Looking for fun, screen-free kids activities in Edwardsville? The Polished Prints Craft Bar offers creative after-school and weekend workshops — tote bags, tees, patches & more!

Looking for Something Fun (and Creative) to Do After School?

Between soccer practice, homework, and the dinner rush, it’s easy for the week to blur together. But every once in a while, kids need a break — a chance to unplug, get creative, and use their hands instead of a screen.

That’s where the Polished Prints Craft Bar comes in.

Located in downtown Edwardsville, our studio is part art class, part hangout spot, and part creative therapy (for both kids and parents). Whether it’s a spontaneous after-school activity or a weekend treat, our space is designed to make crafting easy, fun, and completely mess-free for families.

Why Parents (and Kids) Love the Craft Bar

🧵 Hands-On, Screen-Free Fun
Our projects are built for busy little hands. Kids can decorate tote bags, jean jackets, hats, t-shirts, or sweatshirts using our collection of iron-on patches and screen-printed decals — everything from smiley faces and lightning bolts to rainbows, stars, and peace signs.

💫 Charm Bar & Friendship Bracelets
At our Charm Bar, kids can mix and match beads, letters, and pendants to create personalized jewelry or keychains. It’s creative play with a side of self-expression — and a guaranteed smile when they clip it on their backpack the next morning.

👕 Perfect for All Ages
Younger kids love the instant gratification of stickers and decals, while tweens get lost in curating color palettes and layering patches like mini designers. (And yes, we’ve seen more than a few moms join in “just to help” and end up making something for themselves.)

Drop-In or Make It a Mini Tradition

You don’t need a reservation to stop by — we welcome walk-ins during store hours and always keep fresh materials stocked for creative visitors.

Some families make it a weekly ritual: every Friday after school, they swing by for a snack downtown, then stop in to make something new. Others come in once a month for a little one-on-one time with their child or to celebrate a small win (like finishing a big test or trying something new).

However you use it, the goal is simple: make space for creativity and connection.

Why It’s Good for Kids (and Grown-Ups)

Crafting isn’t just fun — it’s good for the brain. It improves focus, builds fine motor skills, and encourages problem-solving. More importantly, it gives kids a healthy outlet for expression.

For parents, it’s a reminder to slow down — to enjoy an hour that doesn’t revolve around screens, sports, or schedules.

That’s part of what Polished Prints is all about: finding calm in creativity and creating something real with your hands.

Make It a Full Edwardsville Afternoon

You can easily turn a visit into a full-on mini adventure:

• Stop by for crafting at Polished Prints,

• Grab hot cocoa at Sacred Grounds Café,

• Then walk through City Park or visit the Children’s Museum just around the corner.

We’re proud to be part of a community full of creative, family-friendly spaces — and we love helping families make the most of it.

Come Create With Us

✨ Stop By the Craft Bar — walk-ins welcome during store hours
✨ Book a Party or Group Activity — perfect for birthdays & special occasions
✨ Join Our Email List — for updates on kids workshops and themed weekend events