Kawaii Decoden Workshop in Philly: What I Made & Why You’ll Love It
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If you've been looking for a cute, affordable, creative activity that won't leave you melting in the summer heat (especially around the Philly area), you're in the right place. I finally tried Deko Deko DIY, a decoden workshop in North Philly, and I walked out with the cutest custom jewelry box and a full heart.
I've actually been wanting to try something like this for months. I bounce between Philly and North Jersey pretty regularly and kept hoping something similar would pop up in North Jersey so I could go with my boyfriend, but nothing ever did. It's either Philly, or you're trekking into New York City.
So when I saw Deko Deko DIY was still open and thriving, I decided to finally go with my niece, who was in town for the weekend. The second I walked in, I was met with bright white walls, an aesthetic dream of a studio, and the friendliest staff. I said, "It's my first time, I don't know what I'm doing," and they immediately walked me through it. Stress-free. Welcoming. Creative. Basically everything I'd been craving.
What I Made at Deko Deko DIY (and What It’s Like to Decoden for the First Time)
At Deko Deko DIY, you've got a lot of options. Like, borderline overwhelming (in the best way). From jewelry boxes and phone cases to mirrors, photo albums, hair clips, and even AirPod cases, it's basically a kawaii wonderland of things you can cover in cream and charms.
What helped me? Their website is super clear and actually lists all the pricing and options ahead of time, so I planned out what I wanted before walking in. Everything is laid out by item and size, so whether you want to decoden a heart-shaped jewelry box or a pencil case, you can budget it out easily.
Here’s just a taste of what you can decorate:
Hair clips (2 for $10)
Hairbrushes (small to large: $16–$25)
Mirrors, phone & iPad stands ($25–$32)
AirPod cases, contact lens cases, phone cases ($16–$28)
Photo albums & acrylic picture frames ($25–$30)
Jewelry boxes and pencil cases ($30)
…and more.
Each project includes:
Your base item
2 “creams” (aka colored caulk for piping)
Unlimited flat charms (they’ll tell you: no stacking, just layering flat)
There's a giant wall of "cream" colors, from classic white to neon pink, mixed swirls, pastels, and glitters. I was told to go with the basic pipe tip for my first time, and I'm glad I did. I chose a hot pink and a light pink/white swirl, which gave me dimension without being too chaotic (well… at first).
Why I Chose the Jewelry Box
I debated between a phone case and a jewelry box, but here's my logic: I already own more phone cases than I use, and I plan to switch to a MagSafe case soon anyway. So even though a pink decoden phone case is totally my vibe, I knew I'd just feel guilty about not using it.
The heart-shaped jewelry box, though? Game changer. It looks like a little cake. I figured I could use it for anything: jewelry, notes, small keepsakes, trinkets from adventures with my boyfriend. It felt like something I'd actually keep on my shelf and smile at every day.
And for the record: it's big. Bigger than I expected. A real centerpiece kind of item.
The Actual Decoden Experience
Once you pick your item and two creams, you grab a tray and start collecting your charms from the wall. The charm selection? Honestly, kind of incredible. They had everything from Pokemon and One Piece to sweets, hearts, florals, sparkles. Anything you'd expect in a magical girl's toolbox.
I'll admit, I went overboard with charms. You're not allowed to stack them vertically like a tower, but you can pack them in flat, and I definitely did. I ended up with way more charms than I could use. (They don't go to waste, though. I have ideas for next time.)
Once I started piping the cream, I realized: this takes a little finesse. I've never piped caulk onto a plastic heart and pressed charms into it before, okay? Some charms didn't stick the way I hoped, and their tweezers were a little meh (plastic, and not super precise), so I relied on my fingers a lot.
Still, it was fun. My design started off looking like a chaotic mess, but somehow, like all the best art, it came together in the end. Think magical girl cake explosion. I scrapbook and work with stickers often, and I feel like that helped my brain understand how to balance colors, textures, and shapes, even when I felt like I was winging it.
