- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
Ready Paint Fire
Category: Shopping Arts & Crafts Arts & Crafts [Edit]
529 NW 13th AvePortland, OR 97209
Neighborhood: Pearl District
(503) 227-0257
- Hours:
Mon-Tue, Sat 10 am - 7 pm
Thu-Fri 11 am - 8 pm
Sun 12 pm - 5 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
30 reviews for Ready Paint Fire
Review Highlights
"painting, pottery and vino all in one shot."
(in 9 reviews)
"She was very nice and super helpful."
(in 3 reviews)
"But I have a great time doing it."
(in 3 reviews)
Loading...
30 reviews in English
-
Review from Adam R.
Puyallup, WA
Let the creative juices flow!!! Grab one (or two) of a varied array of pottery, add your own little flair. Next thing you know you have your own special creation.
No worries for the artistically challenged, just call it abstract art. Come and enjoy the experience.
For those so inclined, they also serve beer and wine, which may help those creative ideas. -
Review from Kristen M.
Hillsboro, OR
1/5/2012 1 Check-in Here
Ready??? Paint...... FIRE!!!!
I've always passed by this place but was always hesitant to come in. Until I bought a Groupon for the place so I had a reason to go visit. And I did not regret purchasing that Groupon because it was a fantastic experience!
I think Chris L. pretty much summed up what Ready Paint Fire is all about. How the staff are very friendly and really explain what you would do for your experience there. And I do agree - it is a great way to kill time and enjoy your day when it's raining in Portland. I've been to other painting places in California. But what sets this place apart from those is that you can drink here! Not just water or soda - but you can have a glass or wine or two while you're painting! (What a plus!)
So what do you expect to do here? (FYI = expect to pay for parking for about 90 minutes to 2 hours)
- Walk in and pick the type of pottery you'd like to paint
- Tell the workers how many in your party that you'd like to set up a table
- Pick paints/glazes, stencils, tape, rulers, paint brushes
- Paint and drink away! (Note = you may need to put at least 2-3 coats for your paint)
- Pay for your pottery and drinks that you drank!
- 2-3 days later come back and pick up your glazed masterpiece!
This place is perfect for those who would like to make a homemade gift for someone. It is also nice to do something seasonal too (they've got some pottery that is seasonal). Anything you can think of, they probably would have the pottery available. If not I believe they accept any type of suggestions. You can even have a party here! Of course you'd have to make a reservation in that case!
Overall, what a wonderful experience! This is great for a kids, hanging out with friends, or just for a date too! -
Review from Annie G.
Portland, OR
12/4/2011
I have come here religiously, every December, to make holiday presents for the matriarchs of my family. Even though I'm almost 30, it's still super nice to receive handmade gifts (or so they say). I'm starting to have doubts as to how enamored they are with my painted pottery, but I will continue to come here and paint, simply because I have such a great time doing so.
I can easily devote 1/2 a day here, consuming many glasses of red wine, as my glaze-painting gets progressively worse. They also have white wine and bottled beer from Deschutes. Towards the end of my ordeal, I'll get the idea to mix a bunch of different glazes together (in an attempt to "out-smart the system", or "invent" a new glaze). Which usually turns out less than ideal. But I have a great time doing it!
Staff is super great, as other reviewers have said. The owner, as he ran my credit card, correctly guessed what I was trying to paint on a plate (this was quite a feat, since it looked very blobby to me, and I was the one who painted it). -
Review from Chris L.
11/30/2011 2 Check-ins Here
The staff/owners couldn't be more friendly and helpful. You can tell that they really love their work. This place is a super-cool way to spend a rainy afternoon with a significant other or just some friends in a creative mood. there is just something incredibly cathartic about aimlessly painting pottery while enjoying a glass of wine.
You:
1) walk in, admire all of the unpainted and partially baked pottery pieces, and browse for one that you'd like to paint, decorate, and finally have glazed. There are all sorts of pieces, from practical kitchen ware, to vases and dragons. yes. dragons. prices are set to cover costs for glaze, firing, and general enjoyment of the activity. a mug will run around $12, a large serving plate $25+. a price can not be put on majestic dragons though.
2) order a glass of wine or beer(?) from the extremely friendly and helpful couple that runs this business, and they will show you the ways of the glazes, the brushes and all of the other creative tools you can utilize.
3) sit down and let the glaze flow! the staff is very helpful and eager to give you any advice or answers to your questions about perfecting the painting of your pieces, so don't hesitate to ask! the more you know, the better your pieces will come out.
