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Glazed Expressions
Category: Shopping Arts & Crafts Arts & Crafts [Edit]
717 W Armitage Ave(between Orchard St & Burling St)
Chicago, IL 60614
Neighborhood: Lincoln Park
(312) 867-1792
- Nearest Transit:
-
Armitage (Brown Line, Purple Line)
- Hours:
Mon-Wed 10 am - 7 pm
Thu-Sat 10 am - 9 pm
Sun 12 pm - 6 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
32 reviews for Glazed Expressions
Review Highlights
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"They have a ton of pottery to choose from." In 13 reviews -
"My fiancee and I had a great time here." In 3 reviews -
"The owner is friendly and helpful." In 3 reviews
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32 reviews in English
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Review from Erin K.
Chicago, IL
4/30/2012
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. -
Review from Shaina K.
4/8/2012
This place is awesome!
Went here for my birthday celebrations, and loved the fact that you can BYOB :)
The staff never rushes you here and they're always quick to help you out or offer advice. They have a decent selection of pottery to choose from, everything from litle figurines to dog bowls. They have a decent selection of paint and different supplies to use to create a special piece!
They are a little bit pricey for pottery painting. I've been to my share of pottery painting joints, and this one is the most expensive of them all.
The pottery pieces range in price from 5-100+, and the majority of them are $20-$40. On top of paying for the piece you have to pay a studio fee ($8 for adults, $5 for kids), if you pay more than one piece you have to pay an additional fee. -
Review from Amanda C.
3/7/2012
This is a really fun place to get together with girlfriends for wine and painting. I hadn't been to a place like this since I was a kid and really enjoyed coming back. At night it's only open for adults and you can bring in your own food and drinks. There are some mixed reviews on here, but I had a great experience. I was here for a few hours on a Saturday night with a group of 7 women who all loved it. Angela helped my group and she was fantastic, offering to help us with different techniques and very friendly.
There are so many pieces to choose from it's hard to decide! You could come here over and over and never repeat the same thing. I think the prices are reasonable- $8 for the sitting fee and pieces that start at $12. I'd love to go back. -
Review from Lucy H.
Chicago, IL
3/4/2012
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. -
Review from Dan W.
Chicago, IL
2/5/2012
Went here last night with a group of friends for a birthday party. It was a lot of fun! BYOB and painting!
Truth be told, it's a tad on the expensive side. Two coffee cup plates cost my girlfriend and I $35 total, normally I'd spend $2 on them at Target, but we got to sit down and paint together, so it's worth the memory! The staff was friendly, and the girl who set us up with everything (Barbara I think....Maybe....) was funny. Overall a fun experience! -
Review from Rachel G.
11/15/2011
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! -
Review from Eve F.
Chicago, IL
11/7/2011
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. -
Review from Kelly K.
11/1/2011
I came here last night with a friend since I had two Groupons to use.
It was slow since it's a monday night, which was nice since I needed a lot of attention to help me (I would fail at doodling).
Overall, the staff was very helpful and even stayed almost 40 minutes past closing time for us.
It is a bit pricey without a Groupon, but you can definitely find affordable pieces to make.
Barbara was awesome in helping us out! -
Review from Sara P.
Chicago, IL
7/7/2011
Our lackluster greeting upon entering was the highlight of the service we received. The only staff there was too busy painting her own piece of pottery to really assist us. We were given a 2 minute talk on painting etc. The staff member knew we had a Groupon but didn't mention that most of the pieces were more than the $14, which is fine but she should have at least thought to mention that. One of the girls we were with asked her a question about paint 3 or 4 times as we were uncomfortable and had been given little to no direction/help. Turns out had the staff member taken the time to listen to the questions, instead of painting her own pottery, one of the girls wouldn't have had to restart her project. We had been running a little late, so she offered to stay a half hour later, that statement was followed by "sorry I'm pissed off, I have a long day that starts at 11am". Someone needs to address the concepts of customer service with her, we were her only customers, perhaps a verbal filter is necessary in some situations. She also told us we could come back anytime, but didn't mention to us the fact that there's a studio fee if we return more than a week later, till after we checked out. Overall the staff member acted as though we were an inconvenience, and that she would rather just be sitting alone painting her own pottery.
Overall, they had a couple nice pieces, more nick knacks. If you're looking for good/reasonable customer service and or guidance, then I would recommend you go someplace else. -
Review from Andrew C.
Chicago, IL
2/21/2011
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!!! -
Review from julia j.
2/10/2011
The owner is friendly and helpful.
The place lets you bring wine and host parties with your girlfriends!
Maybe it is the "inner grandma" in me, but I would much rather spend 3 hours and $22 for a good time at this place than ANY bar!
If you stop in tell Keith Julia said "Hi!"
This place is the bomb-diggity-shiz-nit for the crafter in you that is dying to come out and PAR-TAY!!!!
Oah, Oah! -
Review from Basil D.
