Denver is a vibrant city brimming with activities for arts and crafts lovers. My name is Eliza Homorodi, and I am a marketing student at the University of Colorado Boulder with a passion for arts and crafts. Growing up, my favorite hobby was coloring, and I aspired to be an artist. I have always enjoyed doing crafts, whether it is painting, coloring, scrapbooking, pottery or anything in between.
Today, I focus my creative energy on marketing and graphic design, as well as all things crafty (when I have time as a busy college student). I compiled this guide to highlight the best arts and crafts destinations in the Denver area. I chose these locations specifically to ensure that there is something for everyone, and each has a distinct ambiance with a different art activity.
Colorado Glass Works
Nestled on Pearl Street in Boulder, Colorado Glass Works is a haven for stained glass enthusiasts. They provide a wide range of services for artists of all skill levels, including stained glass shop classes, self-finished pieces, open studio space for creation, and the sale of glass and other materials to artists.
When visitors enter the studio, they are greeted by a stunning display of finished stained glass pieces for sale, as well as a bright, vibrant aesthetic. The studio has a cozy, relaxed atmosphere, with beautiful stained glass eye candy everywhere you look.
They offer classes, such as date night classes, beginner classes, four-week workshops, private group classes and even an online class! After speaking with the friendly staff, you can tell how much they enjoy their work and each employee has a unique style and preference to channel their creativity.
Colorado Glass Works, 1500 Pearl Street, D, Boulder. HOURS: Tuesday to Friday from 1 to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed Sunday and Monday. Learn more at coglassworks.com.
Whimsy Paint & Sip
The ideal location for a date night, a children’s party or simply a night to relax and unwind while painting and sipping your favorite beverage is Whimsy Paint & Sip. With its laid-back ambiance, the studio welcomes creative energy and encourages you to let your imagination run wild.
Whimsy, located in the heart of Westminster, offers paint-and-sip art classes, allowing guests to express their creativity while drinking from their full bar. During my visit, I spoke with the bartender and observed her pour drinks for the painters. You could tell she was passionate about her job; working as a bartender and painting every day is her dream.
Whimsy offers a variety of themed painting nights, so there is always something for everyone. For those who prefer a more personalized experience, Whimsy provides mobile paint party services that bring the paint-and-sip experience to you.
Whether it is for a corporate event, a birthday party or a bachelorette party, Whimsy can provide the experience wherever you want. Additionally, Whimsy offers take-home art kits, perfect for those who want to create in the comfort of their own home. They even sell a variety of finished paintings if you aren’t into the experience of creating your own.
Whimsy Paint & Sip, 14676 Delaware Street #200, Westminster. HOURS: Tuesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Learn more at whimsypaintandsip.com.
Ceramics in the City
Located in Denver, Ceramics in the City is the perfect spot for all things ceramic, no matter your skill level. Whether you want to paint ceramics or create a piece from scratch, Ceramics in the City has it all, from clay hand-building to pottery wheels, adult classes and even kids’ after-school programs. I’ve been wanting to take a clay wheel-throwing class for a long time, and Ceramics in the City is the ideal location!
When you walk into Ceramics in the City, you are greeted by an extensive selection of pre-made ceramics to paint, as well as the perfect playful vibe to inspire your creativity, which reminds me of my childhood. There is a piece ready to paint for everyone’s personal style among its extensive collection of pre-made ceramics.
With no studio fees, Ceramics in the City provides everything you need to make your vision come to life. If you prefer to take a more organic approach, the studio also offers clay hand-building and pottery wheels to explore your creativity. All you need to do is reserve a table; no classes are required.
While touring the studio, I came across a stunning finished piece by one of the professional ceramic artists. I have no idea how he did that, but I was astounded by his abilities. In addition, Ceramics in the City is dedicated to providing a creative space for the next generation of artists, offering a variety of summer camps, after-school programs and more.
Ceramics in the City, 5214 East Colfax Avenue, Denver. HOURS: Monday to Friday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Learn more at ceramicsinthecity.com.
Ladybird Poppy
There are numerous ways to express creativity, and floral design is a beautiful art form that is frequently overlooked. My family and I have always enjoyed flowers, and I always keep a fresh bouquet in my room at all times. Ladybird Poppy offers a variety of hands-on classes and workshops led by experts, allowing you to create your own unique bouquet to take home and enjoy, regardless of your skill level.
