Incredible staff. I was there for five hours. At least twenty people came and worked today, Thursday; many in the 20-something age range including men. The staff worked diligently to give us all the information we needed to successfully create our 'masterpieces.' Lots and lots of stencils, paints, brushes, sponges, pencils, masking tape, design suggestions, blow dryer. And they clean up the mess when you're done. Great experience. Thank you! A nanny brought in a one year old and a three year old. Unsupervised babies in the late afternoon not good for this place. Between the crying, the attempts to play with the ceramics, the frustration with painting and the paints, there may need to be age limits put on clients. Lots of third grader aged kids brought; perfect for them. Very good prices for all the artist supplies you get to use. Selection of ceramic items was OK; the Christmas rush had already started. read more

OMG! IT was GREATTT!!! The owner, Keith, was spectacular. Nice. Funny. And very helpful. It was Valentine's Day and I zoomed over with my fiance after I got off work. Keith even stayed an hour after closing time to help us finish our pieces. I HIGHLY reccommend this place. We'll definitely be back! Grab a partner and go! What's the worst that can happen.... You have an awesome time? 5 Stars. 5 STARS. FIVE STARS!!! read more

Went here with my boyfriend while we were visiting Chicago. You walk in and they just expect you to know what you're doing I guess, no one welcomes you and shows you around. The space is small and cramped, the customer service is shit. The owner is a judgmental dick, you have to listen to him nit picking your or someone next to you about their painting and what he thinks you should be doing. If it's not that you'll be listen to him and his staff mock previous customers or talk about their personal lives rather than interacting with customers and being helpful. Was uncomfortable the whole time we sat there painting. I'm glad we have our pieces as a memory from our trip but I probably would have picked another place or thing to do if I had known it was such an unfriendly place. read more

This place is alright; seeing as how it is one of three places to paint pottery in the city they really have a good set up for themselves. The staff is lackluster and distant. I've been here several times and it seems as though the staff is never having fun and they're fairly unapproachable. The tough part is that pottery itself is expensive; it's $10 for studio time and about $16 for an unpainted mug. When I come to the studio I feel like I should paint two things to make it worth my money. Then I end up spending like $50... that's too much for two pieces! read more

I've been here a couple of times and I'll admit, I did not think I would like it. But it really it a lot of fun. The only thing that just gets on my nerves every time I come are the people that work there. The man (and I'm sorry but I don't know names but he's the only man I've seen work there) has a very dry sense of humor. His associates are almost like him too. Their cup-of-tea is not for everyone. I'm usually really focused on what I'm painting but whenever I take my head out of what I'm doing and start listening to what they are saying to each other, well...the conversations are not ones you should have while paying customers are present. Last time my friends and I were there, the three girls were talking in the back about how they wish they didn't have any painters while about SIX PAINTERS WERE WITHIN HEARING DISTANCE!! It's a fun place, and not too expensive but like I said, if the staff wasn't so sarcastic, it'd be perfect. read more

Once again Groupon to the rescue! Why else would I try painting pottery unless it was half off? Glazed Expressions is cute but small. It's pretty narrow going through the tables and I know I bummed into more than a few people. But besides that, the staff was very friendly and even though everyone decided to cash in their Groupon that night, they were attentive and always around if you had a question. Lots of colors to chose from and the pottery itself was reasonably priced. I found something to paint for my living room and my friend found something for her mom for X-Mas. We had a good time and who would have thought this is actually relaxing! Note: It's BYOB, there is a studio fee in addition to your pottery piece and wait time to pick up pottery is around 7 days (which they don't call to remind you). Which reminds me I have some pottery to pick up! read more

I came here with a friend to try my hand at painting pottery for the first time. Street parking during the day seems to be accessible. Alas, the place is a little hard to find, as the only sign is their business name painted on the glass, so keep your eyes peeled. Upon entering, you will be greeted by friendly staff. You then get to choose what pieces you want to paint. There are pieces from mugs, cupcakes, turtles, holiday pieces (snowflakes, etc), vases, etc. There is definitely a vast selection. You then get to sit at a table where you have access to many brushes and paints. The staff is helpful at guiding you on how to process works. When you are finished, they clean up and you get to pick up your pieces in about a week. My only complaint about this place is that it's pretty expensive. My friend and I came here with a Groupon coupon, and we still ended up spending $55. I just can't imagine paying this much for a GOOD piece of pottery in a store...alas, I guess it's something you don't do too often. read more