Also worth noting: once you finish, they place your decoden masterpiece into a clear plastic container for drying, and you have to let it sit untouched for five full days before using it. So if you're gifting it or planning to take photos, build that dry time in.
Would I Do It Again?
Absolutely. The creams were gorgeous, the charms were adorable, and the whole experience was easy to follow, even as a complete beginner. My favorite part was probably piping the cream and watching my vision slowly come together, even when I doubted it mid-way.
The space definitely leans girly and aesthetic, but I did see a few couples there (guys included) doing their own thing. If you're more into anime or want a vibe that isn't pink on pink on pink, you might find the charm options a bit limited. I'd love to see them add more gender-neutral or fandom-specific options over time.
But overall? If you want to spend a few hours crafting something actually useful, in a space that's cute, organized, and beginner-friendly, this Philly decoden studio is it.
Wait… What Is Decoden, Anyway?
Decoden is short for "decoration denwa," a Japanese term that originally described over-the-top, hyper-cute phone case decorations. Think whipped cream piping, rhinestones, charms, glitter, and pastel everything. Over time, it's expanded way beyond phones. You'll see mirrors, boxes, keychains, photo frames, and even AirPod cases now covered in this gooey, sugary, maximalist magic.
At Deko Deko DIY, you can try decoden for yourself, even if you've never touched a craft in your life. And yes, it's just as fun as it sounds.
Tips for First-Timers: What to Expect, Bring & Know
My niece made two phone cases (one for herself and one for her mom) and each took about an hour and a half to complete. I, on the other hand, spent a full three hours on my heart-shaped jewelry box (because that's the kind of extra we are around here). It was my first time trying decoden, and I still left happy, full of creative energy, and completely obsessed.
Here's what I wish I knew before I went:
You Only Pay for What You Make - There's no entry fee or studio fee. You're only charged for the item you choose to decorate. This is part of what makes Deko Deko DIY so affordable, especially compared to other creative experiences in Philly. My jewelry box was $30, and that included 2 creams and unlimited flat charms. Worth it.
It's Super Beginner-Friendly (Really) - I walked in and told them, "I don't know what I'm doing," and they immediately handed me a tray and walked me through it. There are also QR codes at each table that lead to a Google Drive folder with helpful PDFs and visual guides. Think of it like a fancy build-your-own sundae bar, just with glue and glitter instead of fudge and sprinkles.
You're Gonna Want More Time Than You Think - This is not a rush-through-it kind of craft. If you're doing something small like a phone case, expect at least 60–90 minutes. If you're doing a jewelry box or something with more surface area? Give yourself at least 2–3 hours. They don't rush you, and the space is comfortable temperature-wise, even in summer.
You Don't Have to Be Perfect - At first, my box looked like a sweet little disaster. I wasn't sure where to place things. I pressed some charms down too hard. I second-guessed everything. But eventually, it turned into a magical-girl-cake-looking masterpiece I completely adore. So seriously, don't overthink it. Let yourself play.
You Can Start Over If You Need To - If things get too wild or you're unhappy with your piece halfway through, the tables are equipped with wet wipes for you to start over. I only know this for the decoden, for the rest of the crafts you have to ask!
Bring Your Own Piece (Maybe) - According to the website, you can bring your own item to decorate, as long as it's suitable for their materials. I didn't do this, but I'm already thinking about coming back with my own business card case to decoden next. (If I do, I'll update this post with how it went!)
Let It Dry for 5 Days - Your finished piece will be placed in a plastic container, and you'll be told to leave it alone for five full days so the cream can dry completely. Plan around this if you're gifting it or traveling.
The Photo Wall Is Cute (Use It!) - They have a super aesthetic photo wall for snapping pics of your creation (and yourself). I made the mistake of forgetting to do this before heading to H Mart for food (pro tip: it's nearby and has great snacks), but if I could redo it, I'd absolutely get those photos while everything's fresh.
