Whether you’re seeking a rainy day alternative to endless hours of television or inspiring the next Mondrian, New York City offers a wealth of offerings for your emerging artist or artisan. From an afternoon spent behind a loom or pottery wheel to an entire season spent making jewelry, the options are wide-ranging and fun. Here is a sampling of local crafts venues with classes for kids of all ages.
Loop of the Loom
Say, “Om.” Believe it or not, this isn’t yoga. But the folks at Loop of the Loom can help you reach Zen in a different way—through weaving. The only hand weaving studio in NYC, Loop of the Loom offers training in the SAORI program. Sai is the Japanese word for individual dignity of all things, whereas ori is the word for weaving. Taken together, the SAORI weaving program emphasizes free expression for all ages and skill levels. Introductory classes are offered for kids and adults. Consider a Zen session, an entire day with the loom, uninhibited by the clock. After school kids’ classes, birthday parties, and other workshops are also offered. loopoftheloom.com
Kids at Art
This Upper East Side art studio offers opportunities for toddlers through teens to explore their creativity in various ways. Emphasizing a noncompetitive, fun experience, kids can either drop in occasionally for open studio time or take advantage of the venue’s 15-week programs. Beginning this fall, a portfolio class will be available for teens. And for your junior “Project Runway” fan? Courses in fashion design and sewing are now available for ages 6 and older. Kids at Art’s studio is available for birthday parties during which little ones can create murals and crafts and even jam to a DJ, upon request. kidsatartnyc.com
Potters Wheel NY
Prepare to get your hands dirty at Potters Wheel NY. This ceramic studio offers classes beginner through advanced in wheel throwing and hand-building. Adults, kids, teens, and tweens can enjoy the relaxation that comes with working with your hands. Bond with your kiddos by collaborating on a special project in a “Kids and Their Adults” class. Or, learn a special skill in one of their many workshops—raku, sculpture, glaze techniques, and more. potterswheelny.com
Make Meaning
With so many crafts to choose from, you and your kids are sure to find your favorite mode of artistic expression at Make Meaning. Walk right in and dive into projects in cake decorating, ceramics, candle-making, glass, jewelry, soap, or paper, and then come back again to try something new. Or, if you fall in love with one craft, hone in on your skills through one of their technique building classes. Make Meaning is the perfect party destination for kids, adults, corporate team building, camp orientations, or bridal showers/bachelorette parties. makemeaning.com
The Craft Studio
The ultimate kid birthday party destination, The Craft Studio offers 18 party themes to accommodate up to 65 of your little one’s friends. Parents can sit back and relax as the staff provides all the entertainment. And the fun doesn’t have to end once the birthday is over; stop by any day to paint a piece from their collection of pottery, wooden objects, and more, or try out a craft class. Be sure not to miss the toyshop on your way out, with crafty gifts to keep the creativity going at home. craftstudionyc.com
Little Shop of Crafts
The Little Shop of Crafts offers a not so little selection of craft projects for your little artist. You and your kids can practice your brush strokes on a variety of ceramic and plaster sculptures, design your own mosaic with beautiful color tiles, or make a new stuffed animal pal at create-a-cuddly. Little Shop of Crafts is also a great party destination, with party packages that include it all—cake, balloons, invitations, pizza—you name it! Parents, look out for special nights with complimentary wine for your own crafting pleasure. littleshopny.com
La Casita Yarn Shop Café
At La Casita in Cobble Hill, they like to say, “Nuestra casita es su casita”—meaning “our little house is your little house.” And the name rings true for this homey crafting experience. You’ll feel like your back at grandma’s as you sit by the cozy fireplace, knitting, crocheting and enjoying the tastes and aromas of the shop’s café. Offering adult classes in knitting and crocheting from beginner to advanced, as well as children’s classes run by children’s specialists, La Casita Yarn Shop Café is the perfect place to master your yarn craft of choice. lacasitayarnshop.com
Purl SoHo
For all things string—fabric, knitting, crocheting, sewing, needle work, etc.—hop on over to Purl SoHo. Start off class mastering different techniques through sample swatches, and then move on to bigger projects of your choosing. Kids can learn to knit and sew, too, with kids classes and kids and parents classes. You can even help your little one conquer the sewing machine. purlsoho.com
Brooklyn Bead Box
Have a hand in your own style at the Brooklyn Bead Box. Kids and adults of all ages can explore the craft of jewelry making, learning to work these beautiful beads into crimped necklaces, earrings, hoops, rings, and more. Classes are organized by project and difficulty, so you can appropriately match your interest and skill level. Beads purchased for class are 10% off, while all other materials are provided. brooklynbeadbox.com
Color Me Mine
With just 6 easy steps, you and your kids can experience “the art of having fun” at Color Me Mine. Choose from their massive selection of ceramic pots and sculptures, pick a pattern (whether free-handed or stenciled), select your favorite colors, put it all together with your paintbrush, hand it over for a glaze and firing (non-toxic, lead-free, and food safe!), and pick up your finished masterpiece to take home with you. All ages and skill levels will find their artistic voice here, whether through walk-in visits, parties, or special weekly events. Check out the online calendar for special deals like mommy-and-me mornings, two-for-one nights, ladies nights, and students nights. colormemine.com
For more great classes for kids, check out our Fall Classes Guide.