Fun way to spend the afternoon! Fun fact: on the Saturday we went, adults out numbered kids two to one. We were able to walk in without a reservation and get started right away. The staff was super helpful and pieces turned out great. I get what the posters were saying about cost-- you'll easily spend $25, more if you get a bigger piece- but it's not so bad when you realize some of the cost went towards an afternoon of fun. We spent two or three hours there, so at the $8 service fee, it's similar to what you might spend to got to a movie or some museums. Then on top of that, you just pay for whatever you paint. Not too shabby. read more

I had my bachelorette party here a couple months ago and it was great! I love anything artsy or crafty so this place was perfect for me since I wasn't interested in staying out late. We were able to bring our own drinks and snacks while we painted our own pre made pottery pieces. Some of the pieces seemed kind of pricey but once I picked up everyone's finished pieces and they all looked so beautiful, it seemed worth it. It only took about a week for them to fire the pieces which was no problem to me. Then they called me when everything was ready and even had the pieces in a box for me to carry. No complaints about this place. The employees were all so pleasant and helpful! I definitely plan on returning to this place. read more

Glazed Expressions - Arts & Crafts Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Very cute shop. Friendly workers, clean, organized. We got there a few minutes after the store opened. I was happy with my choice as it was a wedding gift, however, my kids were a little halfhearted about the choices of pottery in the store. For the first hour my two very rowdy children actually sat still, painted their ceramics, and were QUIET!!! It was a very nicely kept shop, however, I didn't really understand why there wasn't a different tray or something for used brushes. Every so often the attendant would come around and clean up the space, but my kids used so many different colors, she could not quite keep up with our mess. Overall, a very nice shop, a tad on the expensive side, but what in Chicago isn't these days??? read more

BYOB which is cool. Fun time for a rainy day. You paint your piece and pick it up a week later or so. So don't expect to leave with it! The main guy there is REALLY MEAN!!!! He kept yelling at us for everything, "can't use that color on your mug!" "clean brushes only with that towel!" "bring your paint with you or you won't know the color!" Blah blah blah, we were just trying to have fun! Lots of kids, and adults alike there painting pieces! read more

It was a great activity! The staff was very helpful and kind. I already told my friend about it and we have plans to go next month!

Cute and fun. They make it super easy to do. One piece to paint is ~$25ish. So glad to have in the neighborhood!

Thank you male employee today for making me wait outside the few minutes before you open. You must not of realized it was only 18 degrees out. So, thank you for letting me watch you put your food in the refrigerator, play on your tablet, and then go on your computer. I even mouthed I'm picking up my daughter's artwork, but you rudely put up two fingers to communicate two minutes until you will let me in. I hope this rant made it worth your ignorance today. I'm sure the owner will disagree. The star is for my daughter's enjoyment but we will not be back again. read more

I used to love Glazed Expressions and I went and the guy named Keith was soo rude and he commented on our every move he should read this but I can't make him but he is the worst all the rest of them are very nice read more

Glazed Expressions - Arts & Crafts Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

While I didn't have the worst time of my life, I've been to quite a few pottery painting places and I believe this one to be the worst and the only reason I'm going back is to pick up my piece in a week. First, they kept telling me that using pencil on my piece would leave marks. I've been painting for years and not once has pencil ever left a mark on a piece. It always fires off. They have a horrible system with their paints - whatever paint you use, you are encourage to not just get the amount of paint you need, but to take it back to your table. Now, let's say someone else comes along and needs that paint as well. Well, then you have the enjoyment of either waiting till that person is done and returns it back to the rack or you can hunt around the tables for it. Which I prefer not to do because I find it somewhat invasive. Considering it was busy the day I went, people were constantly hunting around other people's table for paint - a big waste of time imo. Also, they don't even put water at the table so you can clean your brush off and reuse it. When I asked the employee why, she replied with if you leave the brushes in the water it ruins them and they want you to use a brush for EVERY color you paint with. I find this just silly. Why would people be soaking the brushes in water when they're there to paint? Now students and teachers get a discount - a 15% discount. I had my ID and showed her, but because she couldn't figure out how to put it in the computer - nevermind she had a CALCULATOR next to her - I just didn't get a discount. Really? Because you can't do math I don't get a discount? I had even heard her give someone else the discount when earlier someone was checking out. I know there are better places because I've been to them. read more

