I wanted to paint a ceramic Christmas tree to give as a gift, and did a lot of research to find one…read morethat was the size I was looking for made from a vintage mold. I'm so happy with how the tree turned out. It took more hours of painting than I expected, but the team there was good about giving me instructions. They play music and I saw people of all ages painting different projects. You have to plan ahead a few weeks for when you need your items to be ready, as it takes time for them to pour the molds, dry them, for you to paint, and then wait for kiln firing and cooling especially during the busy holiday season. I love the tree's vintage charm and they've got a lot of other things you can paint at all price ranges.

I love this place! This, to me, is like what a coffee shop is back where I'm from. Small town feel,…read morecomfortable, friendly! The events are always fun! At some point I won't know what to do with the stuff I paint, so a part of me wants to ask about purchasing an entire table setting for 8 so I can work on it over 2yrs. lol Fabulous employees/owner/hosts. Definitely recommend! (And always a solid play list on!)

Color me mine is so fun! I came for Valentines day and had the best time. They were also offering…read more50% off studio fees if you drew a flower and so that was kind as well. I would recommend coming here with friends or family!

What a fun time!! Great activity to do while it's too chilly out to hang outside. Reasonable on…read moreprice for what you get. You pay for the studio fee ($8) for me that day and then the piece you pick to paint has its own price. Lots of pieces and colors to choose from. The customer service was wonderful and the ladies were quick to answer questions and help in anyway they could. Located in downtown Crystal Lake with a Starbucks and restaurants within walking distance so you can make a date night of it! Check it out!

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

This was our first venture into Soul Fire, and I took my 7yo granddaughter who is a wanna-be…read moreartist. We chose the Glass Fusing for a new experience and it was a hit! We made an appointment ahead of time and as soon as we walked in the door we were greeted by a lovely woman who spent good time explaining to us just how to safely work with glass, and not get cut or hurt in any way. The instructions are very in depth but necessary. When is was time to start the creative process, my granddaughter knew just what she wanted to create and loved selecting all the parts to make it just as she wanted. Start to finish was about 190 minutes, but it could be faster or slower, depending on how your creative juices flow. In the end she was thrilled with her project and we sprayed it to keep it in position for the transfer to the kilns. In 7-10 days I will return and pick up the final project. Our final cost for a 6" square art piece came to $40. We can't wait! The cost is not super cheap, but you know exactly what you are paying before you start. The supplies are endless and we plan to return for other activities as soon as possible. We saw entire families enjoying themselves, and this is a great activity to do with all ages, young children to adults. The options for art projects are: Paint Your Own Pottery, Glass Fusing, Acrylic Paint Projects and Board Art. The Clay Hand Building is now offered only in a class session. Stop in and take look. Then make an appointment for some really nice fun.

Made ourselves a date night for some Christmas memories. I wanted to do some glass work. We…read morewere greeted at the door by Morgan. She was so helpful through the whole process. We decided on Christmas tree ornaments. Morgan got all our working tools and was very thorough in explaining how to cut the glass and told us if we needed any further help she would be happy to help. We then were able to create at our own will and speed. It was a Friday night at the end of the day and we were told to take our time and not feel rushed. You can order drinks to enjoy. The atmosphere was so comfortable and warm. You could paint or do pottery. So many things. I think we just started our new tradition to make a new ornament yearly. We had booked some open creating time. But you can register for any of the classes they offer as well. We will definitely be back. Everyone was helpful and kind. Can't say enough good things about the whole process from start to finish. Took about 7 days to have the project fired and ready for us to pick up. Our ornaments are beautiful on our tree.

Love this place and it's so much fun! We went on a Sunday afternoon and it was pretty crowded and I…read morethink there was a party in the back. We walked in and we waited around for maybe 10 minutes before we were helped. Staff was friendly and it's a great activity for when it's raining out or if you're feeling crafty. They have tons of options to choose from and you pick up your piece a few days later.

Very nice pottery painting studio, lots of variety of pieces and paints. Went on a Sunday and staff…read moresaid pick up ready by Friday. Staff were super helpful and friendly!

AWESOME!!! Welcomed us very nicely and guided us right away. She came in for us without us making…read morean appointment. she accommodated us and made us feel welcomed. Lots of things to chose from and create! i recommend this place for all ages and for special occasions! We love Sherri!

Great experience, so much fun hosting my event. Lots of creative ideas to choose from. Very hands…read moreon and friendly atmosphere.

Celebrated my daughter's 7 birthday with a 'build a stuffy' party. Mary was so hospitable and easy…read moreto work with. The space is intimate and we all just loved it. They incorporated some crafts as well. We will definitely recommend!

Ok so this was not what I was expecting. I was thinking more the paint your own pottery where they…read morethen glaze and fire the pieces. This was painting ceramics, which they sealed (? Glazed? I don't know the right word) at the end. It was nice that we could take them home right away vs coming back later. My kids, ages 7 and 9 really enjoyed the experience. I felt like the cost was a little high on the things to paint (most were $20+) but we did get a discount on the studio fee with the coupon on yelp so that was nice. It was also nice that we could get lunch and dessert in the same shopping area, making for a nice girls outing without driving all over the place.

Such a cute and fun place. Friendly staff. Lots of ceramic choices. Helpful tips on painting. It…read morewas a really fun day and i cant wait to see the finished product!

Brought my granddaughters, 10 and 7. Lots of painting options. The staff were so nice and helpful…read more We'll be back.

One of my favorite little hidden gems in Rockford! This place is an art studio and gallery. They do…read moreopen studio where you can pick a painting size and a picture. They give you printed step by step instructions to follow and all of the supplies. Someone is always there if you need help. They do loaded brush night where you can bring food and alcohol and paint a predetermined painting all led by an instructor. They have mixed media projects which are really fun. There is a gallery upstairs of local artist work and is great to browse during class breaks. The owners, Tabatha and Therese, are amazing and very passionate. My moms group does private parties frequently and have taken classes with both instructors. Both are awesome, patient and wonderful at teaching people like me with no experience at all. I have done loaded brush night and mixed media. Can't wait to try open studio. One huge tip- Public calendars come out every month on the 8th for the following month. Most sell out fast as space is limited. I have an alarm set every 8th to remind me to look at the studio calendar! Can't wait for my class next week!

Agree with a previous poster. This place is a gem in Rockford!…read more Just took a mixed media class last night at this studio. What a great experience. The class was small so there was more individual attention to our art, along with personal and great conversation with the owner/artist/instructor. She offers a variety of classes in different mediums so there is something for everyone. And if you have had limited art classes as I have, coming here with personalized instruction is perfect. Check out the website and see what is being offered the rest of the month, and June's schedule is soon to be posted. And don't forget to check the art gallery on the main floor and upstairs by local artists. Definitely some good stuff in there. Most assuredly, I will be coming back.