(A review for a kid's birthday party) If you're tired of the same old kid's birthday party spots... the Kid Empires, Ball Factories, and Get Airs... then check out Whim. The kids are going to love it! We had my daughter's 8th birthday party here recently and all the kids had so much fun! Gretchen, the owner & host, has a cozy studio and checks all the boxes for a party: she has decorations, provides coloring sheets, and has the perfect balance of fun, understanding, and authority that keeps the kids on task and having fun. While booking the party you get to pick the project (from a few choices). Day of she walks/teaches the kids through every step of the creation. After, she fires the clay and you pick it up! It was such a delightful experience having a birthday party here that I will be recommending it to others as much as I can. Thank you for the great time, Gretchen! read more

Fiancé and I decided to get two take home clay kits for a date night. We had a blast! Can't wait to do another! Gretchen is very informative, responsive, and professional! read more

WHIM - A Studio Space - Our Pottery - Arts & Crafts Near Me - Wheaton, Illinois

This is a MUST during quarantine/social distancing! I was looking for a fun activity to do with my boyfriend that would be both fun and also have some good intentional time together involved. I drove by the studio once while downtown Wheaton and figured painting pottery together would be such a treat. The whole process was SO easy, efficient, and painless. I just went online and all the details for choosing our pottery and paint colors was there. Once I emailed Gretchen I got a fast reply from her with all the pick up details. She had my goodies ready in less than 2 days. Pickup was easy and Gretchen was super communicative and detailed. When your materials are ready for pick up, they leave it outside the studio door (still indoors) for you to pickup whenever you are ready. We got so many tools in there, such as the paint (6 colors), brushes, qtips and a sponge, and even a print out of the colors. Everything came neatly organized and even the colors came in labeled plastic containers. We had so much fun painting our pottery pieces! I would highly recommend this activity for everyone. It's such a mindful and engaging activity, and it can be even more fun if you paint a piece for someone else. For drop off you just pack the canvas bag everything came in, drop it off outside the studio door, and wait a couple of days for it to be fired up and ready. Our finished pottery came in a cute purple plastic bag with my name on it. 10/10 recommend. Great service, great communication, and our pottery pieces have some great memories with them. I can't wait to do another round before the end of the year! read more

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Went here for a birthday party and what a great place! We have never heard of Whim. It is a small art space with very cute and fun art projects for kids. read more

WHIM - A Studio Space - Arts & Crafts Near Me - Wheaton, Illinois

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Great place to bring the kids for something different. The kids liked creating their own pottery. The staff is very kind and attentive. It's a small place but suited our needs. So much better than watching the kids on their "devices". The only negative is that it's very costly to make anything. Two small items cost close to $50 for two kids. If it were less expensive, we might come more often. read more

Our experience was very poor. My kids and their nanny went there as a fun outing and by all accounts enjoyed painting their pieces however when the pottery was picked up one of the pieces was cracked. I noticed the crack immediately when we pulled the piece from its paper in the bag and I called Gretchen right away to see how we could remedy the problem. I was told to bring the piece in so they could take a look at it. After a few days of not hearing back about the pottery, I called back and was told "the crack did not appear to be a stress crack, but the customer is always right, so come back in and repaint a piece". She even told me that she would set aside the bowl right away so it would be available for my 5 year old when we came in. My two kids and I went back to the studio to repaint our piece and when we were finished Gretchen then told me "so now here's the awkward part, do you think this is my fault?". Given our previous conversation I in no way expected to be charged for painting a new piece. Needless to say I was completely unprepared and had no cash for this. She charged me another $22 for the piece...keep in mind i had already paid $22 + $8 sitting fee. To make matters worse, the kids had spied a large sucker bowl however I was also told that I needed to cough up another dollar for two Tootsie Pops. Again, with no cash, it made for an epic meltdown and a very embarrassing situation overall. I understand that this is a small business but the result of what happened would not lend me to recommend this place to anyone nor come back. read more

This is an adorable "paint your own pottery" shop just off of the "downtown" area of Glen Ellyn. Well worth the walk, it has a variety of items to paint from mugs to bowls to decor and much more. Both the inside and outside of this old converted house is decorated in hand-made items and totally sets the mood for painting pottery. While the prices can be considered high, it's comparable to any other "paint your own pottery" shop I've ever been in. The turn around on your item getting fired is about a week and they have awesome colors to choose from. This is a great kid's birthday party place, some where to go with your girls, or bring your guy if he's not afraid of all things cute and kitsch. read more

This was a fun thing to go and do but a couple negatives.. Cash or Check only It is REALLY expensive. My friend painted a bowl and we painted a small kids truck. The bowl was 23$ and the truck was 26$...WHAT? A nice thing to do on a rainy day or if you want to create something. read more