I come to glazed expressions very often and have never EVER had an issue. I think a lot of the negative comments are due to someone's own faults. I come here at least once a week and am very familiar with all of the rules and charges. On the receipt it even says they aren't responsible for pottery left past 30 days, AND I've seen them call people weeks before they toss anything. It's not a huge studio so what can you expect, them to hold your pottery for a year because you don't feel like picking it up? Also, the fees make sense because the workers go above and beyond to make you feel comfortable and help your experience. It's very dissappointing for me to see the negative reviews because these people work very hard and have the 2 hour before close rule so they don't have to rush you out halfway through your project. My pieces always turn out great and I will continue coming every week for a long time. It's not only relaxing but you bring home a hand painted piece that can last years. So to me the cost does make sense. I love glazed expressions and think it's very sad those people say such insane things about a great experience and business. read more

Extremely rude and felt really unwelcome the whole time we were there. I made an appointment to paint with a friend around Christmas time for 5pm - she told me that was the latest that they accept painters. We arrived at 5:01 and they told us that we were late for our appointment and couldn't paint. After spending a few minutes asking nicely they let us stay and then told us how "lucky" we are that the manager let us stay. We felt rushed and pretty unwelcome the whole time we were there - the place was empty, btw. We were the only ones there. Also, since it's byob, we brought a bottle of wine. When I went to ask them for some cups for our wine, she informed me that they don't even provide that and that there is a 7/11 around the corner. The other girl chimed in that we could drink out of the bottle if we wanted and they wouldn't judge us...how nice of them. Last time I checked, BYOB meant bring your own beer, not CUPS. They should probably add that to the sign. Will not be returning. read more

This is the first (and only) pottery painting place I've been to in Chicago. The selection of pieces to paint wasn't quite as extensive as I would have liked but I found something similar to what I was hoping for. They have a good selection of glaze colors, including some in pen form. All of the staff members I came in contact with were really cool and while I was painting, the girl who was working was playing the best music! I went during the day on a Thursday so it was pretty quiet but as I was leaving (at about 5) a birthday party of 25 6-year girls came in. They were very entertaining but also very loud so depending on what type of environment you need to create, plan accordingly. I ended up with a great personalized wedding gift that was not expensive and was ready in a week. It's also convenientley close to the Brown line. I will definitely go back! read more

This place is ridiculous. Beware! We wanted to go here on a rainy Saturday with three people. We called three times prior to heading out in the rain to make sure they were open and were accommodating walk-in customers. When we arrived, it was 6:30pm, nowhere near the 9pm closing time on a Saturday night, and were told "thanks but no thanks".... They had enough walk-in customers for the day (despite empty tables) and that we should've made a reservation. When we clarified that despite calling three times, no one had even given the suggestion to make a reservation, we were again reminded that they were filled with walk-in customers (again despite empty tables) and goodbye. The hours for this business are incorrect and their personnel are rude beyond belief. I would strongly caution against going to this business!! read more

This is a fun place if you're looking for a little something different at your next party. It's a little small, and completely overrun with kids but you can reserve a table if you're with a group. You pick out a piece of pottery to paint and then unleash your inner arteest. There were lots of different objects-animals, jewelery boxes, christmas ornaments, bowls, etc. The paint dries really fast and you must leave your piece there for a week so they can fire it in the kiln (whatever that means). The staff was friendly, although the older man working there clearly thought himself an artist/comedian. It definitely wasn't cheap- it costs around $25 if you get an average sized piece but its a nice small business to support and there's something really calming about painting your own pottery. The best part is that you get to take home a unique piece of art that you created yourself. read more

Several girlfriends and I went here on a Sunday morning after brunch. We got the groupon so we all had mugs. One lady there came by and taught us how to do ombre, since two of us were interested in that. My mug came out looking very nice. Note, they don't remind you to pick up your items a week later, so use that fancy smart phone you've got to set a reminder. The painting itself was fun, and at early Sunday afternoon, the place was busy but not packed. read more

Love this place. I found it years ago through friends and always had a great time picking and creating my masterpieces. They have a ton of pottery to choose from. You just pick your art, the colors, and paint away! They are ready after about a week from your design date. It's a great place for a girl's night out, or for unique gift giving. I especially love making the coffee mugs and seeing what the colors turn out like after fired through the kiln. read more

The woman helping us was great and they have a nice selection of colors. I gave it two stars because the guy there is cranky and yelled at me and my daughter. I also was annoyed that I was charged a $6 fee for a 1.5yo who sat and painted for like two min. When I called before and told them their ages, they said they'd only charge for one kid since it was one piece, and the second child was young. Would rather spend my money and time elsewhere. read more

