{the shard yard} Art Studio — Attraction in Webster

Went here for the first time this past Saturday. We booked a reservation for 3pm for our bff’s 34th bday. When I called the Thursday before, the owner picked up and I told her I didn’t really know what they are/what they did, and she took time and enthusiastically explained her cool little DIY business to me. She was so bubbly and was an absolute peach on the phone. Her positive and welcoming attitude was enough to get me through the door. She encouraged us to bring wine, snacks, balloons, whatever we wanted to help make the birthday more special!

When we arrived Saturday she had our table set up with our name on it, and she offered us a separate table for our snacks and wine so we weren’t crowded when we worked. The environment was really calming. It was quiet with just some light music on. She explained the process one step at a time and encouraged us to take our time and not rush it, which I really loved. I take foreverrrr to make a decision and she was so patient and so kind. First, she tells you to look at the finished items on one wall to get some inspiration and to see other peoples finished projects to get a feel for what we could do ourselves. Then, you go choose the wooden shape for your own project. They’re pre-cut and priced based on size. The smaller ones were $25, and larger projects went up to I think $85 is the highest I saw. But the great thing is there’s no hidden fees - the price for the wood includes the cost of paint and embellishments, and the final epoxy coat, which is a great deal! Once we chose our projects, we put on our aprons and sat at our table and each project has a maximum number or paint colors you can choose. Mine was five (margarita shape), my friends was five (pig shape), and my sisters was 7 (butterfly shape). They were so patient with me because I asked for just a tiny sample of it on a plate so I could visualize my colors together, and she was so happy to make sure I loved the colors I chose before actually putting the paint on my plate.

Once you choose your colors, you paint your shape however you want. It’s just a prime layer really, because you put embellishments on top right after. Once you’re done painting, they take your project and put it under a hair dryer so it dries fast. While it’s drying, you take an empty ice cube tray and fill it up with as many fun embellishments as you want! This was so cool! They have beads of all shapes and sizes and colors, broken glass pieces, tiles, shells. There’s also a station to safely break glass or tiles to fit your project if you need to (I did this and it was really easy and they helped me do it. Very safe for little ones too!)

Once your paint is dry and embellishments chosen, you sit back down and begin to place your embellishments on your project however you want. There’s no glue or anything so you can pick them up and move them if you change your mind (so necessary for someone like me who can’t make a decision easily lol). They walk around and compliment your pieces, make sure you’re doing okay, offer advice if you ask, and overall just so so sweet and helpful. Every single associate was unbelievably kind I really think it’s the best I’ve been treated at a small business ever in my life!

Once you’re all the way done, she puts a quick layer of clear glue on your project to begin to set everything in place, then explains she does a few coats of epoxy on top before pick up (which she recommends to wait at least a week before getting it so it can dry completely).

We’re in our mid 30s and had such a blast! The vibe is calm and quiet, with a light background music on so you can concentrate. It wasn’t overly crowded despite it being 3pm on a Saturday. The projects are customizable and are fun for young kids all the way up to grandmas! This would be such a fun Mother’s Day trip, I’d love to take my mom too! Anyways, it was so much fun, the owner and staff are absolutely positively awesome, and the prices are reasonable. I am so happy we decided on this place and we all look forward to...

Some friends and I stopped in with no reservation about 2 hours till close. I like to do creative things but I am not very imaginative or quick, so I was a little worried about the time. I ended up with the biggest piece and made it just in time. Very fun and therapeutic. Lots of items to work with and tons of options to choose from. They said you can take some “shards” with you if you have anything you wanted to use at home. I haven’t been back yet but excited to go again. Here are photos of my finished piece and friends’ as well. Love that you can choose how detailed you want to go and they look good busy or simplified. Staff were nice and helpful as well! Pretty affordable as the price listed on the pieces includes the...

Edit 10/28/23: The Shard Yard has moved locations! Beautiful, large facility with plenty of elbow room to make your fantastic art pieces! Tamara is just as wonderful as ever! Cant recommend enough to go and enjoy yourself!

The Shard Yard is such a fantastic experience! The owner, Tamera, is such a joy. You can tell she loves what she does and loves sharing it with others. The process of painting your piece and laying out the broken glass is so fun and relaxing. And it's so exciting to get your project back once it's covered in resin. I've been here a few times already and can't...