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 story
Glazed Expressions has been quietly running its DIY drop-in operation out of Clive since 1999—expanding to a second outpost in Ankeny in late 2019—without relying on the high-strung, overly polished aesthetic of modern craft chains. What makes the place distinct isn't just the shelves of plain bisque pottery waiting for glaze, but the deliberate decision to put raw ceramics and custom fragrance-blending stations under the exact same roof.
That hybrid setup lets you split a table between two completely different crafts. One person can sit slathering glaze onto a mug while the other measures out scent oils to blend a custom fragrance bottle or pour a candle. It's an unpretentious, family-owned setup where you can drop in on a whim or sign up for occasional adult evening events to glaze ceramics with a drink in hand before sending your work off to the studio kilns.
What it's like
You walk in, snag an open table, and head straight to the shelves to pick your unpainted ceramic piece or step up to the fragrance-blending bar. There's an adult studio fee of around $8 per person tacked onto the cost of whatever item you choose. Weekend afternoons skew heavy on family groups, so aim for a quiet weeknight if you want the table space to spread out paint trays and scent bottles without dodging crowds. Remember the golden rule of studio pottery: custom fragrances leave with you the same day, but your glazed ceramic piece has to stay behind for a few days to go through the kiln.
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.
Pair it with
- JJ Gaffers Glass Blowing Studio — Pair a quiet ceramic glazing session with a visit to this Mainframe Studios hot shop to watch raw glass artwork in progress.
- Ken's - a not so secret speakeasy — Follow up an afternoon of paint and scent-blending by slipping into this unmarked basement bar beneath the Iowa Taproom.
- The Dust Collective — Match your DIY craft day with a trip to browse vintage goods and offbeat art at this artist-run East Village clubhouse.
- Up-Down Des Moines — Round out a low-pressure date or solo afternoon of painting with vintage arcade games and Skee-Ball in the East Village.
Good to know
Do I need a reservation to visit Glazed Expressions?
No, walk-ins are welcome for pottery painting and fragrance blending during regular hours, though tables fill up quickly on weekend afternoons.
How does pricing work?
You pay a base studio/seating fee (around $8 per adult) that covers your paint, clear glazing, kiln firing, and studio time, plus the individual cost of the ceramic piece or fragrance project you select.
Can I take my painted pottery home right away?
No. Ceramics remain at the studio to be dipped in clear glaze and fired in the kilns, which takes a few days. Custom fragrance blends and candles can be taken home the same day.
Where are the studio locations?
The original flagship studio is located in Clive, and their second location opened in Ankeny in December 2019.
Plan a visit & invite your people →
Further reading: Official site · Yelp · dsm4kids.com · Facebook · Reddit
last checked: 2026-06-23