Pickled Palette

So, I’ve taken instructor led painting classes all over town, and by different businesses. Some were hosted at bars; others were in the studio. But I’ve never patroned the Pickled Palette.

prince of palettes

I’ve heard a lot about this business, and the owner, Ashley Prince, is very active on social media, so I’m always checking out what she’s up to next via facebook (facebook.com/pickledpalette).

Looking for something interactive and fun for my bachelorette party, I decided to make my first visit to Ashley’s establishment.

I learned she not only hosts painting parties, but she also has instructors who can help guests with glass and pottery projects. In addition, you have the option of decorating a palette of wood, however for palette art you’ll have to call up to 5 days in advance, so they can cut the palette wood, and have it prepared for your artistic creativity.

I decided for my bachelorette party I would schedule an open paint session, meaning all the ladies attending that afternoon could pick from canvas art, glass or pottery.

canvas art

There are several different options available to you. For example, you can view Ashley’s upcoming canvas art events via her website (https://pickledpalette.com/) or social media. Once you’ve picked the date and image you’d like to learn how to paint, prepay for your session and get ready to have fun!

Canvas art usually costs between $15 up to $25 depending on the size of your canvas.

You can setup an event in the studio or host a party at a local restaurant. I chose to have my bachelorette party at the studio since it would be much easier considering all the paint options, and the commute for all the ladies. I also brought my own wine and refreshments. I love that Ashley encourages you to be comfortable while you’re in her establishment. So, for that reason I had two of my bridesmaids bring a fruit and veggie tray and soft drinks. I went to our local liquor store, and selected two white wines and two red wines from a nearby vineyard.

glass fusing

For this art project, you’ll need to select the size of your glass. You have your choice of 4” square or circle, all the way up to a 12” square or circle. Prices vary ($12 to $50) depending on sizes.

Once you choose your project size, you’ll need to choose what colored glass you’ll want to work with. This is where it gets interesting, since you’ll need to arrange your colored glass selection together, gluing it piece by piece until you have the desired size and design you want.

After finishing, leave your creation with Pickled Palette for a few days so it can be fired, ensuring your colors settle properly, and you can display your final product with love.

There’s more information on cutting glass, smoothing out edges, how to apply the colors, and more on the website. Better yet, visit their location in Morningside, ask questions, view their color swatches, and gain a better understanding of how to fuse glass.

pottery glazing

Similar to glass, you have your choice of size and colors to select from; and like the glass art, you’ll need to leave it with Pickled Palette so it can be glazed.

You have a vast array of project choices to choose from. The walls are lined with premade options to jumpstart your creativity. However, the main two categories include Mugs, votives and trinkets, which cost between $15 to $20, and plates, platters and bowls, priced between $20 to $45.

board art

Also known as palette, or wood painting, is what I’d like to invest some time in after the holiday season settles down.

Needing a class of at least 10, Pickled Palette needs an advance order so they can cut and prepare the wood for your projects. You can also view upcoming classes on their website, and sit in on an instructor-led course.

In the beginning, when I’d see their wood art, I originally thought “Whoever painted this has excellent handwriting”. Come to find out they provide you with stencils, so you just follow along to create the phrase and lettering of your choice. Now that I know I won’t be subject to an unreachable level of perfection, I’m not so scared anymore.

my bachelorette party

Overall, I loved having my bachelorette party here. A relaxing environment, promoting positivity and encouragement, enjoying an afternoon drinking wine, laughing with family and friends, and creating something I’ll always have as a reminder of how fun that day was.

All the ladies who came to celebrate the day with me expressed how original this choice was, and those who could not attend were totally bummed. However, I have a planner, and I’m not afraid to use it! I’m already thinking of Thanksgiving, Christmas and Valentine’s Day ideas.

visit their website

If you are looking for something entertaining and inspiring to do with your friends then visit pickledpalette.com, checkout all the different options and get ideas for your next party. View the galleries of images illustrating the many choices of canvas, glass, palette and pottery you have to choose from.

fundraising and kids’ crafts

Lastly, support this small business. Pickled Palette works with local fundraising campaigns, and even hosts Kids’ Camps all summer long. In addition, Ashley, the owner, received her Graphic Design degree from Iowa State University in 2007, and has been sharing her skills ever since.

plan you visit

Don’t wait until there is a class to attend! The studio is always open. Walk-ins are welcome, and if you have a picture or idea you want to paint, find the image on your phone, gather your paints, then enjoy a productive afternoon.

Hours of operation:
Monday: Closed
Tues-Fri: 11am to 8pm
Saturday: 10am to 8pm
Sunday: 12pm to 5pm

712-224-2757
4014 Morningside Ave
Sioux City, Iowa 51106