Came here last week with a friend to use our groupons. While we had fun letting our creative outlets out, the staff's extremely rude attitude made it hard to walk out of their feeling good about ourselves. For some reason they decided to keep changing the rules on how we could use our groupons and we both wound up loosing the money we had paid for the groupon - unheard of! Beware that there is a "childrens" and "adult" studio fee just to sit down there - if moneys not an issue than you should be fine - otherwise, this might now be the best way to spend an afternoon. read more

I've been going to this location for years (used to be called Kapot Kupot or maybe Kupot Kapot, I can never remember). They changed their pricing system a couple years ago so it's a lot more affordable. You just pay for the piece of pottery, you paint the piece and then they have it fired and glazed. Pieces started at $3 (if you can find anything for that price) and go up from there. It's only $8 for studio time (used to be by the hour) and you can use as many paints and stencils and stamps and anything else at your disposal. Then one week later, your piece is ready to be picked up. Fun to do alone or with a group. You can bring in drinks and food and they also take reservations and plan parties. (www.myglazedexpressions.com) read more

Did a double date. They told us to come back in 7 days. We came 30 minutes late, our item was 10 feet away and they told us to come back the next day. What kind of mentality do you have to have to not give us something we painted and paid for. read more

I've been here one time. My first impression was definitely good. Painting pottery is a very relaxing thing to do. The staff was friendly and helpful. There are a variety of paints and tools to choose from. My only complaint is that the pottery itself was too expensive. I took someone there. We chose to paint a cookie jar and a large mug. This event cost us $55. Of course we get to keep our pottery, but I can't imagine paying $16 for mug that has not been painted or glazed yet at a regular store. read more

Super disappointed in the service at this establishment. My girlfriend and I bought a Groupon that was valid through Monday, February 24th. Previously we had tried to schedule an appointment 2 times and they were too busy for us to come in (which I understand) but the only date left that we could both make after the times we tried was Monday, February 24th. When my girlfriend walked into Glazed Expressions, she told the woman working that she had the Groupon and the women was extremely rude to her and said "We don't have any reservation times this afternoon, you should of checked our Facebook page since our website was down." We had checked the Groupon and the Glazed Expression website but their website was down like she said (which is not our fault at all) and the Groupon did not mention the time restrictions whatsoever regarding the time frame we were trying to come in at. Also, the Groupon did not even state Glazed Expressions Facebook page so we had no idea how we would even know to look for it. My girlfriend was extremely respectful to their women and tried to work with her asking if she could come back at a later time and still honor the Groupon, etc... and the women says to her "You've had 90 days to use this Groupon, so no." Which is ridiculous because we couldn't even use it during the last day which it was supposed to be valid. During this whole time, there was literally no customers in the store, which also was confusing for us because we would have been finished with painting the pieces before the store even closed and clearly we were not interfering in anything else that was going on in the store. Like I said before, we felt extremely disrespected and there was no excuse for this ladies behavior. Plus as the other people have stated before, the prices are extremely high without a groupon or living social deal, but now that we know that our times are not honored and that they treat their customers so badly, it isn't worth anyone's time to come here. We will never ever come back again and be sure to spread the word to our friends and family. read more

I brought my 4 daughters here for a pre-holiday gathering. Called in advance for a reservation. Table was ready for us when we arrived. A timid young lady told us where to sit, gave us a 3-minute overview of pricing and where to get the paints .... and .... and that's it. The attendant had no ideas when we asked her questions or requested suggestions. That's it. We were on our own. I'll see next week what our final products turned out like. Wish someone who had a clue to how to paint was available to give us some support and answer questions. read more

Came with a girlfriend on a Saturday afternoon for art and girl talk. We had so much fun! Great selection of pottery items and glaze colors. The people working were super helpful and they had lots of examples around for inspiration. The space is a little cramped which isn't super comfortable but oh well. I definitely recommend making reservations especially if you plan to go on a weekend. The place was totally packed. Also allot yourself at least 2 hours. It takes forever just to decide what project you want to work on let alone to do the painting. read more

This place was incredible! I planned for a group of 6 married couples to come and have a date night. Glazed Expressions was super accommodating! They have reservations that you can make. I only called 2 days before to make the reservation and they were so accommodating and nice to us. This was everyone's first time coming to paint pottery and they were patient with our questions. They explained everything thoroughly to us. We had such an incredible time. Since we live closest to the city, we can pick up everyone's items in 1 week. It was just such a wonderful experience for all the couples. The music was great. You can also bring your own alcohol or drinks. So that was also a great added benefit. Also, you don't have to make the pottery, you just show up and paint. There are no aprons, so if you're messy, make sure you wear something you can get paint on. This may not be good for people coming out of town, because you have to wait a week to get your items. This was such a fun date night idea and they are great for groups. So grab your girlfriends, another couple, or come alone and there is no doubt that you will have a peaceful and wonderful time. read more

