I'm going through a "let's try all the new things!" phase this year and one of the things I did was…read moresign up for a pottery class at Cream City Clay. It was intimidating walking in and seeing all the gorgeous works but everyone there was incredibly welcoming and that extended into the Hand Building I class that I took. The instructor, Lila, was engaging, exciting, and incredibly knowledgeable (and she brought in fresh bread one week!). The class was a touch more free-range and self-directed than I expected but in the end I think that was really for the best - it pushed me to dive into my own creativity (what little there is) and in the end I will be walking away with a handful of fun pieces. I absolutely intend to come back for more classes and potentially signing up for a membership. Highly, highly recommend stopping by - check out the wares, support local, and maybe even sign up for your own class!

We were looking for a fun activity to do for a date night.We happened upon Cream City Clay during a…read moresoup walk several weeks earlier and thought, why not? It's a very bright and inviting space.We signed up for a Friday night throwing class.Suffice it to say,neither of us is what I would say is artistic,that didn't stop us from having a fun date night across from each other,trying to produce something remotely resembling a pot/bowl.Unfortunately we fell a little short,lol.We still had a fun time nonetheless and so if you're looking for something new and fun,this might be up your alley.

I visited with some friends to make a glue-up cribbage board. Several other types of crafts were…read morehappening at the same time, which was cool but it took away from what I think could be a more organized experience, as staff were pulled in multiple different directions. Example: We had to find staff to ask questions or move on to the next step rather than being supervised/guided along the way. Perhaps more staggered starting times would allow each person or group to receive more focused attention. Overall, we had a fun time and it did feel fairly hands on. I think the quality of wood could be better, though.

My family and I did a workshop at Fisk. For the price, I expected quality. But, we are thoroughly…read moredisappointed. First, it was over crowded. They were so busy that it felt like our group was an afterthought. We received basic instructions and then we were left on our own until we flagged someone down to tell them we were finished. Half of the epoxy cured in the cup so it was wasted. They didn't warn us this could happen. Instead of giving us more, they said they would fix it. Then, the our finished projects were atrocious! The hardware quality on the river boards was subpar. They used screws with little grooves making it questionably food safe. The wood was cracked on one of them. The coasters were uneven and incredibly thick making them unusable as coasters. The lazy Susan looked unfinished. The epoxy wasn't trimmed around the edges and the hardware is visible under the epoxy. So, we asked them to fix it and they kindly agreed. We received a refund for 2 of the coasters. Then, it took well over a month to receive the fixed products during which we had to follow up a few times. The final products are better-ish, but they are full of visible brush strokes of clear epoxy (apparently this is the solution to epoxy that cured before we could use it). All in all, we had a lot of fun together but the service is subpar and the products are not what I would expect for the price. I will not be back nor would I recommend Fisk as the destination for this experience.

My friend and I went to this newer crafting studio located near downtown Waukesha tonight. They…read moreoffer wine, hard ciders, hard seltzer's, soda, and I believe beer (I'm not a beer drinker so I didn't pay attention to that). They also have light snacks and sandwiches. The space is bright and open with many different project options. Generally, it is recommended that you go to their website and pick a project at least 24 hours in advance so they can prepare the materials and stencils (if needed). The projects are very reasonably priced compared to other similar places and they are more than willing to customize projects based on pictures you send them! We arrived and got a bin with our wood boards and other supplies. We started by sanding the boards and putting them together and staining/painting them. The owners are very friendly and helpful through the whole process. They have many stain, paint, and glitter options to really customize your project! We had a blast and found it to be very relaxing! The owners also won't let you help clean up -- a plus when you just want a break haha. I can't wait to go back! I should also note that they do many different projects such as string art, dirty cup paintings (which look awesome), clocks, and even candle holders. They accommodate groups for birthday parties and bachelorette parties as well! Overall, if you are looking to do some crafting I'd say check out Artsy Bliss!

Super fun projects that can be customized and super sweet owners! Pinterest ideas come to life in…read morethis space! Very reasonable prices as well.

We did this paint nite because my husband really wanted to do it...so I begrudgingly went (I didn't…read morewant to be out late on a work night). Boy am I glad I did go. We had Vanessa as our instructor and she was great. She explained everything well. She was willing to help if needed. Don't worry if you think you can't paint. They give you step by step instructions on how to paint the picture. Even if yours doesn't look like what is on display, at least you put your own flair on it! We painted the Eiffel Tower and my husband & I certainly tried our best. Our painting didn't exactly look like the example but we certain had fun painting it. Who knew I bit of artistic talent....but don't bet on me to be the next Picasso. We will definitely be doing this again. We may bring more people with us next time!

