Artful Designs - Bloomington, Illinois

Alexis J.

I came to a few events that were called "Paint your own Pipe". The 420 theme was throughout the event and we had so much fun both times.

I loved that there was guidance from the instructors for those who are more timid with a paintbrush or want their piece to look a certain way or hadn't ever been before.

They simplify everything for you. Paints are on a wall and you pick them out and are given individual canisters. You can paint any piece you want and you just pay for the item you're interested in. Music was playing and snacks were provided for the event.

I would absolutely recommend checking out an event or checking it out outside of an event!

Lisa T.

We had fun. The staff was very friendly and was helpful. We never did this before. It was a great time.

Megan N.

I've been to this place a few times as a kid, but this is my first time as an adult and it was just as fun as I remember! Lovely selection of ceramics, sweet staff members, tons of color options, and a fun, cozy vibe! It is a little tight in there when it's busy, but not too bad! So excited to see how our dragon mugs will look when fired!! Thank you for providing a fun place to have a date!!

madison D.

This was so fun!!! It was a little cramped but the amount of guest’s shows how great this place is.

Sheryl

My husband and I went in there recently with some friends. We have never been pottery painting before and I must say it was a somewhat nice experience once we got to painting... When we arrived we were greeted by a woman who asked if we were there to pick up or paint, my husband stated that we weren’t sure how it all worked and she got a tad bit snarky saying that we were there to paint and that is what she asked us. We then had a guy at the counter start explaining the whole process to us and he was very helpful.

Whenever we had questions or overheard that someone else had a question the two woman who were working seemed extremely rude and short. They did not seem as though they wanted to help anyone and acted as if we were supposed to know these things already. The majority of the paint brushes were extremely tattered and over used. I would seriously recommend they invest in some new brushes and I would recommend bringing your own if you want an easier painting experience.

Throughout our time there we overheard the employees explaining things to people which we were not made aware of. No one told us to clean our pottery before painting it but we heard them telling so many other people to do so. There were a lot of things that were never explained to us and were not made to feel as if questions were welcome. When we were finished painting and went to get rung up the prices just seemed a little high for everything. The woman who we believed to be the owner was rather rude when she checked us out and seemed as if she didn’t want to be there.

Overall our experience painting was good and it was fun thing to do with friends. Our pieces turned out the way we wanted after picking them up, we were just disappointed by the service we were provided by the employees.

Kailee

Great selection of ceramics, comfortable space and friendly staff! We absolutely enjoy our visits to Artful Designs!

Kim D.

The only regret I have about coming to this studio is that I didn't do it sooner!
Everyone was so welcoming and helpful. There's something for everyone and items are well organized and labeled.
Great vibe. Great space. Great people.
Go get your paint on!

Sonya W.

Oh my gosh! First time going but it will not be the last! My family and I went for a gnome making class, and it was so much fun! Even my 2 younger brothers enjoyed themselves. Patrick, Wendy, and the other lady (I'm so sorry I didn't catch her name!) were so nice and involved and very easy going, and helpful with the processes of shaping the clay and such. I can't wait to find another class to go to. And all the already-made sculptures you can buy and paint... I'm hooked!