Don't Worry About Clean-Up - Think grade school craft table vibes. They provide tweezers, spatulas, glue (for certain projects), and a space for you to craft freely. When you're done, just leave everything on the table and they'll clean it up for you. Sweet pebbles, right?
They Even Store Your Piece While You Eat - We left our finished pieces with the staff while grabbing food, and they were totally happy to hold them so they didn't bake in the car. It's the little things.
There’s plenty of free parking. Like actual, real parking, not the “good luck circling the block” kind. I went on a Saturday during what would normally be peak hours anywhere else, and it wasn’t even that busy. We were able to walk in, get our own table, and take our time without feeling rushed or crammed in next to other groups. If you’re someone who hates dealing with Philly parking stress, you’re in luck, this spot makes it easy.
Bonus: There's More Than Just Decoden
While decoden is the main attraction, Deko Deko DIY also offers:
Paint pour bear figures (reservation required)
Patches, keychains, coin pouches
Photo booths in the back ($6–$8 per session)
A shop area filled with blind boxes, Sanrio goodies, and more
I didn't try the photo booth or blind boxes this time because I was keeping things budget-friendly, but next time? Absolutely.
Final Thoughts: Who This Is For (And Why I’ll Be Back)
If you've been curious about decoden or looking for a new, creative way to spend an afternoon in Philly, let me make it simple: this is for you.
I saw kids, teens, and adults all crafting side by side. Some making gifts, some just unwinding. Whether you're bringing a group or showing up solo, Deko Deko DIY is welcoming, beginner-friendly, and flexible enough to match your vibe. You don't need to be crafty. You don't need to know what you're doing. You just need to show up with a little curiosity and let yourself play.
Wanna learn how to scrapbook like me? Check out my Journaling for Beginners guide, by clicking here.
Would I go again? Absolutely. Not only do I want to try another decoden project (maybe a pencil case or bringing in my own business card holder), I'm also eyeing their fluid art bear workshop next. I'll probably skip the patches. They're pre-designed, and I'd rather make something with my own art. But for someone who doesn't create their own graphics, they'd still be a cute option.
There was one thing that threw me off. A woman (who wasn't a staff member) wandered in, walked behind the crafting tables, and started asking questions directly to me and my niece. It felt a bit invasive, especially because she clearly wasn't part of the experience. I wish staff had stepped in to set clearer boundaries for walk-ins. That moment aside, the overall atmosphere still felt safe, creative, and warm. I just hope they stay mindful of protecting that space for crafters.
By the end, I was tired (and very hungry), but so proud of what I made. Was it perfect? No. But it was mine, and it somehow felt like a physical version of everything I've been building lately.
As I looked down at my jewelry box, covered in my brand's colors, I realized something: This wasn't just a craft project. It felt like a reflection. It looked a little chaotic at first, kind of like me on an off week (bright, bold, maybe a bit much) but somehow it came together beautifully. It reminded me that my creativity doesn't need to be perfect to be powerful. And that sometimes, when I just let myself play, I remember exactly who I am.
DREAMLIKEDIANA has always been the regular girl. The soft expert. The one behind the camera, behind the blog. She wants to be the main character, but she's still figuring out what that means. Dreamlike Innovations is her transformation. Not a full-blown alter ego, but the magical girl version of her. Same story, different chapter, told in color, merch, and design. This jewelry box felt like a tiny bridge between the two. A creative checkpoint. A reminder.
A physical reminder that I already have everything I need. I just needed to slow down enough to see it.
TL;DR – Deko Deko DIY Is:
Perfect for birthdays, date days, solo escapes, or bonding with your niece
Great for kids and adults (yes, even you with your iced matcha and journal)
An easy win for indoor creative fun in Philly—especially in the summer when it's hotter than a witch’s coochie
A reminder that sometimes, when you slow down and make something with your hands, you hear your own voice clearer
This wasn’t just decoden—it was clarity, play, and healing in a pastel pink box. I already can’t wait to go back.
Till Next Time!
~Diana
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