Review: Crock A Doodle Mississauga

My creation looks a bit juvenile, but it's the experience that counts! 

My five-year-old daughter and I both have crafty thumbs, and with a "craft corner" in my family room piled high to the ceiling, it was time to move a project out of the home.

Recently, we headed to Crock A Doodle Mississauga on a Saturday afternoon, where we each painted a pottery creation. Was it worth our time? Here's what I've got to say as a "baby savings" mom:

Pros:

• Lots of items to paint, including different dishes, boxes and figurines. My daughter chose a princess and I chose a small mug; both were $18 each. (The larger and heavier the item, the higher the price. Prices for teeny-tiny items started at $6.) At first I thought, "Mother Goose, isn't this kind of expensive?!" But when you think about it, this price includes your studio time, paint, clean-up and kiln-firing. 
• A very bright, relaxing studio environment, with lots of seating for customers. 
• The studio also provides different paint brushes for you to experiment with.
• Don't worry, you won't get kicked out! You're free to take your time. My daughter and I took over two hours. 
• Staff is super helpful and friendly. They even helped me with painting a blurb on the bottom of my mug. 

Cons:

• When I went to pick up our projects post kiln-firing, I noticed I was a few dollars overcharged. Instead of cash back, I received a $5 credit. For customers who don't wish to come back in the future, a credit could be a problem. 
• Crock A Doodle Mississauga wraps up your pottery in brown paper and bags it for you. However, the wrapping was kind of chintzy; there wasn't even enough paper to fully protect both my mug and my daughter's princess. 
• Definitely not toddler friendly! There are way too many breakable items at hand; it's best to leave little ones under 3 years old at home. 

Overall, even if I didn't get my $5 credit, I would still return; I'm already planning my next visit, where I'll create a gorgeous mandala-inspired platter (yes, I'm fully aware I sound like a little old lady with no life, but hey, painting pottery is healthier than drinking!).

Visiting Crock A Doodle Mississauga was quite a memorable moment between myself and my daughter; if you need some one-on-one time with your crafty child, I highly recommend spending time here.

Have you been here before? I would love to know your thoughts; sound off below.