4) leave your dried masterpiece at the table, and walk up to pay the cashier, the price on the plain pottery when you walk in is what you pay, so don't hesitate to try out all of the different types of glazes and molds when you're working. oh and of course, pay for the glass or three of wine that you had.
5) return in 2-3 days to pick up your glossy, fired and completed work of art. order another glass of wine when you realize how poorly you masked off those lines for painting. -
Review from Kelsey T.
Portland, OR
1/29/2012
Not impressed. We received no advice or insider tips, even though we said it was the first time we were in. The lady showed us the glaze and brushes, and sat down to do her own project. A tip we learned after completing our project - paint on the black area will not show up after it is fired, so don't spend time trying to clear it off.
The most frustrating part of our experience was that the prices of the tiles we chose were not marked. There was no price on the tile (most pieces have the prices in pencil on them), but there was a sign above them that said, "Small tiles $4, large tiles $6." We have a four-year-old, so a $6 project was a great idea. ---- The owner has let me know my memory of the prices were incorrect - it was $6 and $10 for the tiles. I'm not sure why I had the prices incorrect because I remember thinking it was $16 more than planned ------ After we finished our tiles, we were told the total was $36. Eighteen dollars a tile is outrageous. Apparently, tiles with designs are $18, but the price is no where to be found. The designs were not complex and childish (which is why our 4-year-old was drawn to them). Had the prices been posted, we would have chose plain tiles and used the stamps to make our own designs.
We will not return. Between the lack of service and deceptive prices, this place receives one star from us.Comment from George K. of Ready Paint Fire 1/28/2012
I'm sorry you didn't have a very good experience yesterday.… More » -
Review from Lily Y.
Salem, OR
9/20/2011
5 stars for the nice owners =)
He let us in 8 minutes early to pick up our piece!
Things to keep in mind..
- it is street parking,(meter kind) or right across there is the parking lot for like 8 dollars ( I recommend leaving your car at lloyd center and take max (fareless square)
- paint at least 3-4 coats to prevent funny brush stroke marks!
-5 dollars per piece for overnight firing glazing
- they serve wine, and soda. No bottle water
-1 restroom for everyone to use (not separated by genders, and isnt diaper changing friendly)
-18 dollars for a cupcake that can be opened up 40+ dollars for cups! -
Review from Ashley B.
11/20/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Such a fun place. I have gone here twice now, both times with a big group of friends and we have all had a blast both times. They are super accommodating to groups and the staff is super helpful in helping you decide what would look good or teaching you a technique you might be interested in. Both of my pieces (a coffee cup and serving tray) turned out really well. Also, you can drink while you paint which just makes it that much more fun!
-
Review from Tori G.
Beaverton, OR
9/4/2011
Had a great time! The owners took the time to help me pick out good colors and techniques. Since I don't know much about pottery or painting this was really helpful.
I also forgot my living social coupon, but they still let me use it.
I'll definitely be back! -
Review from H H.
Union City, CA
6/5/2011
Had a wonderful time w 2 girlfriends-I've done this type of stuff 2x before but never at a place like this-
there were stencil available, mixed glazes, great tools available, and wine and beer!
The space itself is very roomy and chill and well lit as well. Service was super nice and we had a lovely time being creative-
They called us 1 day early too when our stuff was fired and ready.
We were all SO pleased with how beautiful the mixed glazes came out (looked suspiciously like granola chunky when painted on, but melts into lovely bursts of color) -
Review from Janessa P.
Portland, OR
9/15/2010 4 photos
You guys, I painted a mushroom (!), Lid C. painted an adorable soup cup, and our other non-yelpy friend painted a Sasquatch.
(Her Sasquatch had pink fingernails. So flippin awesome.)
Ready Paint Fire had a groupon awhile ago which expires soon, so they're been incredibly busy. Whereas they usually carry a wide assortment of beverages, they were down to a pre-made blood orange mimosa (which I didn't try---SHOCKING, considering it had champagne) and a few Black Sessions. And some non-alcoholic drinks, naturally.
We opted for the Sessions. The helpful employee even offered a straw, which was so random and awesome I had to take her up on it. (See picture)
We painted (3 coats for darkest look), gabbed, drank Sessions beer, and painted some more (3 coats take awhile!)
It was such a fun activity for an afternoon--suitable for all audiences (like kids and grammas), which was cool, since usually my past-times are for mature or 21+ audiences only.
I haven't seen our finished products yet, but I'm pretty darn excited for my spotted mushroom.
