frequently asked questions

Since our semi-private events are held during studio hours and share our party room, we have select time slots:

Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday
11:00 – 1:00, 1:00 – 3:00, 2:00 – 4:00, 4:00 – 6:00

Friday
4:00 – 6:00, 6:30 – 8:30

Saturday 
10:00 – 12:00, 4:30 – 6:30

Sunday 
1:00 – 3:00

During the week, Tuesday – Friday, we can be a bit more flexible.  If you don’t see a time slot the fits your needs during these days, please call the studio.

You can reserve online; click here.  Or give us a call at 972.547.4472 or email us to check availability.  We can reserve a private event either in person or by phone.

Reservations are required along with a $75 non-refundable deposit. The deposit will be applied towards price of the pottery or glass, providing the minimum requirement is purchased ($200 before tax).

If your group does not meet the minimum purchase requirement, your deposit of $75 will be converted to room rental fee and will NOT be applied towards any purchases. No exceptions.

Yes, providing that your group reaches the minimum requirement of $200 (before tax) in pottery.  Here is the scoop: we are using our party room for your event rather than hosting a birthday party.  This is a great way to guarantee seating during our busy days/season so we require a minimum of $200 in pottery and/or glass during the two hour event.

If you do not meet the minimum requirement ($200 before tax) during your event, the deposit of $75 will be converted to a room rental charge.

Our party room is 12′ x 17′.  We can comfortably seat 10 adults (12 kids).  And if you don’t mind tight spaces, we can squeeze a few extra in too.

There are two tables with bench seating, each table holds 4 – 6 people (depending on age/size).  We also have bar seating in this room for overflow.

After your guests select their pieces to paint (or glass to fuse) our staff will do a quick courtesy tally to see whether or not you have reached the $200 minimum.  Please note, this is before tax.  If you are below, we will let you know the shortage and give you an opportunity to paint something in addition, switch a lesser piece for a more expensive one, add-on, etc.  If you choose to not paint an additional piece or switch and fall below the minimum of $200, the amount of the shortage will be deducted from your $50 deposit.  Here are some examples:

Example 1:
Let’s say your courtesy tally is $175, which is $25 short of the required $200.  After notifying you, the host/hostess, you decide to paint an additional dinner plate for $25.  Eezy peezy…your group has reached the minimum pottery amount and we will apply your entire $50 purchase towards the amount.

Example 2:
Similar to example 1, your courtesy tally is $175, which is $25 short of the required $200.  After notifying you, the host/hostess, you decide your semi private event was more about having fun, getting together and everyone seems happy painting what they already chose and you decide NOT to add anything or switch out a piece of pottery and in the end, your total (before tax) is short $25.  Not a problem, we will deduct the $25 shortage from your $50 deposit and will apply the difference of $25 (verses $50) towards your purchase.

We have extended our studio hours on Friday nights. Our studio is open 11 – 9 on Friday, so you can come in and paint/fuse items of your choice without worry of meeting our private event requirements.  Please note:  if you are anticipating more than 6 people in your group, we strongly recommend calling in advance so that we are properly staffed.

Because this room is used for birthday parties, we strictly adhere to the 2 hour minimum.  If some of the painters do not finish painting within the two hours, we are happy to wrap up their pieces and send them home whoever did not finish.  They are then welcome to return to the studio to finish, and there is no charge to do so.

It is important to keep in mind that your two hours starts at the time we have agreed upon, for example 4:30 – 6:30, not when guests arrive.  We will do our best to keep the party moving forward and will politely notify guests when there is 1 hour left, 30 minutes left and so on so that everyone can budget their time accordingly.

Please note that we will ask you and your guests to vacate the room immediately at the two (2) hour mark.  For obvious reasons, this can be uncomfortable for both staff and guests and the very last thing on earth we want to do is make our guests squirm.  Please help us in adhering to this policy.

We allow 2 hours for a semi private event at no charge.  Please note that the event starts at the time that is reserved, not when guests arrive.  We will ask you and your guests to vacate the room immediately at the two (2) hour mark. For obvious reasons, this can be uncomfortable for both staff and guests, so please help us in adhering to this policy and plan accordingly.

If you and/or your guests cannot complete your pottery project within two hours, you are welcome to take your piece(s) home and return at a later date, at no charge.  Do to the nature of glass fusing; glass projects must be completed in the allotted two hours.

A final headcount is required three (3) business days prior to the party. An email will be sent the Wednesday/Thursday prior to your party date requesting the final head count. Please check your email and respond.  This is an important step so that we are staffed according to the size of your group.

We understand there may certain situations when not everyone present will paint pottery or fuse glass. For example, parents of a teen private event may wish to mingle, take pictures, set food up etc. Or the new director of a preschool may wish to spend the 2 hours getting to know his/her staff. In these instances, we will allow up to 2 non painters/glass fusers at no charge.  Any additional non-painters/glass fusers beyond the first 2 will incur a studio fee of $10 per person.

Yes and Yes! You are welcome to bring in food, though do keep in mind that you have two hours for the event and most of this time will be needed to plan and paint your pieces of pottery.  If you opt to bring in food such as snacks and/or dessert, please bring in the needed paper goods, cups and/or utensils.

Yes, you are welcome to bring in wine, beer, etc. However, there are a few rules that you need to be aware of.  For the most part, these are not our rules, but those of the city of McKinney and TABC…so don’t shoot the messenger!  You must be 21 years of age and have identification if asked.  An alcohol waiver needs to be signed the night of the event.  It’s quick and easy, the verbage is below for your review. We cannot open your wine, so it would be wise to bring a your own corkscrew or bottle opener.  While we are happy to pour your paint for you, we cannot pour your adult beverages.  And here is the biggie…you cannot, under any circumstances, leave our store with an open container.  The sidewalk is off limits – you must leave your glass of vino (or beverage of choice) inside the store.  So, yes you can bring in adult beverages but please, drink responsibly – someone is counting on you coming home at the end of the night!

ALCOHOL POLICY/WAIVER (if applicable):  I agree that I am 21 years of age or older and will consume my alcoholic beverages responsibly. I release and waive any and all claims or action that may arise against Walls of Clay, LLC, its affiliates, successors or assigns as well as the owner and employees/contractors as a result of anything which occurs before, during or after my session including to but not limited to injury, loss, theft or damage to any person or property.