When asking yourself about something to do near me in Chicago with a group of friends or family, consider
indigo & violet studio
Why indigo & violet studio is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Indigo & Violet Studio is a vibrant Chicago-based venue that offers a unique and engaging setting for craft workshops, social gatherings, and creative events. Located in the lively Lakeview neighborhood near Southport and Irving Park, this studio provides a relaxed environment where guests can learn and create beautiful handmade projects across diverse mediums such as watercolor, macrame, floral arrangements, terrariums, and wreath making. Founded by Leigh Hardy in 2017, whose background in interior design shaped the studio into an inviting and aesthetically pleasing space, Indigo & Violet Studio thrives on fostering creativity for both novices and experienced crafters alike. One of the studio’s standout features is its BYOB policy, allowing guests to bring their favorite beverages and snacks to enjoy while crafting, enhancing the social and celebratory atmosphere. The studio serves as an ideal venue for a variety of celebrations, including birthdays, baby showers, bridal showers, bachelorette parties, and team-building activities, offering customizable decorations like floral designs, balloon arrangements, and personalized signs to complement any event theme. With a focus on modern handmade projects and collaboration with local artists and businesses, attendees can expect a memorable experience that blends creative learning with conviviality, leaving them with a tangible handcrafted keepsake and a renewed sense of accomplishment.
Here's what people think of indigo & violet studio
As of recent, indigo & violet studio holds a 5-star rating based on 57 reviews.
Customers consistently praise Indigo & Violet Studio for its warm, welcoming atmosphere and the expertise of its founder, Leigh Hardy, who ensures every workshop is engaging and accommodating. Reviewers highlight the studio’s ability to combine creativity with relaxation, often mentioning the fun and interactive nature of events such as the Crafternoon Tea Summer Wreath social, which uniquely integrates crafting with gourmet tea and pastries. Many appreciate the high-quality materials and diverse range of craft projects offered, from DIY dog signs to shibori tea towels. Positive feedback often includes remarks on the personable instruction style, the charming studio ambiance accentuated by exposed brick and natural light, and the flexibility of a BYOB policy that adds an extra layer of enjoyment to gatherings. On the other hand, a few critiques touch on the studio's pricing structure, which is based on project and per-person fees rather than hourly rates, leading some to feel the minimum event fee may be a consideration for budget-conscious customers. Nonetheless, these concerns are relatively minor compared to the abundance of glowing reviews celebrating the studio’s creativity, community spirit, and memorable experiences. Overall, the reviews affirm Indigo & Violet Studio as a standout destination for anyone looking to blend artistic expression with social celebration in Chicago.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Grace Montemar
My niece begrudgingly agreed to a small bridal shower (20 pax) but didn’t want a traditional party. We pitched the idea of an activity-based event where guests could get to know each other while crafting small floral arrangements and scented candles at Indigo & Violet Studio. The party was overwhelmingly well-received by both bride-to-be and her guests! Even during the event, we heard many compliments regarding the activities and venue. If you care about modern but cozy aesthetics and a friendly vibe, this place fully delivers (incidentally the former shouldn’t be surprising as Leigh has a background in interior design). Both Leigh of Indigo & Violet and the owner of Einnim Candle Bar + Apothecary were warm, gracious, and knowledgeable co-hosts. Leigh was also very helpful and responsive during the planning stage when I inundated her with questions and requests for vendors/recommendations. We also appreciated being able to bring in our own food and beverages. Still hoping that I can host a birthday party for myself here someday …
Teresa Liu
I had my bridal shower at Indigo & Violet for ~20 guests and everything exceeded my expectations! Leigh, the owner of the studio, led us through a floral arrangement workshop and it was a beautiful, fun, and a unique event- everyone had so much fun. We brought our own snacks & bubbly, and saved extra time for presents/games. In total we used the space for 3.5 hours. The total price was very reasonable for a private event in Chicago and the studio set up was perfect! Leigh was very professional, responsive, and listened my vision - she provided the exact type of flowers/color scheme I asked for. It was a lovely event and I cannot recommend Indigo & Violet enough! Perfect for any bridal shower, baby shower, bachelorette party, birthday, or any special celebration!
Katy Osborn
Leigh hosts the most fun, most creative and most thoughtful workshops. She partners with super cool local artists who have deep passion for sharing their skills. I love the macrame class because it's simple and and easy to make a thing that I actually want to hang in my house. Sign up for anything and you'll love it!
Shelly Kim
I had an amazing and the best time working with Leigh at Indigo & Violet Studio! Leigh hosted me for 2 of my lettering workshops and she was fantastic to work with. She made sure the entire process was clear/ simple and everything was ready the day of the workshops! Choosing Indigo & Violet Studio was the best decision and has definitely been one of my best venue booking experiences! I will definitely book again when I visit Chicago and recommend to others! Thanks again Leigh!
