The Hot Spot Candle Making Pottery Painting & More

The service was very good but when I was asked to return on Tuesday to pick up the pottery that my boys painted they were closed. There was 2 other customers waiting outside with me & they were really upset aswell. Someone left a note on their door saying that they drove there twice and they were still closed when they were supposably going to be open. I live far from there and the fact that I drove there in my SUV for nothing is what upset me. I called them today to see if they were open and they were. I went there with my boys to pick up their art and explained to the worker what happened & asked if I can get a discount next time I take my kids there because of what happened. She had a look on her face like she didn’t want to hear it basically a quiet sarcastic attitude and handed me a 10% discount flyer I accepted the flyer because my boys were happy to see their creations but I was upset by the way she reacted towards me. If my wife was there i don’t think she would of acted like that. As we walked away my son checked his bag & said he’s missing the lid to his tiki cup that he painted & we walked back & they had it rite there. I’m glad my son double checked his cup because it wasn’t intact. He saved me another trip from driving back. If you go to this place double check your stuff when you pick it up and call them before you go because they might be closed. Handing me a 10% discount flyer doesn’t make up for the gas money I lost driving up there in a Denali XL. Plus I got an attitude I’m not going back there again. Better call em before you pick up your stuff I’m sure you don’t wanna waste your gas driving up there when they’re closed because they go by their own hrs… I’m not the only victim here.

So I’ve been here on two separate occasions. Once with my boyfriend, on a Tuesday afternoon and yesterday, Memorial Day, with a friend. The concept is simple, pick a ceramic piece to paint, paint it, and they take care of the rest! Literally, so easy!
Prices range, but most are in $ 20+ but that’s for the piece, paint, clean-​up, and fire in the kiln! Also, if you turn it in before 5 PM, you can get it after 5 PM the next day! Super quick!
Definitely fun for a hangout with friends, date, or family time! Also the workers there are really nice and helpful! Even on a busy Memorial Day with kids running all over the place! Next time, I really want to try making a candle! Will definitely be back!

Friendly place and easy to do. No attitude and helpful staff always a plus. Relaxed atmosphere. They had a lot of fun painting their pieces and they came out beautiful

Ok I am a FAN! Yep — 4 stars «Yay! I’m a fan.»
I first contacted the company to inquire about a birthday party but my friends wanted to do something different so we did. Then I wrote back asking about the cost of pieces. They were very busy for Mother’s Day apparently so they didn’t respond for over a week. I did get a response though after I was already down in SD.
I went here by myself for a birthday treat. I had every intention of staying for about 3 – 4 hours to do a pottery piece and a candle. I wanted to try both because it seemed like fun. When I entered the location it is very clean and well lit.
I was greeted immediately by the two younger women that were working. I walked around to see if they had any of the ceramic pieces I wanted but they didn’t. When I asked I was told that was the entire inventory (and the shelves were sparse) because they were getting an order in that evening. Unfortunately for me I was unable to see if the pieces they got in were better because I couldn’t come back another time. They didn’t have a mug for me so I decided just to do a candle and then thought I would do one for mom too.
I asked for the Pint canning jars without a handle and they gave me the pricing. I said okay (I think it was $ 22 each)… it is a bit spendy but most of these do it yourself places are kinda spendy.
The really nice worker showed me initially how to do it and then left me to my own devices. The other one came around and asked if I wanted some advice on how to make it the best. She showed me many samples and then went through the «scents» with me to make sure I understood how it all worked. Apparently I am a perfectionist because a family came in with like 4 little kids and all of the kids had their candles done before I was done with my first. Anyway I put in the colors of wax that I wanted and then told them the scent and they let me squish down my candle wax when it was warm in order to get the most in – only I didn’t do this for my first so be sure to ask to do this — because the filler wax they use to fill in all open space is an opaque not too pretty color.
The scent is an oil that they pour in. I hope it lasts a long time. Anyway I am a fan of this place. Just go when you have time. To do the two candles it took me about an hour — again I am a perfectionist.

