Entry No. 53 — the Des Moines file — filed under: hands-on

JJ Gaffers Glass Blowing Studio

A working hot shop tucked into the lower level of Mainframe Studios, the country's largest nonprofit arts campus. Prices are charged per piece rather than per person (roughly $50-$400 depending on color choice and complexity), with more than thirty project options from ornaments and hearts to bowls, vases, and small sculptures. You book by emailing your dates, your piece, and your color preferences, then work the molten glass hands-on under a gaffer's guidance. Open Wednesday through Sunday, with a 25 percent surcharge on weekend sessions.

The move: Email ahead to reserve a slot, then take turns gathering and shaping molten glass off the punty to blow a single heart or ornament you both finish together.

📍 Before you go Classes are by appointment via [email protected]; you must purchase the class certificate for the piece being made, and weekend slots cost 25% more.

• 📍 Downtown / River Bend (Mainframe Studios)
• 💸 $$
• ⚡ Up for anything
• 🌗 Indoors

Where: 900 Keosauqua Way, Suite LL02, Des Moines, IA 50309

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

⚠ Seasonal or scheduled — always check before you go.

Plan a visit & invite your people →

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

last checked: 2026-06-23