Come here with friends, lovers, family members, or even by yourself. I can imagine it being a lovely reflective time (if you didn't have 3 ladies giggling about mushroom tips and drinking beer in the corner).Listed in: Places suitable for families, Best of 2010
-
Review from Mackenzie C.
Portland, OR
9/1/2011
I went in here with a friend and had alot of fun painting and they had a good selection and we payed the group-ons we had bought since it is an overpriced place. and everything seamed to go through fine so we left. 20 min latter I get a call on my cell saying that one of the group-ons didn't work and I was going to have to come back and pay another 20 dollars but I was already in Beaverton so I said I would pay it when I picked up the pieces she was very rude but agreed. when I went back a week latter she was just as rude when I payed for them it's over priced and not the best service I'm not going back. Rose City Ceramics is much better
-
Review from Evelyn S.
9/16/2010
Along with hundreds of others, I bought a Groupon for Ready Paint Fire. It has been more than 10 years since last I painted ceramics.
I was supposed to go so many times before this week, but kept putting it off. So finally, the expiration date was approaching and I had to go. Snagging a friend to meet me wasn't that hard, I know lots of folks who love this kinda thing, finding someone who could go during the day mid week was a bit tougher but doable.
We met at 11:30 ish on Tuesday morning. Finding street parking was a snap, so I stuck my cc in the ticket machine and payed for 3 hours, oh, boy, did I forget how long it can take ME to do an art project or what?
The selection of objects was a bit lacking but that was do mainly to the fact that so many Groupon users were in the same boat and they had really done a good job of wiping out the stock over the weekend.
I settled on a simple dinner sized plate since it had been such a long time, I figured it was a good choice. I liked the idea of adding on some letters too, they sell them for buck each and can fire them right into the glaze on flat surfaces.
The price of the item includes everything so there are absolutely no surprises when you go to pay. You will know the total before you pick out a color or pick up a brush, sponge or template.
Plenty of colors to choose from, and a nice selection of special colors that do fun somewhat unpredictable things.
Lots of tools to use, tape, contact paper, templates, sample books, rulers, pens, markers, scissors, etc.
Jean continually kept our water bowl clean and asked if we had any questions. She was very nice and super helpful!
I'm not quite sure how my finished plate will look since it really needed one more coat but I had to finish up or I would never get back, I know myself. The nice thing is that I'm the one who put the pressure on me, once you start on a piece you can go back as many times as you like, they don't pressure you to finish in one visit.
They do serve wine, beer and soft drinks, reasonably priced. Barista is just next door for those of you who need your caffeine fix.
My plate will be fired and ready for pick up tomorrow after 2pm. If it comes out nice, I'll update this review with a pic, eventually.
Have fun at Ready Paint Fire, it's great for groups! -
Review from Jeremy F.
Portland, OR
6/14/2011 5 Check-ins Here
One of my girls favorite places! The have a nice selection of items to paint and great service!
-
Review from Elizabeth E.
Portland, OR
2/8/2010
If you think painting pottery is for kiddos, think again. Ready Paint Fire is a place to let your creative kid-genius out to play...in a perfectly adult setting, with a nice glass of wine. Here's an overview of a typical experience:
(1) Enter store
(2) Be greeted by one of the lovely owners (a couple who moved here from Colorado I believe) who will kindly explain the process: Pick out an piece of completed pottery (prices on the bottom), have a seat, choose your paints, use a stencil if you want, be-dazzle with any of their pretty painting tricks, and then pay.
(3) Items of pottery range from picture frames, to bowls, to mugs, to serving platters, to candle holders, soap dishes...pretty much anything. Prices are easily located on the bottom of each piece, the price of paint is included, so you know what you're going to pay before you start.
(4) Once seated, gab endlessly with your girlfriends over a glass of wine as your creative muse kicks into gear. I think it would make for a good date location too, if your partner is willing...
(5) Pay and pick up your fired pottery several days later.
This makes for a great activity solo, with a friend, or with a group. I've never felt rushed, and the people who work there are full of great ideas if your creative muse is feeling shy. Its a fun experience, and considering that you get a unique piece of pottery to take home...its not that expensive. -
Review from Anonymous R.
Portland, OR
9/6/2010
I went to RPF this weekend with a few friends. The girl in charge was nice but wasn't very thorough with her explanations. We made sure to tell her that we've never done this before. After we had started to paint, we realized that other customers who came in after us were using a sponge to dampen the ceramics BEFORE they started to paint.
I'm not sure how it affects the end product but we realized that the lady's explanation to other customers varied. For some people she was extremely thorough-- showing them around the store etc. For others, she took less than a minute to explain and left them to start painting. -
Review from Angela B.
