A unique store with an exceptional owner (Rob Beers) in the heart of Valley Junction's 5th Street…read more It was such a fun first visit! I'm a techy person, but I love great writing utensils, and I enjoyed exploring Beers' shop because he is the owner and one of the Midwest's last pen makers. He told me of the store's history and showed me some available (and very cool) items. If I hadn't just been getting over pneumonia, I would have bought some items, but I was running out of energy when I arrived at Quill and Nib. Cool calligraphy, fountain pens, notebooks, and writing paper are in the store, but it is the service that cannot be matched locally. I'm coming back.

the guy is really kind and amazing to purchase from and he has top quality pens. So good that I'm…read moregoing to give it to my girlfriend for Christmas.

Really had a great girls day here! Pricing is reasonable, staff is friendly & helpful. They have a…read morehuge stock of available pottery for painting. From what we were told they get regular shipments allowing for a diverse range of projects to choose from! I can't wait to see my finished piece. They also ship, if you're worried about how you'll get your project after completion.

Beautiful space - like a dream version of your elementary art classroom…read more Dina and her team are so fun and welcoming, and there to help you every step of the way and have everything you need to get "fired up!" We joined a fun school event here and the families had a blast! This is a great place for families - especially for holiday entertainment experiences, birthdays or just for fun!

I'm so glad we stopped by to visit this fantastic business in the East Village!…read more There is an excellent selection of greeting cards, writing tools, notebooks, potential gifts, and stationery with good pricing in a terrific setting. The store feels good. We met Karen, a warm staffer with excellent customer service who knew the store well. I'm looking forward to my next visit!

Favorite Stationary Studio!! For so many reasons it's not…read morefunny!! I get so many compliments on the nature of the cards I buy there, that my family and friends say they love!!

Combining a wickedly good sense of humor and a unique inventory, Tandem Brick Gallery is a great…read moreframing shop but a whole lot more! Their buyer, Kathy, does an amazing job scattering brilliance throughout the store, and their decor is vibrant. I love their cards and coasters, and their lighting is so wonderful. Josh rocks, and his customer service is exemplary. They also have terrific writing components and notebooks. I like their pricing! Street parking only. Ingersoll Avenue is such a great visit, and Tandem is one of the must-stops.

I needed to have a large photo that would hang over our bed framed and asked for recommendations…read moreand Tandem Brick was mentioned without hesitation. Josh took all the time we needed to pick out the best mats and frames. It looks fantastic! I went back a second time to have another print framed but when I went to pick it up, was dismayed to see that it didn't come out as I had envisioned. Without hesitation, Josh listened to what I was unhappy about, we picked out new materials, and when I picked it up the second time, it was exactly as I had envisioned, no extra charge. While there, I also picked up a few unique gifts. Only complaint is parking can be challenging but this will be my go-to place for anything I need framed.

Just went to the closing sale and got my kids their Halloween costumes. My oldest went to try hers…read moreon when we got home, and realized there are main pieces missing. I called the store to let them know and they were rude. All they kept saying was, "no returns or exchanges" and "these costumes are sent in from other stores, so pieces may be missing." Nowhere in the store or on the costumes does it state that they may be incomplete. They had no desire to help me and now I have a sad 8yr old who doesn't understand why she doesn't have a full costume. It's a good thing they are closing because the customer service is horrible. I won't be going to any party city again because I also called corporate customer service, and they said, "why wouldn't you open the package to make sure everything was there?" WHAT? I didn't know that was my job as a customer. I guess that's what I get for being trusting.

Came here for my sons first birthday when it was early and first opened they had a good selection…read morefor different things for a little baby's birthday but a lot of it was overpriced and didn't have as much as the other stores employees didn't seem happy to be there or didn't greet us no big deal but I give my overall experience a decent review good place if you want stuff for a child's party

The Red Door press maintains a shop at the Mainframe Studios (#120) and also sells their wares at…read morelocal markets. They specialize in hand-printed cards, broadsides, social stationery, gig and event posters, corporate branding, and learning workshops. Adam and Tammy are usually not around with I show up at Mainframe, but I have been lucky enough to visit their shop, purchase online, and make a nice postcard special order (see Pictures). I have been thoroughly satisfied with the quality and pricing of their work.

They don't make poster like they used too, or do they? I think they do! I always loved seeing those…read moreold Johny Cash and Elvis Letter press posters every time I went to Nashville! Now I can get that same beautiful vibe, right here in Des Moines from the Red Door Press! I was first introduced to their posters at Domestica here in Des Moines! Then I say them doing live examples of their work at a party, and dang I was impressed! And I grew up in a family with a printing company! I'm glad too see this form of art is carrying on. It's so unique and fun! And their designs are amazing!

This is one of my favorite store in Iowa - they have all kinds of great gifts and novelties ! The…read moreowner is so nice - this is a family business and they are so kind ! Be sure to visit the dog before you leave

what an adorable store. so many fun treasures. you can find a gift there for anyone. staff was…read moregreat. I enjoyed browsing and purchased more than I needed.

The Olson-Larson Gallerie is a beautiful art gallery in the Historic Valley Junction area. I love…read morethat they have a rotating works of art that both push the boundaries and also just look beautiful! This past time they had both screen printed collages and wonderful Acrylic paintings by artist featured in other places like the Smithsonian. So it's high quality stuff. The one bummer thing about this gallery is sometimes it's in shambles for instance this last time I had to make a joke about this plastic that was just sitting on the floor in the main gallery.. I was like is that a New Contemporary sculpture or did somebody just forget to take out the garbage! Either way the staff is super nice and the pieces speak for themselves!

From the owner: We are a contemporary art gallery and custom frame shop representing the finest artists in the…read moreMidwest. Visit us for a unique art experience.