Entry No. 27 — the Minneapolis file — filed under: perfume-making
Craftopia DIY Studio
This cozy, walk-in DIY craft studio allows visitors to create unique handmade projects at their own pace using step-by-step video guides. It's a low-pressure creative space complete with a friendly resident shop cat named Carmel.
The story
Stepping off East Franklin Avenue into Craftopia DIY Studio, you won't find a peppy instructor standing at a whiteboard demanding everyone keep pace. Instead, this South Minneapolis spot operates on a self-guided wavelength: you choose your project, take a seat at a quiet workstation, and run through clear, step-by-step video guides at your own speed.
The studio centers on tactile, chemistry-adjacent projects—primarily custom perfume blending, candle making, and soap crafting. The signature experience is the 90-minute DIY Perfume session, where you work with pipettes and fragrance vials to map out top, middle, and base notes, eventually bottling a custom 50ml scent that gets packaged into an elegant gift box before you head out the door.
You didn't hear it from us, but the real floor manager isn't behind the counter—it's Carmel, the resident shop cat who casually inspects workstations and naps near project supplies. Between the unhurried digital instructions and the feline supervision, it functions as a remarkably low-pressure creative retreat right off a noisy urban corridor.
What it's like
Expect a quiet, self-contained setup as soon as you walk in. You'll grab a seat, cue up the video tutorial for your chosen build, and start measuring oils or pouring waxes without anyone hovering over your shoulder. Carmel the cat will likely make an appearance at your table, so check your chair before sitting back. While walk-ins are part of the setup, weekend spots fill up, so securing a designated perfume or candle session online keeps your bench prepped.
The move: Book a 'DIY Perfume' session to spend an hour and a half sniffing and blending your own custom 50ml fragrance bottle, which comes beautifully packaged in an elegant gift box.
- 📍 South Minneapolis
- 💸 $$
- ⚡ Up for anything
- 🌗 Indoors
Where: 8 East Franklin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55404
Hours: Added 2026-07-21 — confirm current hours before you go.
Pair it with
- Odd Mart — Pair your hands-on scent mixing on Franklin with a quick stroll over to Odd Mart for local zines and underground art.
- Little Tijuana — Head half a mile west into Whittier after your crafting session for late-night cocktails under the neon on Eat Street.
- Isles Studio — Balance your freshly poured candles and custom perfume with a trip to Isles Studio to browse taxidermy and natural curiosities.
Good to know
How do the craft sessions work if there isn't an instructor?
Each station relies on step-by-step video tutorials that guide you through measuring, mixing, and finishing your project so you can go as fast or slow as you like.
What projects are available to make?
Craftopia focuses on hands-on crafting projects including custom 50ml perfume blending, scented candle making, and handmade soap crafting.
Is Carmel guaranteed to be there when I visit?
Carmel is the resident studio cat and routinely hangs out around the craft tables during studio hours, though nap locations vary.
When is Craftopia open?
regular public studio hours run Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM, though it's best to confirm current hours online before heading out.
Plan a visit & invite your people →
Further reading: Official site
last checked: 2026-07-21