San Diego, CA
6/23/2007 3 photos
I'm a bit of a lush when it comes to the grape, so I was rather tickled to see that Ready Paint Fire offers beer and wine at their pottery studio...what a perfect play date...painting, pottery and vino all in one shot!
Most pottery studios charge a painting and firing fee on top of the pottery you purchase. Ready Paint Fire only charges you for the pottery piece, so you can stay and paint as long as your little heart desires without racking up those pesky hourly fees.Listed in: Domestic Divas
-
Review from Erika E.
Portland, OR
8/25/2010
My 6 year old daughter and I LOVED this place! It's a fun social bonding experience and a therapeutic creative outlet. They have a large selection of things to paint, a massive collection of paints, supplies, and even tips on creating the perfect piece. The owners are very kind, helpful, and involved. They really help to make your time there more of an experience than just an activity.
I highly recommend an outing here. =) -
Review from Kari M.
11/22/2008
I went here to meet up with some other crafty Yeeps for pottery painting excitement. There were lots of cool pottery pieces to choose from, and I opted for a bud vase to glaze up all fancy for my mother-in-law as a Christmas gift. I don't mean to brag, but it was pretty fabulous.
The owners were really friendly and helpful, and they have several beverages available including those of the alcoholic persuasion.
I can't wait to go back and pick up my final fired product on Wednesday...that was always my favorite part of Ceramics class in college. Yeah, I'm one of those "art people".
Now if only I could find a place that lets me make my own pottery AND glaze it up all pretty like....Listed in: Arts and Crafts time
-
Review from Esther M.
1/19/2009
The owners are wonderful.
I made mi madre a great little present here.
I dont think it will even matter when I'm thirty, she's still going to want me to make her stuff even though my art talent is equivalent to that of second grader.
Lots of great selections, staff is always happy to give tips. (The owner helped me finish my project since I messed it up so bad)
For all the wonderful service and fun experience, I wish I could give them an extra star. -
Review from Chris F.
San Jose, CA
11/6/2007
I've been to places like this before, but this paint-it-yourself pottery shop has heart. The owners really make this place stand out. They were very helpful and friendly, and they have a golden retreiver in the shop (dogs are always a plus with me). The shop is very spacious and well decorated. They have art from local painters on the wall, so you know they're connected to the local art scene. ;)
Well halfway through painting my mug my girlfriend noticed that they were going to close in a couple minutes. We hurriedly finished our pieces and stayed a good fifteen minutes after closing time. Not a word from the owners. They just let us do our thing. Then we were told that there's a three day wait to pick up, but we were leaving in two days. The owners said that we could swing by the day we were leaving and they'd have them done. We were admiring our handiwork on the plane. -
Review from Michael C.
Portland, OR
3/17/2010
So incredibly easy and fun, this spot makes gift giving easy! It's a great activity for kids and adults alike, and you can paint anything from picture frames of all sizes, to coffee cups and up to large serving platters. The only hindrance for me being my lack of artistic ability, and somehow the final products turn out incredible. It must have something to do with the magic the staff works in the time it takes to fire and receive your product (never more than a few days)
Always a high recommendation in my book, especially when looking for some with that personal touch. -
Review from Irene C.
Manhattan, NY
5/14/2009
This place gets a 10 on my awesome potential scale. I should probably also mention that a 10 is for most awesome.
Yesterday was a crap day in good ol' PDX, rainy and cold, which makes for a lazy day usually. However, the man and I wanted something to do and tried out Ready Paint Fire. I love doing artsy stuff, and he loves doing athletic stuff -- I go to the gym with him now, so this is kind of a compromise. Initially, I was a little wary that he wouldn't enjoy this type of thing, but he seemingly loved it -- unless he's lying to me. We picked out a combined tea set -- a teapot sitting on top of a teacup. It was $35 for the set and for as much paint as you want and includes firing in the kiln. At first, I thought it was kinda steep, but really. . .it's such a deal because the piece itself is so unique and who can put a price on quality time with a loved one? (Yep, uber gay. Sorry.)
We sat painting for a little over an hour, but I could have painted for hours more. There's always something so soothing about creating a piece of art. The man also got pretty into it, and I love that I will have a piece of his creativity manifested because of this experience.
Also! The owner was suuuuuuper nice. He came over our table a couple times to tell us how good of a job we were doing. . .it was cute. He was also super helpful. I kinda wanted to give him a hug.
