Remember when we depended on professionals to produce art?
Welcome to the age of Do-It-Yourself studios with Hendricks County, Indiana, on the forefront of this latest trend boasting a variety of shops and studios that let you get your hands dirty and your creative juices flowing with no previous experience necessary.
Without exception, knowledgeable staff members give step-by-step instructions, and the studios provide all the materials needed. They even offer fun, family-friendly events throughout the year to create keepsakes for your own family or gifts for others while taking care of the cleanup for you.
Here’s six Hendricks County locations where you can spend quality family time while making those lasting memories:
1. Board & Brush Creative Studio
More of a girlfriend getaway or group activity, Board & Brush in Brownsburg features create-your-own custom wood signs. But if you think you are going to walk in, throw some paint on a stencil and leave, you are underestimating this experience.
First-time visitors will quickly notice a wall full of hammers, power drills, sandpaper and other tools. It may seem a bit intimidating at first, but the instructor quickly calms the nerves by going through the entire process step-by-step.
Participants sand their boards and use different tools to distress them and make them their own before staining and stenciling.
You will feel like a master craftsman once your project is complete and will leave with a beautiful wall hanger that you can give as a gift or keep for your home or office.
2. Brightly Art Studio
Brightly Art Studio in Brownsburg specializes in classes, clubs and celebrations for both kids and adults.
Brightly believes in using art as a medium to nurture and celebrate creativity through a variety of lessons and workshops.
Their activities include pre-school playtime, elementary school age workshops, couples workshops, open studio time and more.
The shop also hosts classes and parties.
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3. Gallery on the Square
Gallery on the Square, a long-time co-op art gallery on the historic Hendricks County Courthouse Square in Danville, has long offered classes to allow visitors to try their hand in simple but highly engaging classes.
They offer engaging activities such as jewelry making, paint and sip events and many more.
While you're there, make sure to check out all the work they have for sell from various local artists. It is a great place to make or find unique gifts for yourself or loved ones.
Check their Facebook page for updated activities.
4. The Tie Dye Lab
One of the most popular Hendricks County’s DIY studios has become The Tie Dye Lab in Avon. Providing a fun and festive environment for an entire family to design a tie-dye creation, prices are based on what you choose to tie dye. Options include T-shirts, towels, socks, hats, bags and much more.
Part of the fun of this activity is choosing the colors and patterns and then seeing the finished product as you don’t truly know how it will turn out until you remove all the rubber bands that help transform your item to a tie dye work of art.
Again, the staff is very helpful and cleans up the mess after you and unlike some of the artwork above, you get to leave the store with your finished creation in hand after a 10-15 wait. Board games and other activities are provided for your leisure as you wait.
5. Hot Blown Glass
Different than the others on this list, Hot Blown Glass in Clayton is the private studio of Indiana Artisan Lisa Pelo. But the great thing about Lisa is she doesn’t keep this precious hideaway or her glass talents to herself.
Visitors can try the intricate art of glass work by creating a simple piece like a paperweight or pumpkin on their own under the direct guidance of Lisa by appointment.
No previous experience is necessary. Guests who want to get out of their comfort zone and give this opportunity a chance come away floored by the memories they make and the art they create.
6. uPaint Pottery Studio
The sixth and final DIY studio can be found in Plainfield and offers pottery pieces that can be painted and customized by you.
In addition to pottery, uPaint also offers glass fusion options.
Pottery and glass pieces range from $5-$80 and a $5 studio fee covers the cost of paint, supplies and cleanup.
Once you've finished painting your pieces, the studio will fire it and have it ready for pickup within seven days.
