I visited this Modesto pottery studio to paint. See what I made on a $25 budget
From brunching at an iconic Modesto coffee shop to browsing the stands of a buzzing Stanislaus County flea market, I’ve been exploring fun and budget-friendly spots all season long.
For this month’s “On a Budget” destination, Modesto Bee reader Edward Echeverria recommended I check out Pottery Magic Modesto for my next affordable adventure.
“Their website advertises ‘most people spend $18 to $35,’ ” Edward wrote in May.
On a recent weekday morning, I decided to put that statement to the test.
Here’s how I spent my $25 budget at Pottery Magic Modesto:
Where can I find Modesto painting studio?
Pottery Magic Modesto is at 3501 McHenry Ave., Unit B6, in Modesto.
The painting studio is easy to overlook. It’s tucked away in the Promenade Shopping Center next to big-name stores, including Ross and Barnes & Noble.
Once you step inside, however, you’ll find a charming hidden gem full of creativity.
What’s for sale at Pottery Magic Modesto?
Before heading out on my next budget-friendly adventure, I always do some research on my destination.
Pottery Magic Modesto boasts an average rating of 4.8 stars on Google, with more than 200 reviews praising the studio’s variety, atmosphere and affordability.
“They have a very nice selection of blank clay sculptures to pick from, ranging from classic garden gnome-type figures to dishes like plates and bowls to various animals, like a snake or a cat,” Slurmy Gunch wrote in a five-star review.
Google user Ruby J. Macias Hernandez also gave the studio a five-star review.
“Prices were reasonable and you definitely get the tranquility and comfort,” the reviewer wrote. “(I) definitely will be coming back!”
Most reviews suggested going with friends or family members, so I invited my sister and sister-in-law to tag along.
When we arrived, we were greeted by a friendly reminder to wash our hands before painting.
The studio had a cozy, relaxed vibe. The soft hum of conversation mixed with a Norah Jones song playing in the background created the perfect setting for a calm, artsy escape.
After washing our hands, we wandered around the studio to choose our pieces.
The shelves were packed with everything from ceramic dishes and whimsical animal figurines to bongs and flower pots.
I had originally planned to paint a bowl inspired by some Pinterest ideas I had saved the night before, but most of the dishes were priced over $20.
Since I also needed to factor in the $5 studio fee and tax, that pushed the bowls just outside my $25 budget.
Luckily, there were plenty of more affordable options.
Smaller figurines — including a ceramic cat and a little girl reading a book — started at just $5 and topped out around $20.
Larger pieces, such as a chunky ceramic piggy bank, were closer to $30. The cheapest ceramic I could find was a star key chain fob priced at $2.50.
There was something for every taste and budget.
How I spent my $25 budget on pottery painting
After a few laps around the studio debating my choices, I finally settled on a small ceramic plate for $18, leaving me just enough room in my $25 budget to cover the $5 studio fee and tax.
Once we were given our assigned table to paint, we went to grab our paints.
The studio offered an impressive range of colors — offering every hue and shade imaginable.
I pulled inspiration from my saved Pinterest boards and selected a palette of light green, soft pink, deep red and pastel yellow.
Soon, my sister, sister-in-law and I were completely focused on our projects.
Each of us got quiet, carefully painting in our own little bubble. We wanted our plates to come out perfect.
Before we knew it, three hours had flown by as we chatted and got lost in the painting process. When we finally looked at our finished plates, we were all genuinely proud of what we made.
Is Pottery Magic Modesto affordable?
Pottery Magic Modesto offers weekly discounts to help guests get creative without breaking the bank.
On Mondays, the studio waives its standard $5 studio fee.
Wednesdays bring a bit of surprise. Guests can draw a random discount, ranging from a free studio fee to 20% off their purchase.
On Fridays, groups of four or more receive half off the studio fee.
Since I visited on a Wednesday, I got to try my luck and ended up drawing a free studio fee — which saved me $5 at checkout.
I also paid in cash to avoid the 2% service charge that comes with card payments. In the end, my total was $19.60 for the $18 plate and $1.60 in sales tax.
Now, we wait 10 to 12 days for our creations to be glazed, fired and ready for pickup.
Thanks for the suggestion, Edward!
I can’t wait to see how our pieces turn out.
Where should I go next?
Have any ideas for where I should go next in or around Modesto? I’m exploring the area on a $25 budget.
Send your suggestions to arodriguez@modbee.com or fill out the form below.
Can’t see the form? Go to tinyurl.com/3euwab47.
