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Location: Southwest, In/Outdoor: Indoor Activity level: Low Features: Cafe Monet is a paint-your-own pottery studio. You choose a piece of pottery from their selection to paint, you paint it, stencil, and/or stamp it, and afterwards you leave it there to be glazed and fired and pick it up in five days. Cost for a family of four: Varies greatly, average probably $48-$70 if everyone paints pottery (studio fees are $7 for kids 10 and under, $9 for adults, pottery ranges from an average of $5 or $6 for small, $15 for medium, and up to $40 for large.) Best for ages: 4 and up |  |
The Experience: This is a creative and fun way to spend an hour, and you get a creation to show off at the end of it. Mom or dad may want to make their own to indulge their artistic side. Be careful, though, as the price can add up quickly. There were many small and medium sized animals to choose from, such as pigs, dinosaurs, or dolphins, and lots of dishes, plates, and cups, probably over 100 choices all together. It was not crowded. There were several dozen colors of paints to choose from, plus lots of stamps and templates. The staff was very helpful with painting techniques and suggestions. After the pieces are done with the glazing and firing process, they are food and dishwasher-safe.
Before you go: You may want to leave the toddlers at home, since there are breakables and some painting finesse is recommended.How to go cheaper: There are numerous specials going on at Cafe Monet. For example, you can buy a summer pass for $39.99 and paint without studio fees all summer. You also get a punch card when you paint there, and the 10th studio fee is free after you get the card full of punches. There are different weekly specials every day. Monday is 20% off dog and cat bowls. Tuesday is two-for-one studio fees. Wednesday is one child paints free with each painting adult. Thursday from 5-9 is ladies night, ½ price for women. Friday is a $5 studio rate for high school and college students with student ID. Saturday from 6-10 groups of 4 or more paint for $6 studio free per person. Sunday everyone paints for the $7 child fee regardless of age.
Birthday Parties: There are two party packages. Package 1 lets each child pick their own pottery piece, averaging from $6-9 each. You pay for the pottery for each child and a $5 studio fee each. Package 2 allows each child to paint a 6” tile, and is a $10 per child flat rate. Both parties are for a minimum of 8 painters, up to 18 maximum. The length of the party is 1 ½ hours, and it is for ages 4-12. You must preselect 6 paint colors. You provide all the food and beverages (if desired) and the cake. Cafe Monet also offers summer camp (see website for details).
Accessibility: Coming soon.Fun Factor: 9/10
Yum Factor: N/A
Value Factor: 7/10
The Lowdown: Let your little artists make a cute keepsake while having fun in the process.
Hours: Sun-Mon 12-6, Tues, Wed, Thurs 11-9, Fri-Sat 11-10
Website: http://www.cafemonet.org
Address: 4477 South Lamar Blvd., suite 560, Austin (in Westgate shopping center) Map: Google Map Phone: (512) 892-3200
