasting physical product means that every visit to Color Me Mine offers emotional as well as artistic rewards. This enduring impact is why many groups return frequently to continue celebrating creativity with friends and family.