When I first heard that Color Me Mine, a paint-your-own-pottery studio, was coming to the Renton Landing, I was elated. It had been years since I’d painted pottery, and soon, I’d have a studio just 10 minutes away. Then I remembered the overwhelm — too many pottery options, the blank canvas, and results that didn’t quite match my vision.
Still, I took my 9-year-old daughter and one of her friends on a Wednesday afternoon. We’d prepped by browsing the studio’s Instagram account and researching designs, so I expected we’d be in and out in two hours.
Spoiler alert: It took four, mainly because I was the straggler.
(Image: Melody Ip / Seattle’s Child)
Choosing pieces, which I’d expected would take a while, took only five minutes. Then, a team member gave us a tutorial of the paint station, explaining that three coats produce the most vibrant results — something to keep in mind when selecting a design. She also introduced techniques for inspiration, including paper masking, silkscreening, and sponging. Laminated instructions and neatly organized supplies made everything easy to follow, and my favorite feature was a paper “cheat sheet” — something I hadn’t seen at other studios, for tracking colors we were squirting into the wells of our paint palette.
Starting was the hardest part, so we sketched our designs with markers that would burn off in the kiln, a step I highly recommend. The studio provides a variety of brushes, plus writer paints (fine-tipped squeeze bottles) for more detailed work.
(Image: Melody Ip / Seattle’s Child)
Team members periodically and discreetly swapped out our paint water, but check-ins were minimal, in a good way. The studio remained surprisingly full throughout our visit, with groups painting and catching up. The staff struck a thoughtful balance of providing support and giving customers space.
From start to finish, the space was inviting — one that welcomed messes, experimentation, and indecision. One highlight: Anna Yantorni, co-owner of the studio with her husband Steve, invited my daughter’s friend to test out a paint stamp on her placemat. The friend’s mouth dropped at the idea of deliberately “dirtying” something intended to keep the space clean. For mess-adverse parents, the studio offers kid- and adult-sized aprons, and the staff handles all cleanup afterward.
Anna and Steve Yantorni (owners of the studio) and their children (Image courtesy Color Me Mine)
Tips for Success
Time your visit strategically. Since opening day in early February 2026, weekends have been packed, with waitlists being the norm. (Stuck waiting? Check out other shops and restaurants at The Landing.) The studio doesn’t take reservations, so weekdays may be your best bet — they’re open until 9 p.m. every day.
Do your homework. The pottery inventory changes weekly, but looking through Color Me Mine’s Instagram account or their project page will give you ideas of what sort of pieces might be available and what might interest you. (Anna said the axolotl and caterpillars have been popular with kids.) Next, look for design ideas. For example, my daughter and I looked up “cute cat designs.” Although that took us down a rabbit hole of options, we gained some tentative ideas. Consider printing out examples to bring with you, too. Trending designs seem to be fruit — blueberries, lemons, etc. — and sea creatures, like jellies and octopuses, according to Anna. My daughter’s advice: Pick a simple design.
Keep expectations low. Although my daughter and her friend were quite independent, I still had to help them access paint bottles beyond their reach. Some bottles were also harder to open than others. Parents, be prepared to be interrupted frequently to help the kids, especially at the beginning.
(Image: Melody Ip / Seattle’s Child)
Prepare for downtime. “People finish at different times, and it’s usually the young kids who finish first,” Anna said. “Adults usually take the longest because they’re busy helping the kids first.” Bring snacks, books, coloring pages — whatever it takes to keep a little one entertained if they finish first. Anna mentioned that some customers will bring in food or have meals delivered. There is no time limit — “You can’t put a time limit on creativity,” Anna said — but on a busy day, please be mindful of not lingering too long.
Color Me Mine has been open since early February 2026, but is holding its grand opening celebration on April 17. The event includes free studio fees all day, a free mug for the first 25 guests, plus face painting, a photo booth, and other special offers. Regular fees include a $10 studio fee/person, plus the cost of the pottery; items start at $12, with the average being between $20-$40. Check their calendar for special deals.
Keep the Creativity Going
If this outing sparked your kid’s creative side, there are plenty more places to keep it going. Check out our guide to places for kids to paint, sculpt, and create art around the Seattle area.
Some of the products, services, or experiences mentioned in this article may have been provided at no cost or at a discount. However, all opinions expressed are solely those of the author and/or the Seattle’s Child editorial team. Our coverage remains independent, and we only feature things we genuinely believe will be of interest to our readers.
