The Painting Panda Pottery Studio — Local services in Tacoma

I visited The Painting Panda Pottery Studio many years ago when we were in Tacoma but didn’t have time to paint. I had always wanted to go back and paint someday, but we never found ourselves returning to Tacoma as it is many hours away. We had gone to other studios within the past few years but decided to drive back to The Painting Panda Pottery Studio for my birthday this year.

It was a nice painting experience and they had cute pieces to paint. I was hoping they had the half sun, half moon piece that I saw that first time I came to the studio but understand that that was many years ago. This time, I painted a mushroom and a fairy on a mushroom and my boyfriend painted a chicken. They were ready within just a few days but we went to pick them up about two weeks later. We were so excited to pick up our pieces but upon arrival were notified that the chicken was damaged during firing.

The paint had chipped off during firing and they used tape to tape it back on. They offered us 15% off our next visit, which if we returned to paint the chicken, would have been $3.75 off another $25.00. We let them know that we lived far and the probability of us coming back was very slim; especially after our piece was ruined on our first visit. I understand that there can be issues during firing, but I think under most circumstances that is more of the store’s responsibility not the customer’s. The employee then called his manager and let us know that the best they could do was give us store credit equivalent to the price of the piece. We then told them again that we will not be coming back to the studio as this was a special trip. He said there was nothing that he could do. We then asked if we could at least take home a chicken to paint ourselves even though that would not offer the same glazed appearance. He told us yes, if it is in stock, and that since we will not be using their paint that the piece is half the price. Because of this, we were able to choose a second piece to take home and paint. The damage still ruined the entire experience and all of the hours we were there painting felt like a waste, especially since it was my birthday.

Long story short they do absolutely EVERYTHING possible not to refund you even if the damage is caused by them and their kiln...

I found the Painting Panda in November 2022 when looking for a local pottery painting shop. It has since become my favorite spot to spend a weekend afternoon, bring my friends, or have date night.

The studio is super cute and tucked in a convenient location inside the antique mall. It’s close to the exit, has lots of parking, and had neighboring shops and restaurants that I can pop over to. There are snacks available at the studio for purchase and the owner is also okay with you bringing outside drinks. The shop is well lit and has ample seating as well as room to pop up extra tables right outside the studio but still inside the antique mall. The music is at the perfect level and the decor looks homemade and isn’t distracting.

There is an entire separated area for the unpainted pottery to select from and the selection is impressive. There are some consistently available favorites, but the general options are constantly rotating. Every few weeks, there’s a nearly new selection of pottery. The prices and sizes vary greatly, so there’s options for everyone! There are small pieces that cost as little as $3 and some large ones that take many hours to paint and cost $45+ (plus you can work on pottery and have it on hold to come back and continue painting at a later date).

I absolutely love visiting though because the owner Noelle is super friendly and knows how to make everyone feel like they belong. I have seen the owner remember multiple people by face and recall their names. My first time visiting, I was quiet and in the zone painting for hours without interacting much and yet when I returned, she could recall which pieces I had painted and my name immediately. Noelle treats everyone this kindly and makes them to feel special. The rest of the staff that she hires are all friendly and fit right into energy level...

Can't say enough how much I love this place! I've been a couple times and the staff are always courteous, super helpful, and full of fantastic advice for making your pieces come out perfect! It's an incredibly fun and creatively engaging activity that can last 40min-2hrs depending on how big a piece you get and how detailed you want to be. Also conveniently a less than 5min stroll to the food court, where I highly recommend you go to Little India. The only downside is being patient enough to pick up your pieces a few days later after they've been fired, but so worth it to see all your hard work and creative energy pay off! ❣️

great price for quality of pieces, activity and service close to great food 40min-2hr+ activity, up to you! excellent staff cheap snacks and beverages available fantastic for a group of buds, family, or a date :) lots of free parking across the road, also along the...