Entry No. 64 — the Des Moines file — filed under: hands-on

Glazed Expressions

A family-owned drop-in art studio in the Des Moines metro (flagship in Clive, second location in Ankeny), operating since 1999 and best known for paint-your-own pottery alongside candle-making and fragrance-blending stations under one roof. The mix means a couple can split a table, one glazing a mug while the other layers a custom scent, with a low studio session fee on top of the piece you choose. It's an unpretentious, low-pressure spot with hundreds of bisque pieces and walk-ins welcome.

The move: Grab a table for two, paint matching pottery pieces, and blend a custom fragrance to take home in one sitting.

📍 Before you go Studio/seating fee (around $8 per adult) is charged on top of the piece or project you choose. Confirm current hours and whether candle/fragrance stations are running the day you go.

• 📍 Des Moines
• 💸 $$
• ⚡ Up for anything
• 🌗 Indoors

Where: Des Moines, IA

Hours: Added 2026-06-23 — confirm current hours before you go.

Plan a visit & invite your people →

Proof: source 1 · source 2 · source 3 · source 4

last checked: 2026-06-23