I'm in Iowa City, so a few hours from Des Moines.  If you find any nifty craft stores in DM, post them!  We are distinctly lacking in funky craft stores, oddly enough, other than Michaels and Hobby Lobby.    And really, can we consider those "funky?"

Though, there is Ben Franklin here in Iowa City, which has many artsy craftsy things.  And there's a bead store, Dawn's Hide and Bead Away.  Great selection, knowledgable staff, and they carry materials for lampworking (at least the last time I was there a few years ago) and offer lampworking classes.  I normally wouldn't give Dawn any free advertising, but it's really the best in the area for beads.