Archaeologists examine ancient pottery to identify a culture’s preferred cooking methods and to determine which of its members was the World's Greatest Dad. Make timeless memories with today's Groupon: for $25, you get $50 worth of paint-your-own-ceramics and studio fees at Color Me Mine in Encino.

Natural light from a generous picture window floods Color Me Mine’s studio as visiting artists start the six-step process of painting custom, keepsake ceramic pieces. After paying a studio fee ($10 for adults, $6 for children younger than 12), full-sized and miniature humans alike peruse shelves of unpainted bisque pottery ($15+), evaluating the grip of a sturdy mug or the number of firecrackers a serving platter could hold. Drawing inspiration from a design center with stencils, sponges, and more than 22,000 images, pottery painters devise a custom design and select vivid colors of paint.

Contemporary tunes float through the earth-scented air as painters touch bristle to surface, paints to clay, and stencil to blank smart-phone screen. Trained kiln professionals then apply the finishing touches of glazing and firing. A few days later, guests can claim their food-safe, nontoxic creations after clearing a spot in China cabinets or on the gum-covered head of a sturdy child.

Though Color Me Mine sometimes features a discounted price online, this Groupon still offers the best deal available.