I'm surprised to be the first to review Wheelhouse! This is a wonderful perk of being a Union…read moremember and a student at UW Madison. In the basement floor of Memorial Union, there are 3 artist spaces that make up "wheelhouse studios" for people to use and make crafts. I've used the pottery studio and it is a great way to relax and make beautiful projects. You can buy and store clay, but then all the supplies and tools are FREE to use, including have projects fired in the kiln. Make sure you clean your spaces afterwards for the next artist, but go use Wheelhouse if you can!

Tried taking a photography class. Last week with bad weather (even clinics closed so shouldn't be…read moreon roads) wasn't able to get to class. Asked for the information so that I could catch up, 5 days later still waiting to hear anything. Found out today that I will be on jury duty for class two. Asked to be deferred to another class. Was told NO we are too far into the class. Really 1/3 of the class happened and really shouldn't have because of weather. So asked for the handout so I would get something for my money. Was told we don't have anything like that. Again, really nothing for me to make notes on during class. Nothing handed out. REALLY should be a refund. It doesn't sound like the class is very well organized.

Super nice store for quilting. I went there for a different fabric project because I couldn't…read morefind anything I liked elsewhere unless I ordered it. I was happy to find just what I needed and the staff was very nice and helpful.

Blue Bar Quilts has a somewhat different selection than other quilt shops. They have a nice, and…read morereasonably priced offering of wool felt, some sashiko threads, and unique mending books. The select of bag-making supplies and patterns is small but unique. There wasn't much in the way traditional fabric and nothing at all faith-based (except for Halloween-type). The classroom looked open and had a large class going. The shop was very crowded, with bolts and displays very close together. It made it a little challenging to shop. The central cutting table made it difficult for staff to greet shoppers. One clerk did ask me if I was finding what I needed when she was out from the counter. I was visiting WI from a different state, and I wouldn't make a return trip to Blue Bar next time, but I can see how someone local might shop there.

Higher fire is a great studio in the Madison area. The people who work there are really friendly…read moreand customer service oriented. I started a class there this summer, but was unfortunately unable to finish it out due to outside circumstances. Linda was willing to work with me on the money I had paid for not being able to complete the course. I was really pleased with their responsiveness. The class itself was very informative. The teacher was attentive, and able to answer any questions. I think that others would enjoy taking these classes.

This is a great little art studio, gallery, and retail/gift shop on Regent St. They offer pottery…read moreclasses for adults and children - a unique idea to get out of the house in the winter and the lessons make a great gift for that person or kid that already has everything. Linda was extremely helpful and patient with our group lesson. She fired the pottery and we came back to glaze it before she fired it a second time. You can also buy a variety of gifts including from the adjacent jewelry and pottery studio or, better yet, make your own gift for someone special. It's a laid back atmosphere and they offer as much or little assistance as you prefer. Keep your eye out for the Gallery Nights they host complete with snacks and occasional live music. We bought 4 really cool hand made cups intended for Sake wine (but they're also ideal for espresso and baby food!) at the one we attended recently. Higher Fire is a place you've probably driven/walked past dozens of times but never stopped. Next time check it out and I bet you'll be glad you did! Plus it's always nice to support our local small businesses.

I'd rate this like a 3.5/5 and it's mostly about the value of what you pay. I took an intro class…read morewhich was $45 for a 1.5 hour course-contains a demo, time to practice throwing and includes cleanup time. The instructor is awesome and very helpful in giving tips on how to throw clay! No faults there by any means. I'd give it about a 1 star deduction for what's involved - you don't take anything home and class time also involves cleanup time... you really only get about 45 min-hour. I'd say it would be well worth the experience it if it was priced at about $30

Very disappointing experience. Generally rude reception from owner Lejia Dongzhu, received almost…read moreno instruction, minimal answers to questions, plus item I made did not get fired or allowed to take home.

Cute indoor activity! I loved the glazes and the pottery options, but the service needed a little…read morework. Went here on a Saturday afternoon, and I was told it was an hour to hour and a half wait. That was fine with me. I spent an hour in the area and then I called to ask how much more time is left (not to be impatient, but to see what things I could do while waiting) and I was told it would be another 45 minutes. I started doing something else, and 10 minutes later, I was told it was my turn... that was really unfortunate. When I got there, the staff was super nice and helpful! However, I noticed that I wasn't given all the info other customers were getting. They were told about things like the tools to make textures and what not, but I didn't hear about it until halfway through I was done glazing. I wish there better communication. A great spot though for a calming indoor activity.

Super sweet staff that explained everything to us as it was our first time. Come in early on the…read moreweekend or expect a decent wait. My boyfriend and I had a great time! Definitely want to come back to try making pottery

Great yarn store with helpful friendly staff! They are open 7days a week! Easy parking down town…read moreStoughton Wisconsin

Spry Whimsy is notable in the community, and since I don't knit or crochet, I always felt like they…read morewouldn't have any options for me, in order to patron them. I was wrong. They have an amazing space that they have transformed into the most modern and trendy spot! There are areas for them to host classes in the back, or just areas to sit and work on a project. They have great options for gifts, oodles of options for yarn and such. Their displays are so adorable and strewn around the store in spots you wouldn't normally think to stash one. Make sure to swing in here on your stroll down Main Street!

Great place! Wide assortments of plants, pots, tools, flowers, greenery and arrangements…read more It was climate controlled and very nice temperature and gentle breeze. The prices were decent compared to the quality of the plants they have. You wonder about but there are attendants around if you have questions. We really liked the 3 checkout lanes they had so no long, long lines. Glad we found this place! Got some nice healthy plants!

Beautiful arrangements! Great next day service. I asked for an arrangement for a friend in hospital…read moreand a color scheme and they exceeded my expectations.

Mike is always friendly and helpful and is very knowledgeable about clay supplies and equipment…read more it's where I go to buy low-fire Standard white clay which I find to be of good quality and easy to work with.