After looking for a kid interactive pottery painting location, we tried several places in San Diego. I must say this location is hands down the best in town. You grab what you want pottery painting or candle making and then the fun begins. There is no one standing over your shoulder and you are able to grab paint with your kids as you please. Even after my child accidentally broke her ice cream cone art the amazing you lady there was able to surprise us the day we picked it up with a fixed ice cream cone for my little one!
The location is spacious and has many different types of art tools to use.
Ps: it’s not only for kids, adults can have a great time there with their friends as its a bring your own wine location:)

My boyfriend and I came here on Easter afternoon and were only one of two couples inside painting. We had a blast! Nice way to relax in Liberty Station after we ate at the Public Market.

Took my 10 year old daughter here for a Mommy-​Daughter date a few days ago and she hasn’t stopped talking about our future visits!
They have a nice selection of different ceramic pieces that you can select from to paint and then they fire it up and you come back to pick it up a day or two later. They also have candle making and also have a large variety of molds, colored wax and fragrance to choose from.
We went with ceramic painting! I chose a set of 4 drink coasters and my daughter chose a fairy on a unicorn statue. The employees were incredibly helpful and were very friendly. They explained the process well and helped us get started. They also had suggestions for fine detailing and painting.
It was an overall great experience and something that will be memorable for my daughter and I! We will definitely be returning! Also thinking about getting all of my ladies together for a wine a paint night!

My experience was really great. The staff was friendly and very nice. My boyfriend and I forgot to pick up the cups the day before our flight at 11am. I really want the cups that i have paid for and paint for many hours. We call them, and they were very nice and responsible. The staff said she could come at 8:30am to give us our cups that we have painted even though The store open at 10am. Thank you for her and come so early. Excellent service!

Super fun with or without kids, and really nice staff!
love it. will be back.

The experience I had here was great. The staff was friendly and I love that there was no time limit and you can stay here for as long as you want and take time on w. e you are working on. They also let you bring in food! The only real down side is I still think the prices for the actual pieces of ceramic are too expensive and they were lacking in some supplies, like the outlining paints (we always had to wait for someone to finish using them, but sometimes when they were done using them they did not put it back -.-). The brushes were also a bit worn down and many pencils were lacking erasers. Overall it was a nice therapeutic experience.

My only complaint would be about this Unilocal discount here and how it was handled when we got there. It says 10% off the first visit, but when purchasing — only applied to one piece (we had two pieces). I raised that with the person helping me and she seemed genuinely apologetic and wanting to help — so she got a more senior employee who then told me that there was nothing she could do and that «it’s only $ 2 anyway.» I couldn’t believe her response. So after I pushed, she said the only thing they could do was try to get ahold of their boss and find out what to do. About and hour later, I was handed $ 2. The message I got from the handling of this was — «it’s not my problem that it’s not working and you should stop being so cheap.» Really not what I was expecting and defeated the purpose of offering a new-​business discount. If it’s not going to be upheld, don’t advertise it. Bad first impression.
But overall experience otherwise here was ok. There is a nice selection of pieces and the painting process is clear and easy to follow (we didn’t do the candle making).

Second stop for my mom’s birthday celebration.
The place was empty on a Tuesday afternoon, so the 5 of us took over. It was such a fun activity. We all picked the pieces we wanted to paint and my brother is the over-​achiever, so he also made a candle. After doing my research online I wasn’t that into the candle idea, then when my brother started making his I became very jealous. Candles you can pickup same day, so got to see the finished product and it was great. Ceramics are ready for pickup the following day.
We spent a good amount of time painting asking question after question about techniques, best practices, etc. everyone who worked there was very patient and nice. Everything was supplied and well organized.
They don’t charge and studio fee, so when you pick your piece you know how much you’re gonna spend.
Prices for our pieces were about $ 22 – 32 each.
Don’t forget to use the 10% off your first visit for checking into Unilocal!
I cannot wait to see our finished products!!!

Had such a great time! Our girls day turned into champagne drinking and candle making!!! The candles turned out so cute! Definitely going to make this a monthly thing!

Long overdue but I said I would leave a review for how great this place is, so here it is. This is just mainly about our experience. You can find more details on pricing in other reviews, however, I’ll just say there’s lots of options on what to do/​make with lots of price ranges for everyone.
Took the gf to SD for her Bday weekend in Nov 2015 and came across this place while visiting the Stone Brewery. If you’re lucky enough to visit while Terra & Keana are working, you will not be disappointed (hopefully they still work there). Can’t emphasize on how much they made our experience a great one. These ladies were so nice & friendly, they joked with us all night while attending to all the other guests. We brought a bottle of wine and had a great time making candles, even with my 0 knowledge of candles. One of the kids bday parties even shared cake with us.
Hoping to return soon. Go check it out, folks.