What a fun place! I've been to other paint your own pottery places but this one is unique and definitely has it's own cool style with many samples all over the cute house that gives you tons of ideas. Gretchen and Jess were great with our women's group from church- very patient and helpful. This was a great break from the stress of life- I highly recommend you grab some friends and go! read more

Had a wonderful afternoon painting tea towels and wooden spoons! Loved that it wasn't the usual pottery or canvas - sparked a different type of creativity within! Gretchen was so accommodating and was helpful when needed but also allowed you do find your own way. Hope to go back soon! read more

Out on a Whim recently moved to Wheaton and is now called Whim. Our kids love picking out and painting pottery there. It's a peaceful setting, and the owner is so nice. Wonderful palette of colors. Good selection of pottery options. It's one of kids' favorite rainy/cold day activities. read more

I love this place. Fun, relaxing, and wonderful. Gretchen the owner is so thoughtful and helpful. She'll happily set up later hours for a private party, and let you bring in booze and apps. She has creative stuff to paint, and walks you through the process. Such a great shop - I continue to go back and back. Great fun for kids too! read more

The owner is very kind, helpful and professional. They have a variety of items to meet everyone's budget. Quaint and inviting setting to spend an afternoon painting. Great place to hold a birthday party and they are fine with bringing in birthday cakes, snacks etc. The only negative is limited parking so be sure to carpool. read more

Took my 6 year old niece for a day of painting. I have been to another place before, so my expectations were the high. Their selection was very small!!! Walked around for 10 mins looking for SOMETHING. Their kids section was even smaller. A shelf or two to choose from. For a small dish and a cheerleader, is was $50. $8 painting fee, per person. Cash or check only, be prepared. I would probably go some where else before I go back. It was okay. read more

Lovely little shop for painting pottery in Glen Ellyn. Very welcoming and relaxed vibe.

Out on a Whim has to be the best pottery place in the area. It has a "at home" vibe being in an old house near downtown Glen Ellyn. The owner and workers make you feel at home and you are welcomed with advice about what and how to paint if you would like it. The store is well ran and professional. With the amount of pottery coming in and out each day, the owner does a great job of keeping track of orders and pottery. My family goes here almost every season and we've had a perfect experience every time! Highly recommended! =) read more

Such a cute little place! My son and I decided to go paint pottery one afternoon. We had a great time. They weren't busy so the staff was able to help us with our creations. The prices were a bit higher than other places I have been and the hours are someone limited. We will definitely go back. The punch cards are great! Selection of times was good read more

Had a good experience here today with my 1 year old. We came here to make handprint mugs for Christmas presents. First thing I noticed though was a sign that said cash or check only. The store itself was quaint and cute and the owner was very helpful and friendly. She helped me with getting my 1 year old to make handprints on the mugs. I didn't get a chance to browse through all the items she had since I had my daughter with me, but the selection of mugs was great. I loved all the paint color options. Each mug was $16 and there was a $6 fee for painting and firing of your item(s). The lady said my pieces would be ready in a week so I cannot comment yet on the quality. read more

Brought my sister here for her bachlorette party. The hours to pick up the pieces are limited. Once I went the hours posted on line said open, and they were closed. Overall the party went well, but when I delivered the pieces to the bridal party this weekend, three pieces were missing. Went to pick them up, and 2 of the 3 pieces were not there at all. I was offered store credit, but with people not in the area, it doesn't make a difference. Overall, I was VERY disappointed with the entire experience. read more

Gretchen was there when my husband I went to Out on a Whim on our anniversary. We wanted to make something to commemorate our 20th wedding anniversary. What a fun, whimsical place. Gretchen is friendly, warm and overall delightful. We had a great time and plan to come back. read more

Went there on a Sunday afternoon, there was a birthday party going on. The noise was deafening, there were so many people there you could hardly walk around to choose your pottery. The owner was very nice and tried to make us feel welcomed, that's why I give this place four stars. read more

Used to live in Wheaton, and totally love this shop. Am now living in metro Detroit and have not found a pottery place so inviting and friendly. I used to take my kids there and Gretchen (the owner) totally brought out the best creativity in them! Also have been to pottery parties there and have found out that I, too, have some creativity in me! I treasure the tea pot my daughter painted for me when she was in grade school. She's now 26! read more

Oh my gosh - this place just oozes creativity! Instantly put me in a great mood with its friendly and professional atmosphere and help. A wide variety of fun and cool stuff to pick from to paint, turn-around time better than I expected, and very flexible and willing to work with my group on time of party. Could not have had a better experience. I could go on and on! read more

I've been in the retail field now for 14 + years and love it very much! the Owner of this little pottery shop is very nice and very helpful. As I deal with customers on a daily basics, I truly understand how people feel and how they react when their needs are not meet. It just hurts me very much when I hear all this stuff. read more