There’s something so exciting about diving into a brand new hobby. But if you’re the kind of person who tends to go all out by buying every tool imaginable, only to slowly lose interest — it might be wiser (and kinder to your wallet) to ease into it first! If you’re looking for a creative way to spend your time, stepping into an art studio might just be the perfect starting point.
Many studios also offer workshops, which means you’ll get to explore your artistic side without needing to invest in all the equipment right away — it’s all supplied for you. When it comes to art studios, the fun isn’t limited to just painting. These spaces often open doors to a wide range of creative pursuits — think tufting, pottery, decoden art, and so much more.
With that, let’s jump into 8 of the best art studios in JB where you can let those creative juices flow!
1. Play At Loft
If mingling with others sparks your creativity, then art jamming might just be your perfect outlet — and Play At Loft in Austin Heights is the place to be. This relatively new spot in JB is a charming craft workshop where you can get your hands busy and your imagination buzzing.
For Art Jamming (from RM45), you’ll get 2 blissful hours of uninterrupted, unguided time to express yourself freely on canvas. No experience? No problem! It’s all about letting go, having fun, and seeing where your brush (and mood) takes you — no pressure, no rules.
Beyond art jamming, Play At Loft also offers a range of creative workshops. Their Balloon Splatter Art Workshop (from RM88) lets you unleash your inner child by popping paint-filled balloons onto a canvas for 1 hour and 30 minutes. If you’re craving something a little different, their Sand Art Painting Workshop (from RM68 for 2 hours) offers a calming, hands-on experience with vivid layers of colour.
And for those who love a good personalised project, the Tote Bag Painting Workshop (RM68 for 1 hour 30 minutes) is the perfect opportunity to create your very own wearable art piece.
No 35-01, 7/3, Jalan, Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim
+6016 220 9947
Thu to Mon: 11am – 6pm
Closed on Tue & Wed
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2. Red Earth Studio
Feeling the urge to get your hands messy? Or perhaps you’ve seen those mesmerising videos on social media — you know, the ones where fingers elegantly shape a spinning mound of wet clay — and thought, I need to try that. If so, Red Earth Studio should be your next stop. Also located in Austin Heights, this pottery studio offers a range of classes perfect for both curious beginners and seasoned hobbyists, plus family-friendly sessions for a fun day out.
If you’re new to the wheel, the Basic Thrown Wheel Pottery Experience (RM180 per pax) is a fantastic starting point. You’ll spend 1 hour and 30 minutes crafting 2 of your very own ceramic pieces, with glazing and firing included to give them that professional finish. The Premium Tier (RM225 per pax) extends your session by an extra 1 – 2 hours, allowing you to decorate and paint your creations to your heart’s content — and as a sweet bonus, desserts are also provided!
The Basic Hand-Building Pottery Experience (RM160 per pax) offers a similar package, letting you shape and mould your pieces without the wheel. The Premium Hand-Building option (RM198 per pax) follows the same upgrade pattern, complete with extra creative time and treats. Just a little heads-up: all classes at Red Earth Studio are available by reservation only, so be sure to book ahead to secure your spot!
Mount Austin, 17-1, Jalan Austin Heights 8/1, Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim
+6018 763 9956
Wed to Sun: 11am – 8pm
Closed on Mon & Tue
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3. Tufting Nuts Workshop
It seems Austin Heights is truly the hotspot for all things creative! If you’ve ever been tempted to try your hand at tufting — crafting your own custom rug from scratch — then Tufting Nuts Workshop is exactly where you need to be. Just a fair warning: be prepared for some serious arm work! Tufting might look effortless in those satisfying videos, but it’s definitely not light labour.
At Tufting Nuts, prices start from RM199 per pax for a 50x50cm frame, and the workshop typically runs for around 3 hours. To make the most of your session, it’s a smart move to come prepared with a reference picture in hand, so you can dive straight into tufting without hesitation.
Once your masterpiece is complete, you’ll need to wait about a month for the final finishing process. If you’re feeling extra creative, you can even opt to transform your design into a pillow for an additional RM50. Beyond rugs, Tufting Nuts also offers add-on options like creating tufted mirrors or custom tote bags.
40-01, Jln Austin Heights 3/2, Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim
+6018 281 5717
Mon to Sat: 11am – 7pm
Sun: 10am – 6pm
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4. TuTu Studio
Feeling a little worn out from all the Austin Heights excitement? Then hop over to TuTu Studio at Taman Gaya for a fresh tufting experience with even more unique creations to explore.