Leslie Polster
Wonderful experience overall! I organized a team Macrame workshop here for 12 people as a work outting and we were all incredibly pleased with the experience. Leigh was communicative and helpful ahead of time, and the experience itself was lots of fun. We all went home with really unique pieces. I will definitely be back and would highly recommend this experience and space.
How to reach indigo & violet studio
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Why indigo & violet studio may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Indigo & Violet Studio with your friends? Because it offers an inviting, creative sanctuary where you and your loved ones can share meaningful, memorable experiences together. This studio is not just a venue; it is a vibrant community hub infused with artistic spirit and warmth. Its charming atmosphere, personalized service, and diverse craft workshops provide a perfect setting for unplugging from everyday distractions and immersing yourselves in fun, hands-on creative projects. Whether celebrating a special occasion or simply catching up with friends, Indigo & Violet Studio encourages social connection through the joy of making something beautiful together. The experience is enhanced by their BYOB policy, so you can bring your favorite drinks to toast your creativity and friendship. This blend of artistic inspiration, conviviality, and expert guidance makes the studio an ideal gathering spot for groups who cherish both creativity and connection.
What activities does Indigo & Violet Studio offer that make it perfect for a group meetup? The studio specializes in a variety of craft workshops that blend art, culture, and hands-on learning in a relaxed, supportive environment. From kokedama plant-making — where participants create stunning Japanese-inspired moss ball planters perfect for any plant lover — to scarf-dyeing and personalized decor projects, there is something for every creative interest. Workshops typically last about 90 minutes, allowing enough time for a rewarding hands-on experience without taking up an entire day. Each activity is led by skilled instructors, including the owner Leigh Hardy, who bring their artistic expertise and friendly support to ensure that all attendees feel confident and inspired. Groups save money by purchasing tickets together, reinforcing the studio’s commitment to fostering collective creativity and social enjoyment. This thoughtful design elevates the meetups from simple get-togethers to treasured, productive memories.
Why is Indigo & Violet Studio such a great venue for hosting events with friends or family? First, its intimate yet vibrant space is aesthetically pleasing, decorated with the creative flair that invites relaxation and focus. The studio’s size encourages interaction but can also be reserved exclusively, providing a private, comfortable atmosphere for your group. This makes it suitable for varied events including birthday parties, baby showers, bachelor(ette) celebrations, and even corporate team-building activities, all of which benefit from the studio’s customizable workshop options. The BYOB policy lets guests personalize their celebrations with drinks, adding to the convivial experience. Further, the studio owner and team offer meticulous event planning assistance, easing logistical worries so you can concentrate on having fun. By combining art, socializing, and an accommodating environment, Indigo & Violet turns casual meetups into extraordinary celebrations filled with creativity and connection.
How does the studio support and enhance group bonding during your meetup? Beyond the creative benefits of crafting unique handmade projects, Indigo & Violet Studio fosters deep interpersonal connections by offering guided, collaborative experiences. The workshop formats encourage participants to share ideas, techniques, and laughter, which naturally builds camaraderie and strengthens relationships. The welcoming staff ensures that everyone, regardless of skill level, feels included and valued. They tailor their approach to your group’s needs and preferences, which helps facilitate positive interactions and a joyful atmosphere. Additionally, the studio’s focus on natural materials and tactile crafting helps center your group in the present moment, promoting mindfulness and shared satisfaction in creating something beautiful together. This mindful socializing cultivates lasting memories and reinforces why the studio is a top choice for social gatherings.
What other unique features and services make Indigo & Violet Studio stand out? The studio’s commitment to artistry extends beyond standard workshops to creative collaborations with local makers and pop-up events, keeping offerings fresh and exciting. They also embrace modern flexibility by hosting virtual craft workshops, making it easy to connect with friends and family even when apart, ideal for long-distance reunions or hybrid celebrations. Their custom handmade decor services add a personalized touch to events, enhancing thematic consistency and aesthetic appeal. Payment flexibility and a clear credit policy—offering credit with 48 hours' notice rather than refunds—reflect a customer-centered, professional operation. While popular and sometimes busy, the studio’s exceptional reliability, service quality, and expert instruction maintain its reputation as a hidden gem. These qualities ensure that every visit to Indigo & Violet Studio is as seamless, inspiring, and enjoyable as possible.
In summary, Indigo & Violet Studio is a 5-star rated creative sanctuary that excels at transforming casual social gatherings into vibrant celebrations of art, friendship, and shared experience. Its diverse, expertly led workshops, cozy and inspiring environment, BYOB friendliness, and attentive event planning make it ideal for groups seeking meaningful and fun meetups. Whether you want to engage in plant crafting, personalized decor, or team-building activities, this studio’s unique blend of creativity and conviviality guarantees that your next gathering will be unforgettable. For artists and novices alike, Indigo & Violet Studio is more than a craft space — it’s a community where friendships grow stronger, one creative project at a time.