Tile Experiences in Catalina Island

Yes. However, for safety reasons, we are unable to accommodate children under 5 years of age.

Yes. Reservations are required in advance. We have both self-transportation and transportation included tour options and your reservation confirmation will be used to provide you with accurate and detailed information as to when and where you will need to go. Last minute reservations are welcome.

Your tile will be colored and fired, then shipped to you within about we3-4 weeks. Tiles are usually shipped via UPS. We are happy to ship via alternate carrier if necessary.

You are completely welcome to make additional tiles. They don't take long and we charge a nominal fee of $10 ea. to cover processing costs.

The tiles are 4″ x 4″ fully fired stoneware tile suitable for installation indoors our outside. Hardfreeze conditions not recommended. The patterns range from historical Spanish geometric patterns seen throughout the City of Avalon as well as numerous floral and fish patterns.

You are able to sign the clay on the back of the tile however you would like. We do not have the ability to create individual new patterns on site. This process for pattern creation is too lengthy to be a possibility for our class participants.

In addition to being suitable for installation indoors or out, the tiles can be used as coasters or hotplates. For use as coasters we like to point out that they are not especially “thirsty”. Moisture and or sun exposure will not harm the tiles at all. We can add a “notch” right on the back to make it possible to hang the tiles without the need for a seperate hanger.

The tiles that we make in the class are the most basic patterns which have a success rate of about 99%. Tiles do occasionally have a crack or other imperfection. In this case we will remake the pattern and try to recreate your signature and send both your original tile and our successful remade piece. Although every effort is made to ship tiles in a manner that avoids breakage in transit we do occasionally experience this situation. We keep original pattern and color information for a period of time and will use this to recreate the tile front and back if you can send us a photo of your signature. In the event of breakage we will also send along some extra goodies from our retail shop as well. Our goal is 100% satisfaction.

You will be making the clay tile. You will not be glazing (painting) the tiles. The tiles must air dry for several days and go into the kiln overnight before they are ready for the color. We would love to fit it all into one experience but we find that folks find the clay part the fun part anyways.

We limit the tile size to our 4″ x 4″ tiles. Larger tiles have a significantly higher rate of failure and we find that prohibitive for our guest experience.

We hate having to charge extra but high shipping costs make it necessary. We will look up the exact shipping charges to your destination. We will also issue a credit for the portion of your initial tour fees dedicated to shipping. For example, Canadian destinations that commonly cost $40 for shipping a six tile order will be charged only an additional $33. ($33 + $7 credit). Charges are paid onsite. We accept all credit cards. One option for folks in the US for AT LEAST 2 weeks after your experience is for us to forward your tiles to a US destination. We will make every effort to put a “rush” on these orders.

Our Catalina Tile Experience accommodates up to 7 participants. Our Private Tile Experience can accommodate up to 12 participants. Please reach out to us at 310-499-8799 as sometimes we can fit.

We will be in touch via text or call the day of your class and make every effort to accommodate small delays. Delays longer than 15 minutes may require a separate shuttle at a nominal cost

Both Catalina Tile Experience and our Private tour option include round trip transportation unless otherwise requested. We will provide precise directions for both the shuttle option and those coming to the studio on their own. It is a 30 minute walk on a flat coastal road, easily bikeable, or accessible for those with a vacation rental golf cart. You can change your option the day of your class no problem.

Yes we have parking available for those traveling to the studio using a rental golf cart or bike.

Gratuities are greatly appreciated, but not at all expected. We hope to provide an “all-inclusive” experience with no hidden costs. International shipping rate additions are the only exception to our policy

Yes we have basic restroom facilities. They are not handicap accessible.

The tours are available in all weather conditions. However, heavy rain conditions often cause closure of the main coastal route and require an alternative route that is a hilly and about 3 miles long. We strongly suggest using our local Taxi for the ” Self transportation” tour option (310) 510-0025. We suggest calling for your taxi 1/2 hour before tour time to allow for enough time to reach the shop. Taxis all know the location of the pottery. “Transportation included” tour option will have no changes to the pick up locale.

We have an access stairway to the studio that is about 12 steps up with rails on both sides. We have a lot of seating available that can be used throughout the experience for those wishing to not move around a whole lot.

At this time, we do not offer tours in any other languages except English.