I will definitely return to paint more pieces. Wonderful gift ideas too. Hopefully our pieces come out well. I'll be sure to have an update when I pick it up on Saturday! You guys should go ahora. -
Review from Tera M.
Carmel, CA
5/12/2011
Ready Paint Fire is my favorite place in Portland. Where else in Portland can you can you do crafts and have a glass of wine? Not to mention that George and Joni are the sweetest people. George is always ready to chit chat, or if you want to go be zen and paint by yourself that it totally fine too. My roommate and I were so glad to find this place, and we were even more thankful that we only live 2 blocks away!
-
Review from Noah S.
Seattle, WA
Fun place to spend a chill afternoon. Really nice people and a lot of color choices to choose for paint. Also free drink with a yelp checkin!
-
Review from Nicole F.
Portland, OR
8/30/2011
My man and I went to Ready Paint Fire last night for the first time, and we'll definitely be back. It was so much fun to paint ceramics - you simply can't screw it up. George taught us some different painting techniques and let us fly. I can't wait to see how our stuff turns out!
-
Review from Ezra S.
Portland, OR
9/10/2010
We had a couple Groupons for Ready Paint Fire and couldn't wait to use them! I haven't been to a pottery/ceramics place since I was a lil' wee one and had no idea what to expect, let alone what I was doing - it was so easy and sooooooo FUN - the people there are so incredibly friendly and helpful it makes it easy and really accessible - like others have said, the hardest part is picking something out to paint! there seemed to be things starting at $2 so you really don't have to spend a lot to have fun here - they set up your table, give you all the things you need to paint and ready your piece, you pick our your paints, brushes, and/or stamps, etc., and sit at your table for as long as you want to in order to perfect your perty lil' piece. My husband and I chose 2 nice bowls to paint so we could use them - can't WAIT to see how they turn out! Thanks RPF! We will definitely be back asap! :-)
-
Review from Jillette N.
Beaverton, OR
7/2/2009
I wish I could do more for Ready, Paint, Fire...5 stars is not enough!!
We called around to a few pottery places in town and George was the MOST friendliest and accommodating with our party of nearly 20 gals. We wanted to throw our bride-to-be a FUN and unique bridal shower. With the economy the way it has been, it was really important to us that we give business to people who are sincere, genuine, and just plain nice.
When we got there, George and Joni (the married owners) were so sweet and helped us set up our atmosphere. They already had our table neatly set up and we were able to pull off our "Tiffany" blue themed bridal shower with much success, thanks to their help. Our bride-to-be had such a great time and it meant a lot to us that we were able to do something fun, while still playing bridal shower games. Every single one of us created our own masterpiece to take home. Thanks to George and Joni, this will be a memorable bridal shower we won't forget. I HIGHLY recommend you check out the place. Even if you don't think you have an artistic bone in your body, you'll find a way to have a lot of fun. A true family- friendly atmosphere as well! :o) -
Review from Sheila J.
Portland, OR
12/28/2010
I love the space and the location of this place. However it is a very expensive place. Most items are at least $20 if not more. I find it a very spendy affair.
-
Review from S B.
Portland, OR
3/17/2010
So I'm always hesitant to give 5 star reviews due to not wanting to set too high of expectations for other yelpers, but this place is awesome.
I've been probably 5 times now and the owners have always been friendly, very knowledgeable, and helpful with suggestions. That being said, they're also good at leaving you alone once you get the hang of it. They've gone above and beyond to help my sister and me finish a few pieces for gifts and we've always had a lot of fun there.
I really can't think of anything to add in the "suggestions for improvement" part of this review. The location in the Pearl district is awesome, they have just about anything you'd even think to paint, lots of colors, etc. and the atmosphere is very relaxing, I think we had more fun making Christmas gifts there than I've had with any Christmas "shopping" before. You can hammer out a piece quickly, or, you can do like we did and spend a few hours. The only limits really are your imagination and ability. Plus, they've got alcohol to get your creative juices going.
Highly recommended. -
Review from Stephanie K.
Kennewick, WA
3/5/2010
I went here with 3 other women. The hardest part was deciding what we wanted to paint! There are so many options and everything looked like fun. I settled on a huge coffee cup, so I could use my creation on a daily basis. The hosts were so sweet, and explained everything to us.
We settled into our table, ordered a bottle of wine (the best thing - what a great idea) and proceded to chat and paint for 2 hours. It was so muchfun.
I just picked my mug up and it came out amazing. I can not wait to go back and do it again! I highly suggest this to anyone wanting to do something a little different and a lot fun!