Paint Nite. I was told about you by a fellow employee at a company…read more That company shall remain nameless because I say so. But back to Paint Nite. It was a very colorful experience. I have always wanted to paint a picture. Now I have. How about that. So, the instructor/host was very helpful. She was able to get me, a no talent hack, to paint a fantastic Louvre worthy painting. It was so good, in fact, that I went into work the next day and quit my job. I informed HR that my artistic talents were being wasted in a dump like this. Thank you Vanessa for bringing out my inner Van Gogh. I will be going to more Paint Nites to hone my craft.

I had my 4 year old daughter's birthday party here. Karen did a fabulous job working with the kids…read more She kept them on task and their projects were adorable. She helped out with the food and cleanup after. The price was reasonable. We will definitely be back again!

This place was a safe space for someone close to me for over a year. When she initially arrived at…read morethis studio, she was eager to take classes and learn the art of pottery but was quickly told that classes weren't necessary for her, so she carried on, asking questions along the way to those around her willing to help. Just recently, a woman by the name of Sue approached her out of the blue and told her that she needed to pick up all of her things and leave and take classes if she wanted to come back. She was then left scavaging for all of her pieces and tools in front of all of the other artists in the studio at the time, leaving my friend mortified. She was later informed that she asked too many questions and so prompted Sue to kick her out. Because that clearly makes sense. In no situation is that kind of embarrassment ever acceptable and if this is the kind of practice that you guys are running, I want zero part of it. I hope you take a moment to reprioritize the humans who give you the money to keep your business running because if you carry on in this manner, that energy will come right back at you. Have a nice day :)

Returned for another session to paint, then a few weeks later to pick up the finished pieces (after…read morethey were fired). The final product is really solid and something I'm very happy with. The colors turned out quite a bit different than I'd hoped, but now I'm motivated to return to try again so I can better perfect my vision! It was extremely therapeutic doing this and Suzanne is a fantastic teacher. She's very patient and knowledgeable. I would definitely recommend this experience to anyone!

We wanted to do something different for our work team outing and we landed on going to Hot Shop…read moreGlass! We had an appoint for 6 PM and 4 people total. It was hot and humid this day so the shop was pretty hot but that is what was expected. The owner and the other glass maker were running the workshop. The did a great job of explaining the entire process, the equipment , and more ipmortantntly safety. It was easy to follow but rest assured, they will remind you about everything they reviewed. As we sat at the table, their were exampples of the products we can make. 3 od 4 selected a paper weight and 1 wanted to make a gazing ball. The forst thing we did as a group was pick colors that goes into the glass. Then we went one by one and and the glass makers were very thorough on the the process and helped along the way. There were times, we just handled the process. Hewas very good on safety and keeping an eye on us. The glass get as hot as lava. After you are done, they put in in an area to set. You will need to pick it uo next day. The overall price iwas high but s what I expected to pay. It was really about team bonding and not getting burned - lol. Kidding asise, I'd do it again and if you wanted to try, I recommend going here!

Such a fun and unique birthday experience! I took a class here with my friend Tina and we got to…read moremake our own glass bowls--so cool to see the process up close. The instructors were super helpful and made it easy for beginners while we were still feeling hands-on. A great way to celebrate and we left with something we actually made! So fun!

For my birthday, I was gifted a ONE TIME WHEEL THROWN POTTERY CLASS at Murray Hill. I have to say I…read morewas a bit nervous at the start. The unknown definitely had my mind racing. Luckily, the instructors at Murray Hill are friendly and patient, which made the experience truly enjoyable. The actual process of throwing clay and forming is tricky and personally speaking, is going to take me more than one time to feel comfortable, but thanks toEmily and Meghan I'm not afraid to try. Only disappointment is that you have to pick from a small number of glazes. The colors and effects didn't thrill me all that much. An option would be to open up the full allotment of glazes with a small fee, providing the patrons to express their individuality.

Tucked down a side alley but easily found by the large mural, Murray Hill Pottery Works is a great…read moreplace to try your hand at wheel throwing. Having never done anything like this before but always wanted to try, I didn't know what to expect, this ended up being more challenging than I had anticipated. Classes are offered regularly and are a great value, given the everything you get to experience! We were cheerfully greeted and walked back to the wheel throwing area, where everything was explained to us to help us understand how the evening would go. Once class started and instructions were being provided, I was slightly overwhelmed at the many steps involved in creating something so simple, with our instructors hands making it look so easy. Luckily, we had plenty of time, plenty of material to work with and two instructors to give us tips and support throughout the night. Once the pieces were formed, we walked over to another table and chose the glaze from the choices available. For those who were more skilled at the wheel throwing and managed to make more than the two pieces included in the price of the class, they could purchase the additional pieces for $5, which I thought was incredibly reasonable! Pickup of our pieces will be in 4-6 weeks and I'm looking forward to seeing how they turn out. There is also the option to buy pieces created by the staff from their storefront, especially if you like other glazes /designs that you weren't able to choose from for your own pieces. The evening was a lot of fun and I'd love to come back here to try my hand at a few more pieces!