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April 2025 by Nicholas Lento
Amazing!!! I had to buy my wife a 9th anniversary gift with a week left on the clock. I realized it was pottery and I thought to myself perfect! Pottery is made of clay and there is literally a store around the block called Paper & Clay! How could I go wrong,l. I’m clearly the best husband that ever existed to put this together.
Within 5 minutes I had my present picked out with a matching card to boot all in one place and the owner Leslie, who is amazing, even wrapped it for me!
My only regret is Google doesn’t allow me to give bonus stars!
Leslie thank you again, you preserved my marriage for at least another year🤣.
-Nick
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April 2025 by Rebecca Coluntino
My favorite mugs !!
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January 2025 by Lisa Riva
Lesley is such a talented potter - we've purchased a few of her mugs for ourselves and others, as well as enjoyed the nicely curated selection of gifts and household items created by other artists throughout the shop. We recently took a pottery class here as well, and it was a great experience. The setting was cozy, and Lesley set a perfect vibe to help a group of beginners not take themselves too seriously but also manage to make something we can be proud of. This shop/studio is a great little gem in Melrose!
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January 2025 by J P
We went to a date night pottery class. It was so amazing to make a handmade tumbler which we got to design. Lesley was so kind and taught us all the basics and ensure all of us had a great finished product. And we all got a chance to spin the wheel. It was the perfect date night for partners, friends, or whatever works for you. Highly recommend and we'll be back to this amazing studio.
Oh did I mention how cute the shop is!!!!!!
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May 2024 by North Forest Shop
As a local and rather new artist, I am both grateful and appreciative of the opportunities given to me at Paper and Clay Melrose. Last fall, when I first reached out to Lesley inquiring about participating in one of her pop-up markets, I never imagined that I would now be a successful vendor in the shop!
As soon as I met Lesley, I knew that she was a person who was passionate about supporting local artists within the community. Lesley is very welcoming to all and, through Paper and Clay, I have been fortunate enough to meet many fabulous artisans and community members.
Melrose is very lucky to have Lesley and her shop! Not only does she make it her mission to highlight local artists, she also seems to always be looking for additional ways to help and support other people and small businesses in the community.
Thank you so much, Lesley! I truly believe that you have helped my little business grow! ☺️
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May 2024 by Midge Lyon
We had an odd experience as vendors going through the process of selling art in her store as well as vending at a market. Would not recommend to a friend.
From our emails to how she handled us in store, she was disorganized, unfriendly and unpleasant. Rather than having one document with all the info we need
to streamline the process, she would refer me to different emails and website, etc to gather the info in a piecemeal fashion. I would ask a clarifying question, and she wouldn't really respond to it. She was unable to articulate what she designs she wanted in her shop. What I gathered is that we needed to come in during business hours to figure it out.
We drove out from Salem in afternoon traffic with our stock in the car so we could make our trip more efficient. I wanted the 16 year old artist to be there for them to meet. We waited in her shop for her to finish talking with someone so we could figure out next steps. She weirdly ignored us and went to the next person who walked in. We were just standing around the tiny shop for 5-10 minutes until I was like soooo is this a good time? And she was like no it's not you need to book an appointment with me. Like how was I supposed to know that? I asked multiple times about her process so we could follow it. When we emailed after that visit, she sent me quotes from her previous emails that were not clear that we needed an appointment.
My kid was wigged out by how she was in store and said she didn't want to work with this person. Same! I emailed her that we were not happy with our experience and did not want to sell in her store or vend with her for the upcoming market. She agreed we were not a good fit and refused to refund us the $50 vending fee! And it wasn't last minute or anything, it was a month out. Plenty of time for her to find someone else so we could move on.
Next morning I get the email in the picture I've included. I didn't leave her an review. But I did talk to a few vendor friends about the situation and was surprised how many people chimed in about similar issues. At the same time, her shop is filled with different artists so I know some people are having good experiences.
Anyway, she didn't refund the vending fee until she saw that I wrote “(vending out of spite)” next her event on our schedule posted to social media. She accused me of using social media as a way to tear down others. Silly.
Lastly! She does not tag artists in her social media posts when she posts pictures of their work in her shop. Like, ever. But she is adamant that everyone tag and repost about Paper and Clay. And for what it's worth, she also allows essential oil MLMs to vend her events.
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May 2024 by Kate Estrop
I'm a vendor in this shop, and as a small-time artist, I feel really supported by Lesley and the community she has built here. Lesley tries really hard to make time for her customers and vendors, and puts her heart and soul into running the store and all the beautiful artwork she makes too. I recommend shopping, taking a class, and attending an event or popup here!
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April 2024 by Lawrence Clifford
I have greatly enjoyed teaching Yin yoga here. It is a pleasure working with the owner, and the students have been excellent.
The new floors (put in just for yoga) are perfect!
It's a great place to learn, whether yoga, pottery, or other creative expressions!
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March 2024 by Ellen Azeredo
I love how there is ALWAYS something new at Paper and Clay! It is the perfect place to find amazing and unique gifts created by several local artisans. There’s home decor, pottery, candles, artwork, greeting cards, stationery, jewelry, up-cycled bags & clothing, and more! Everyone there is also super friendly…such a great vibe.
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March 2024 by Becky Small
I love this shop. Locally made and high quality.
You can find a gift for anyone, from your kids to your grandparents. The artisan pop-ups are super fun too. Always fun to check out the new vendors.
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March 2024 by Lorrie DiCesare
Paper and Clay is a hidden gem full of one of a kind,handmade items. There is something for everyone. A must visit!! 💘
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March 2024 by douglas
This store is great for clay pottery and all kinds of different vendor things.
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November 2023 by Amanda Maher
Absolutely adore this store - it's been such a great addition to downtown Melrose! I popped in the other day to buy a gift for my aunt and was really impressed with the selection. Found something for her (a beautiful candle) and a few smaller things for my kiddos. Will definitely be back as I'm shopping for holiday gifts for friends, family, teachers, etc.
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October 2023 by Gina Capone
Wonderful gift shop with unique gifts, jewelry, pottery, and art.
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September 2023 by Amelia Roberts
Great store, I love the place and there craft and art supplies! Love it!