2/9/2011
OK, this is the best idea I have had! I painted something for my GF for Valentine's Day. Though I have some artistic skill, this medium is a whole diffferent ball of wax. Jennifer at the store was remarkably generous with her time, opinion and expertise. Even when you screw up making "happy trees!" she found an encouraging thing to say and helped straighten it out.
She made a novice very comforatble, and guys, just come in here and do this. It's very inexpensive, and it's one of those gifts that forever changes the relationship. You pick the piece you want to paint (lots of selection), Jennifer helps you with picking and mixing colors and brushes, slap that shit on, they fire it, and in a week you have an uber extraordinary gift that'll get ya ....well....ya know, you stroke for her and the sentiment is returned.
It's actually a lot of fun, and you can bring booze or something to eat if you like. This is a great concept when your woman is asking for a "thoughtful" gift! -
Review from Kris T.
Chicago, IL
2/2/2011
I've been to Glazed Expressions a couple of times and have enjoyed myself, but this experience was definitely lackluster.
Service: My roommate made surprise reservations for my birthday (so sweet); when we arrived, we were hardly greeted and set up our own party arrangement (Glazed Expressions allows outside food/drinks, which is a plus).
It was a Saturday evening around 7 p.m. Most of our guests were running late, but my roommate was told we didn't need the complete 2 hours to paint, anyway. We were told wrong.
Once everyone arrived, we were told not to touch anything until we listened to "the rules" (understandable) but overheard the two employees talking about how we were more or less an inconvenience. There may have been eye rolling involved, too. Overall, we didn't feel very welcome, and our guests felt uncomfortable.
Price: There is an $8 sitting fee plus the price of the pottery (ranging from $12-$50). Reasonable for the city. It's nearly impossible to get out spending less than $20/person (which we totally expected).
Space/Environment: Big tables great for spreading out while still enjoying company. The place is usually home to Lincoln Park moms and sitters letting their kids get creative and messy. Very homey. Lots of ceramics to choose from. -
Review from Andi A.
Oak Lawn, IL
12/19/2010
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! -
Review from Alex R.
Evanston, IL
12/10/2010
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. -
Review from Beth K.
Chicago, IL
11/19/2010
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. -
Review from Katy H.
Chicago, IL
11/15/2010
My boyfriend and I visited a few weeks ago and we had so much fun! I had a groupon, which is what inspired me to come, but a lot of the women I work with come in at least once a month.
They have a large variety of items to choose from. I decided to paint two trinket boxes, one with a sun and one with a moon. My boyfriend painted a dog bowl.
They have a large selection of paints and the staff is friendly and offers a tutorial. They explain everything and are very helpful with questions.
The place was pretty crowded when we were in there, but we did find a corner spot and all of the other visitors were so friendly and generous.
I had a great time and I can't wait to go back and paint something else! -
Review from Mary T.
10/17/2010
I own a plant, Louie. When I bought him, he came in this crappy straw pot. Given my track record with plants, I figured it would do since I'd probably kill him in a week or two. When he actually thrived, I decided Louie needed a proper pot and asked a friend to make one. What I didn't know was that flower pots weren't her specialty; after waiting a long time for his pot, I started to suspect I'd never get it and bought a Groupon for Glazed Expressions. It worked out for the best; when I got Louie's pot, he had outgrown it.
I wandered into Glazed Expressions one weekend, determined to make Louie a proper place to call home. They have tons of items you can paint - plates, dog bowls, coffee mugs, you name it. They were a bit light on flower pots, but I found one that would work and the person working got me started. They have a large selection of paints and brushes and will explain the whole process, including helpful do's and don'ts.
I had fun choosing my colors, pondering my design and doing my best to transform it into a reality. Once you're through painting, you pick up the fired piece a week later. I'm happy with my piece, but let's just say no one would ever mistake me for the next Picasso. Now Louie not only has a proper place to call home, but a one-of-a-kind one.
Without the Groupon, I think my creation cost $30; not bad considering it includes the supplies, piece and firing. It's $8 for unlimited studio time and supplies, the prices of the individual pottery pieces vary. Typically, you can walk in and make something, they also hold private events too.Listed in: Lincoln Park, I like to Groupon, Groupon!, She's crafty
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Review from Rachelle B.
Chicago, IL
8/31/2010 4 photos
My 7-year-old niece visited me for a weekend. I was talking to friends about what to do with little kids in Chicago, and we thought maybe the paint-it-yourself pottery place would be fun so I took my niece there. She picked out a cupcake plate to paint. I painted a wavy squre bowl. We visited on a Friday during the day and there were a few other people painting when we arrived, but when they left we were the only ones in the studio for the rest of our time there. My niece really enjoyed this activity. Very age appropriate. The total cost was about $40. Kind of pricy, but we got hours of entertainment plus keepsakes that should last forever, so worth it.
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Review from Nikki B.