I went here with two friends for some Sunday Funday. I was worried at first because there was a little kid's birthday party that was very loud and chaotic, but luckily they were just wrapping up. We were seated at table and we picked our pottery. One of the girls working explained how everything worked and was very friendly. This place is BYOB and BYO cups. Painting pottery with mimosas is so much fun! The pottery is reasonably priced and the sitting fee is only $8. It is very relaxed here and you can stay around as long as you want. The pottery you paint is fired up and you can pick it up the next week. To be honest, I loved the plate I painted, but I didn't love it after it was fired up. Oh well! read more

Fun place to have an all-girls party, or if you have children who are artistic (but good with fragile things), or if you have a guy that likes to decorate and paint or just do something different . My office goes each year to have a small office party and just paint the fun little things they have(one of our male staff came back the next day to finish his piece and loves the place). The prices on the pieces are a bit high, but some of it is still very reasonable, and the price per hour is great ($8). You should definitely reserve a spot if you have more than 6 people and you can order food and bring your own drinks. We had a lot of fun here, and I recommend you try it out. read more

Went into this place yesterday, it was our first time ever doing something like this. It was a bit pricey, but it was fun and I would definitely like to go in on their BYOB night! read more

I love going to this place--it allows me to flex my (limited) creative abilities while bringing me back to fond memories of childhood pottery painting parties! The owner, Keith, is helpful and funny, and always takes time to show me a new painting technique or give me advice on brushes and colors. We like to get there early so we can have plenty of time to chill, paint, and perfect our art. The studio is cozy and inviting, and BYOB which is great. There are tons of pottery pieces to choose from beyond standard kitchenware, including seasonal items and cool knickknacks great for kids or offices. Just make sure to leave enough time to paint (coming before close would be dumb) and pick your stuff up within a month. I love everything I've made so far and I can't wait to go back! There's a giant ceramic cow skull I've been dying to go for! read more

Such a fun place for a date or a get together with friends. I always have such a blast when I'm here. Please keep in mind that it's probably going to take you 2-3 hours to finish your piece because they have so many different pieces and colors there. One thing that isn't so great about this place is that it can fill up fast (especially on the weekends) and you'll have to come back a different time. I would definitely call ahead to see if they have available seating. Also, beware the loads of children on the weekends. BUT YAY TO BYOB! read more

My boyfriend's niece came to the "big city" this past weekend to hang out with us. We decided Glazed Expressions would be a fun activity for her. I called around 2:30 on Saturday and was told they were super busy, but if I gave them an hour's notice, they could work us in. I said I'd like to do that, but they said they couldn't have us come in until 6:00. They took my name, and we thought we were set. 2:30-6:00 is a long time for a 6-year-old, but we were able to play some games and watch a movie in the interim. We showed up at 6:00, and the staff there acted like we weren't welcome and had obviously not bothered to take my name at all. (A couple people came in a few minutes after us with the same story.) The staff told us we should return the next day, but the whole point was letting the little girl have some fun on her visit. They finally said we could squeeze in (only the little one was going to paint anything anyway) but that we'd have to leave by 7:00 because a large party was coming in at that time. Once they did allow us to paint, they were super helpful and attentive and explained the process well. Overall, it was fun helping the niece paint, and the array of pottery to choose from was well-priced and diverse. However, the customer service was terrible. I worried that the niece would hear what they were saying and feel unwelcome, too, but she seemed to enjoy herself. And she's super excited to get her Mother's Day present she made! My recommendation would be to make sure to call way ahead, and don't go on a weekend unless you are a large party. I could see this being a really fun time if you are the "right" kind of party. read more

Great experience for adults and kids. Super nice and friendly staff. Not that expensive at all, but it does depend on the size of the ceramic piece you pick to paint. I highly recommend Glazed Expressions! read more

I've been to this location twice now with different groups of friends and each time has been really fun! They have so many things to choose from and with all the paint options they have, you really can create something beautiful in 2-3 hours. What's great is that they do all the cleaning up once you're done. Last time I was there I must have used at least 15 different paint brushes so I totally appreciate them taking care of the clean up. Also, the staff is really funny, they play great music, and interact really well with all the customers, including the little kids. read more