At TuTu Studio, prices start from RM199 for a 30x30cm frame, going all the way up to RM650 for a larger, statement-worthy 110x150cm piece. But tufting isn’t the only fun on offer here — TuTu Studio also introduces DIY Fluid Pouring Workshop! This features Fluid Bear and Fluid Art sessions for those who want to experiment with something a little different.
For Fluid Bear lovers, you can create your very own colourful bear starting from RM69 for a 23cm version. If you’re more into abstract expressions, Fluid Art workshops are available too, priced at RM69 for a small piece and RM129 for a larger one.
122a, Jalan Gaya 1, Taman Gaya, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim
+6017 777 8824
Tue to Sun: 1pm – 10pm
Closed on Mon
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5. Forever Twenty DIY Studio
Forever Twenty is where your decoden dreams come to life — a vibrant wonderland where you can DIY custom phone cases with all kinds of textures, charms, and every craft material imaginable.
You can dive into multiple workshops, starting with the Customised Decoden Cream Experience (from RM29.90), where you’ll be spoiled with an assortment of charms, trinkets, shark clips, and keychains to decorate your creation.
If painting is more your vibe, they also offer an Unguided Painting Experience (from RM38), featuring a variety of styles including acrylic, hand painting, and sand painting. On top of that, their Customised Beading Experience lets you craft your own accessories, with options like a phone strap (RM29.90), bracelet (RM39.90), or necklace (RM49.90).
For something extra special, try the Customised Plush Phone Case Experience (RM58 per pax), where you’ll get to use materials like wool, yarn, cream, and an array of adorable charms to create a one-of-a-kind phone case.
51-02, Jalan Jaya Putra 7/6, Bandar Jaya Putra, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim
+6014 382 5686
Daily: 11am – 7pm
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6. Sands Art Gallere
At Sands Art Gallere, time flows as gracefully as the sands themselves — and creativity knows no bounds. As hinted from the name, this creative studio is a celebration of all things sand. Think of an intricate variety of sand paintings, and even tufting.
Step inside and lose yourself in one of their lively art jamming sessions, where the medium is none other than beautiful, ever-shifting sands. Try your hand at Quartz Sands Painting, a delightful experience priced at RM90 for a 3-hour session.
For those seeking a deeper artistic journey, the Boutique Sculpture Art workshops await. Spend 4 to 6 serene hours crafting 40x25cm Vase of Rose & Violet Sculpture Art, or embark on an enchanting 5 to 7-hour adventure shaping the grand 65x45cm Tulip & Canterbury Bells Sculpture Art.
7, Jalan Balau 1, Taman Melodies, 80250 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim
+6011 6959 8682
Daily: 11am – 7pm
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7. Spinning Lab
And we’re back again in Austin Heights, this time with a swing — quite literally — at Spinning Lab, Malaysia’s very first pendulum art workshop! If you’ve never heard of pendulum painting, you’re in for a treat. This mesmerising process involves a paint-filled container suspended by a string, swinging above a canvas to create flowing, abstract masterpieces with the natural help of gravity.
For just RM109 per person, you’ll enjoy a full hour of creativity at your own workstation, complete with a standard A3 canvas sheet (40x30cm) — with the option to upgrade your frame if you wish. Each session includes 5 bottles of 100ml basic colour paints to let your imagination run wild. An optional raincoat is available too, just in case you want to stay splatter-free. Plus, everything you need is thoughtfully provided: aprons, pendulums, spinners, pouring cups, brushes, and more.
Spinning Lab also offers a package for one adult and one child at RM129, perfect for a creative bonding experience. You’ll receive the same generous setup — one workstation, an A3 canvas, 5 paints, and all the tools you could possibly need to start painting.
Mount Austin, 16A, Jalan Austin Heights 7/8, Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim
Thu to Tue: 1pm – 9pm
Closed on Wed
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8. Hey Decoupage!
Tucked away at Taman Perling, Hey Decoupage invites you to unleash your creativity with quick, hands-on crafting workshops — all within just 2 to 3 hours, and yes, you’ll get to bring your handmade trinkets home!
One of their most captivating offerings is the Jesmonite workshop, where you can create your very own Terrazzo or Marble collection. Craft beautiful, functional pieces such as coasters (RM95), phone holders or trays (RM155), and potato holders or pots (RM180).
If your heart leans toward something more soulful, they also offer Kintsugi sessions — the art of repairing imperfections with gold — priced at RM240. Beyond Jesmonite, you can dive into Mosaic Jamming workshops, where you’ll have the chance to design coasters (RM85), vases (RM125), pen holders, and more.
54a, Jalan Serampang, Taman Pelangi, 80400 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim
Mon, Thu & Fri: 10am – 1.30pm & 2.30pm – 7pm
Thu, Sat & Sun: 10am – 7pm
Closed on Wed
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