Cambridge, MA
8/26/2010
I was visiting Chicago a few months ago and my best friend took me here to spend some girl time together and just relax. I had no idea it would be so therapeutic!
They had a decent selection of items ranging from cheap to expensive. I was bummed out they did not have a teapot, and were missing some other pieces like tea cups that would have been fun. My friend and I both chose cookie jars however and got to work.
You pay a flat 8 dollar studio fee for unlimited time and paints, and whatever the price is for the piece you select. We spent nearly 4 hours there (until closing!) and even then the really friendly lady running the place let us stay to finish. I'd definitely visit again if I end up back in Chicago. -
Review from Bethany N.
Chicago, IL
8/16/2010
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??? -
Review from Tina M.
Chicago, IL
2/6/2010
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.
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Review from Craig R.
1/22/2010 1 photo
My fiancee and I had a great time here. It's pretty much a copy of where I went as a kid, Plaster Playhouse. I remember the days when I'd choose a dog and paint it bright green with blue dots because I thought a radioactive dog would be a kick butt pet.
Who doesn't want a radioactive dog? Imagine the cool stuff it could do. It might be able to mutate and fly right?
Check out my pictures of the frog and lawn gnome we made, they rock, hardcore. My frog has lipstick and our lawn gnome, albeit small, has lightning bolts on his pants...
You show up, choose a piece of plaster which has a price on it. The bigger they are, the more they cost. Things range from 5 dollars to hundreds of dollars.
You buy your piece and pay a small painting fee per person. You can choose from loads of colors and brushes and paint it however you want. Once it's painted they will fire your piece and glaze it so it looks nice and shiny etc. This takes a couple of business days (the firing/glazing), so you have to drop by and pick it up a week or so later.
And just to follow up on Steve K, you are not the only straight man to admit you came here! -
Review from Katie W.
Uptown, Chicago, IL
12/8/2009
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!
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Review from Nannette P.
Chicago, IL
11/13/2008
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.
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Review from Kate W.
Chicago, IL
9/19/2008
I went here for a girls night with my friends and we had a blast. There are tons of things to paint (and most of them are functional) and they're not too expensive either. The fee to paint is just $8 no matter how long you're there.
The staff was friendly and helpful yet also non-intrusive. That was nice because we were having a lit of girl talk. There was no one else in there but us, but we also went on a Thursday night so maybe that's why it wasn't crowded.
It's fun and relaxing... give it a try! -
Review from Mariella C.
Chicago, IL
5/12/2008
this place was fun. went with a few twenty somethings friends on a saturday afternoon, and as kids were running all over the place, you could hear a pin drop between us because we were just so serious about our painting, lo and behold a week later when i picked up my plate it looked like a kindergarten project, so glad i didn't pursue my lack of artistry skills.
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Review from steve k.
IL
3/24/2008
I think that I'm the only straight male in Illinois that will openly admit going to Glazed Expressions. I saw about this place on Wild Chicago a long time and thinking that it looks like fun because you can paint a bunch of weird functional things and personalize it which I think is all the rage these days. A date and I came here and were surrounded by divorced mid 30's women on one table and 10 year olds at another table.
I picked out a small candy bowl to paint on because it was the only thing that was under 20 dollars. I spent about an hour to an hour and half painting a bowl and decorating it like a little school girl, but actually had a relaxing time doing it. Despite the college student ranting on and on about some crap about a boy and racism, I sort of drowned her annoying young voice out and ended up with a pretty kick ass bowl that I can call my own and throw keys, change, candy, work ID, knick knacks, and other junk into.
I got a little artsy and made a mess, but the staff deals with children a lot of the time so I figured a messy adult wouldn't be so bad for them to deal with, although next time I'm going for a f'ing salad bowl and tweaking it out son! (no homo). -
Review from Sarah C.
Chicago, IL
1/22/2008
What's better than relaxing with a paint brush, a friend, food and drinks? Not much, at least not in my book.
I came here with a friend and a six pack. They played Madeleine Peyroux and gave me tips for the over-elaborate design I chose.
My friend made a few fun dishes, and I made a fruit bowl. It took me forever to come back to claim our stuff - but they stored our pieces for me without incidence or complaint.
I didn't finish my piece on the first trip - the second trip was not quite as relaxing. It was fairly late on a weekday evening, and I was the only customer. The manager was training a new employee, and they did some glazing while I was there. (Soft jazz would have sounded better.) Still, they didn't rush me out of there, and I love my fruit bowl.
It's $8/hour for studio time, and then you pay for the piece you paint. I think I spent about $45 all in, but I took forever. Since it also counts as entertainment and you get to show off your "handmade" creations to everybody who sees it ever, it feels like a decent deal. -
Review from Zahra A.
New York, NY
6/24/2006
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.
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Review from Melanie K.
Chicago, IL
6/5/2006
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.
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Review from Kristen F.
Chicago, IL
4/24/2006
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. (http://www.myglazedexp...)
