From cozy yarn shops to local art studios, Ames has a number of spots to feed your creative side. Whether you’re into painting, pottery, knitting, or DIY projects, this guide rounds up the best places to shop, create, and get inspired.
Prairie Rose Needleworks
Start your creative journey at Prairie Rose Needleworks, where you’ll find high-quality needlework supplies and workshops for every skill level. From yarn and patterns to hoops and notions, there’s no shortage of ways to expand your needlework collection. Whether you’re picking up a new hobby or refining a lifelong craft, this cozy shop has everything you need to bring your next project to life.
Octagon Center for the Arts
Whether you’re looking to purchase work from local artists or create your own masterpiece, Octagon Center for the Arts has it all. Classes range from painting and drawing to wheel throwing and more. If you’re looking to support local artists, check out the Octagon Art Festival, an annual event for browsing and shopping, or find pieces year-round at the Octagon Shop in downtown Ames. And don’t forget to stop by Third Thursdays, held every month!
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Board & Brush
DIY your own wooden project at Board & Brush! Once you choose your wooden sign, you’ll be guided through distressing, sanding, and staining to give it the perfect vintage look. Then, choose from a variety of stencils or freehand your own design with paint! It’s a great activity for date night or a fun evening bonding with your closest friends and family.
The Workspace
Bring your friends and get crafty at The Workspace! Tucked inside the Iowa State Memorial Union, it’s the perfect place to slow down and create to your heart’s content. Drop-in crafts offer a fun, low-commitment way to get your arts and crafts fix, no experience necessary. Or take your time with Paint Your Own Pottery, choosing from over 100 bisque options, from functional kitchenware to decorative pieces, and painting a one-of-a-kind creation to take home. Whatever you’re in the mood for, there’s no shortage of crafty fun here!
The Knittery Nook
Find all your knitting needs at The Knittery Nook! Whether you’re looking for yarn, books, needles, or project bags, you’ll find it all here, along with a cozy space to sit, browse, and get inspired for your next project. And if you’re just getting started, they offer beginner knitting classes to help you start off on the right foot. It’s the perfect spot for seasoned knitters and beginners alike.
Oak Lane Candle Co.
Have you ever wanted to make your own candle? At the Pour Bar at Oak Lane Candle Co., you can do just that. Start by choosing your jar, then explore a wall of fragrance options, Â from cozy and warm to fresh and floral, mixing and matching until you land on a scent that’s uniquely yours. It’s a hands-on experience perfect for a solo creative afternoon, a date night, or a fun outing with friends. Once your candle is poured, it’s ready to take home and enjoy, filling your space with a scent you made from scratch.
Life Distilled
Get crafty while going green at Life Distilled! Customize your own sustainable products, from oil rollers to shampoo and body wash, all made with high-quality essential oils. Looking for something different? Their rotating workshops cover everything from hat embroidery to keychain making, so there’s always a new skill to try.
