Handmade, handcrafted, amazing items…read more I was introduced too this lovely store through a yelp party. This is a new location for this store. The owner has expanded and this location holds all types of wonderful items from artists from across the country. The selection is not overwhelming but gives you plenty to look through. I will probably be back for Lego earrings or hope someone I know sees this and knows that I like them. Wink wink. I really love the IOWA love this owner has as do the many artists displayed there. I really fell for the prints that were being displayed and some of the IOWA jewelry up to purchase. Lots of unique gifts for someone who has everything. Right in the new building by RayGuns new location, this store is a beautiful addition to our Des Moines east side.

This place has a nice charm! Accessories were nicely arranged. I like the way they had arranged…read moredifferent kinds of stuff on the tables on the walls and so on. The owners were super friendly. I talked with them about their passion & how did they came up with such different business idea. Everything in the store was unique & would depict hardwrork. The selection of goods would make you happy. Overall nice cozy place. you fill find something for yourself or your loved one of any age.

This place is really cool! I found Five Monkeys through Yelp after searching art boutiques. I'm…read morefrom out of town and have been working in Des Moines for the last few months. I have started collecting local paintings from the places I visit and was desperate to find a piece from Iowa. Five Monkeys did not disappoint! This place is adjoined to a music store that sells vinyl records. Five Monkeys features clothing, paintings, jewelry, pottery, and other local trinkets. A lot of the jewelry is very unique and different. Many of the pieces from the various designers looked like one-of-a-kind items. I opted for a pair of glass earrings and a painting called "The Little One", which I could be wrong, but may have been painted by the owner of the boutique. She was very helpful and friendly. The painting was just what I was looking for! In the back of the store, there is a paint-your-own-ceramics studio, where people can pick out items to paint and then pick them up after they've been fired in the kiln. I thought that was really cool, and saw everything back there from unicorns to mugs to tiki shot glasses. I wish I had known about this place months ago, but I'm glad that I at least went there before leaving town. If you haven't been to Five Monkeys, then you need to go!

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.

I was looking for something to do, and I found this potter painting shop! It was a relaxing way to…read moreget out my creative energy! When I walked in, they showed me where to get the pottery, how to use the glaze paint, and an instruction card with how to paint it! I chose a mug, and painted potted plants all along the bottom. I may not be a great or even good artist, but it was nice to try something new! You pay for the time and the piece, so prices will vary and they are labeled under the pottery pieces. I painted a regular mug, and for spending an hour and half, I only paid less than $30. Highly recommend!

I had a rough idea of a project to make for my granddaughter and the staff was thoughtful in…read morelistening to my questions and very helpful in creating my design. Big kudos to Matthew for taking an interest in bringing my vision to life.

Imagine needing to frame something that is part of your family air looms whether small or large…read moreTandem has the equipment to get it done. Inside this quirky family owned small shop are all sorts of whimsical gifts from socks, cups, aprons, tees & other unique one of a kind small treasury. The friendly vibe even offers Bauders hand dipped peach ice cream bars. For a novelty shop the prices seem reasonable.

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 always enjoy visiting this little shop in the East Village…read more They offer a wide variety of books unlike so many stores that simply carry current bestsellers. While the prices are not discounted, I am willling to pay them because the staff makes great recommendations and the store carried some edgier writing that I can't find everywhere.

I popped in here with my sister for the Iowa Indie Bookshop Tour and this is definitely one of my…read moretop 5 favorite shops. It was a very chill and calming shop in the middle of the East Village. The table in the front had so many books I'd never seen before and it was hard to choose one book to bring home with me, so I had to choose two! It's hard to put into words but I really felt recharged when I was in there. Can't wait to visit again!

Andy takes care of his customers and takes pride in his work…read more I recently had an item I'd left to get framed and hadn't had a chance to pick up in a month or so. Andy called just to let me know that he was going to be on vacation for a week, to make sure I didn't happen to stop by while he was away. That's incredible service from a one-man shop! I've had cheap frames from chain retailers literally fall apart on my wall (I'm looking at one from Jerry's Artarama that's disintegrating as I write). Andy's work isn't cheap, but his price is reasonable and his craftsmanship is exceptional. I've had him frame three different pieces now over the past six months and he's never pushed expensive frames or glass - he's always worked with my budget to produce a beautiful custom product. I'm glad I gave Andy a try and will continue to send him my framing projects.

A great job framing this photo of Robert and Ethel Kennedy taken by Burt Glinn. I bought the photo…read morefrom Magnum. It was taken while RFK was campaigning in Indiana in 1968.

What a fun little shop! The owner was very friendly and celebrating her 1 year business…read moreanniversary. This location is the store front for funky little gifts to celebrate various occasions. I picked up the perfect card to have on hand in the event a friend has a pet pass away. Be sure to look at their website for curated gift boxes.

In a charming neighborhood, you will find Cottage by the Creek, in Des Moines, Iowa…read more It is a quaint cottage surrounded by a flower-filled yard and trees. When you open the door, you meet a perfectly delightful and friendly shop owner. There is a wonderful variety of merchandise that would please a diverse array of shoppers....jewelry, clothing, kitchen items, large assortment of beautiful French tablecloths, home decor and much more. I bought two great necklaces made from Tagua seeds from Ecuador. I just love them and have received many compliments when I wear them. They are so attractive and unique. I also purchased a gorgeous rectangular French tablecloth in blues and yellows and some cute kitchen towels. In my shopping I also acquired a stylish top with a lacy edge and a fishnet type top to go with it. The shopkeeper also has many artistic wind chimes for your patio. Mine has a metallic dragonfly and colorful beads. If you can't make it to her shop, she also has a stall at the awesome Des Moines Farmers Market every Saturday for 6 months of the year. That's another thing that you should definitely experience! What a great little shop, full of such interesting things! Wish it was in my city!

Cottage by the Creek is now available Valley West Mall at the 35th street I-235 exit at the…read moresouthwest entrance. This is still a fabulous shop even though it is no longer in a cottage by the creek... my go-to place to buy home accents, wedding gifts, holiday ornaments, and gifts for girls and women. The owner is filled with creative ideas.