I was fortunate enough to take a floral design class with the founder, Sarah Vess, and she did not disappoint. I learned a lot about floral design, bouquets, and even flower science. I was able to create my own bouquet under Sarah’s instructions, and it turned out okay… Sarah makes it seem so easy!
Ladybird Poppy also offers online classes, which are a more affordable way to learn floral design at your own pace. Ladybird Poppy also hosts private events, giving groups the opportunity to relax and bond while creating a beautiful floral arrangement.
Sarah is expecting a baby boy any day now, so her friend Holly will be teaching her weekly workshops on Tuesday evenings. When Sarah is back from maternity leave, she will be offering new workshops for 2025, so stay tuned!
Ladybird Poppy. HOURS: Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Learn more about booking in-person workshops, online classes and corporate/private events at www.ladybirdpoppy.com.
Wabi-Sabi Metals Studio
Focusing on the intricate craft of jewelry making, Wabi-Sabi Metals Studio offers a different approach to artistry and creativity. Wabi-Sabi Metals Studio offers jewelry-making classes and workshops where you can learn how to make silver rings and bracelets. It is the ideal place for both novice and experienced jewelers to channel their passion into creating a stunning metal piece to take home.
I had the amazing opportunity to take a ring-making class with Jimmy, and I had the whole studio to myself! Jimmy has many years of experience with metalsmithing and is super knowledgeable on anything you could think of relating to metalsmithing. I learned so much from him, and I would recommend his class to anyone.
We started out with a tour of the studio and warehouse and then practiced heating up metals and imprinting designs with a piece of copper before moving on to the silver. It was so fun doing a bit of welding, heating metals, imprinting and learning about the process.
Working under the guidance and supervision of a metal expert, you can immerse yourself in the experience by taking guided classes and creating a variety of jewelry, including rings, bracelets, earrings and necklaces. They also provide open studio hours for crafting, where you can work more independently with expert guidance if you prefer. The studio also has a shop where visitors can purchase jewelry made by artisans right in the studio.
When in the studio, I asked Jimmy about why he chose the name “Wabi-Sabi” for his studio. Jimmy, a perfectionist, had always struggled to be satisfied with his work until one of his former mentors gave him a book about Wabi Sabi, a Japanese philosophy that sees beauty in imperfection. As a perfectionist myself, I found this extremely interesting! Overall, I had an amazing experience with Jimmy at Wabi-Sabi, and I recommend it to anyone looking to make their own jewelry or put their foot in the door of metalsmithing!
Wabi-Sabi Metals Studio, Prism Workspaces, 999 Vallejo Street Unit 2 Studio 44, Denver. HOURS: By appointment. Learn more at www.wabisabimetalsstudio.com.
Bonus: The Weathered Wick
When you enter the Weathered Wick, you are greeted by the incredible aromas of a variety of scents to choose from. The upscale and modern vibe enhances the experience of making your own luxurious candle. When I was touring the studio, I obviously had to smell every scent option! Each scent smelled so delicious that I could not pick a favorite. Every time I thought I had found a favorite, the next one I tried became my new favorite.
They also now offer seasonal fall scents. I am not usually a fan of pumpkin spice, but their scent was delicious. Some fall scents can be extremely pungent, but this was not the case at the Weathered Wick. Visitors can host private create-your-own candle events, select their own vessel, size, scent and label for their own personalized candle.
In addition to hosting private events at their studio, the Weathered Wick provides a mobile candle-making service, allowing you to host personal pouring experiences at parties, weddings and other events. For those who want to enjoy custom candles without attending a workshop, you can order them. They even offer the Candle Club, a membership-based club in which a unique candle is made each month and delivered directly to your door.
The Weathered Wick, 3316 Tejon Street, Suite 106, Denver. HOURS: Wednesday to Friday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Learn more at theweatheredwick.com.
Whether you want a quiet space to create and unwind or a more vibrant area to get your hands dirty and explore your creativity, Denver has a plethora of unique spots to let your imagination run wild. For arts and crafts enthusiasts like myself, each of these locations provides a unique experience tailored to everyone’s interests, regardless of skill level. Remember, creating is supposed to be enjoyable; get your hands dirty, don’t be too hard on yourself and unleash your creativity!