While on vacation in San Diego we found this place… We were lucky enough to be staying a couple days so we were able to paint a cup! It’s my favorite souvenir from my birthday trip!!! My boyfriend and I had a lot of fun and the lady who was working was super sweet!!! Everyone that was there was having a good time eating and drinking and creating their own masterpiece awesome date night, birthday party or girls night whatever!

Had a great day painting here! They charge you like 10 – 20 dollars for the pottery you want to paint and you can use whatever paint you want. We sat there for over 2 hours and the people working there were very helpful and provided good advice. They provide many different colors, brushes, etc. afterwards, they bake your work of art and you can get it the next day!
You can also make candles here but I haven’t done that yet.

Ever have that feeling of excitement of writing some place an AWESOME review?! Well, this place is definitely one of them!
Perfect for a girls’ night out, date night, birthday parties, or even just something out of the ordinary! Located in Liberty Station, this awesome ceramics place was so much fun! You get to pick what you want to paint and paint/​decorate how you want! Or you can also choose to make candles here!
So many great things about this place-​where to start?! Okay here we go!
1) FREE PARKING in its own parking lot!
2) Plenty of benches/​work stations for big parties (I’d still call ahead for reservations for big parties and possibly on the weekends).
3) You can bring your own wine and snacks (make sure to bring your own cups but they did have a wine opener at the place thank goodness!).
4) There is NO STUDIO FEE! How awesome is that!
5) Best part: the service here was awesome. A lot of it DIY (you get to pick out the piece you want (prices are written on the piece but pencil won’t show once they put it in the kiln), you get to pick your own brushes, stencils, and even get to put your own paint on your own plate palate! I love the independence. Even better the lady working here (sorry I forgot her name) was such a sweetheart, greeted us when we got there and let us know how the set up was. She even let us stay a bit later than closing because 2 hours is just not long enough for a paint session!
Hours are Sun-​Wed 10AM-​7PM and Thurs-​Sat 10AM-​9PM. For the ceramics, they will fire it overnight (and everything you make is dishwasher/​microwave safe!) and they can be picked up in a day or 2 depending on when you finished your ceramic piece. We came on a Monday night so selections were a bit limited as to what you can paint because they’re obviously doing very well for themselves, especially on the weekend! Also depending on what piece you choose, prices can range from $ 15-​$ 60.
I loved this place and can’t wait to come back to try the candle making!

No service fees? Food is allowed? Drinks are allowed? ALCOHOLIC drinks are allowed?! SOLD!
Came here to do a girls night out and what a success! Easy parking lot for parking, lots of selection to choose from (normally, sadly we were there on a day where most of the ceramics were out but they try to replenish regularly), and great friendly service from the lady that was working there!
They have a variety of colored paints to choose from, stencils to use, and even a section where you can make your own beautiful candles! I am definitely going to try to come back to try to make a candle, they came out so wonderful for the people that did it when we were there.
Another great thing is that it only takes a day for them to complete the whole burning kennel thing, most other places say at least a week for some reason! I will definitely be back! :)

Jamie, you’re the best! She ok’d us to stay later past closing to finish our tea for one and ice cream cone! We’ve been here numerous times and service is always excellent, no fuss, and laid back cool!
Bring your wine with your kids or girlfriends or drop little ones for a moms night out. Jamie and staff are always Excellent! Now I’m off to find a display case for all the pottery pieces! Love, love, love it here! –Miv

Headed to Hot Spot for a girl’s night out with my roommates and had a great time!
1) Hot Spot is BYOB. You can bring any food and drinks in to enjoy while you’re painting. My roommates and I picked up sandwiches from Con Pane and beers from Vons prior to our paint party.
2) The items cost on average 20 – 60 dollars. However, don’t forget to check-​in on Unilocal for a 10% discount. While we were there, they also offered a 10% off discount for paying in cash. There are also no studio fees. You simply pay for your item that you want to paint and that’s your total cost!
3) While we were there, the selection of items to paint was limited. But when I picked up my items two days later, the selection was huge. We must have just missed a shipment. Either way, there’s something for anyone to choose from whether it’s a kitchen item, trinket for the bedroom or a planter for the garden.