Cozy Crafting

With the weather
turning chilly and the holidays drawing near, now is a perfect time to curl up
with a mug of hot cocoa and make something with your kids. Whether you’re
celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah or a simple snow day, these crafts are sure to
keep the whole family engaged; plus, each one can be adapted for different
ages.

Hand-Painted
Gift Bags

From Michaels
(michaels.com)

A lovely, handmade
way to dress up your holiday gifts! The smallest hands can help make a cute
Christmas tree, and older kids can freestyle their own designs—Santa, a menorah
or dreidel, even a special note from the gift-giver. Recommended for ages 3-8.

What you’ll need:Plain white paper gift bags, acrylic paint in green, brown and
yellow.

Instructions:Lightly outline a tree shape on the bag in pencil. Fingerpaint the
tree, trunk and star design onto the bag, making sure to clean hands between
colors. Then add a border. Let dry, and repeat on the other side.

Magnet Menorah

From Jugglingfrogs.com

Repurpose those
ubiquitous takeout and locksmith magnets, or purchase magnetic sheets from a
craft or office supply store. Cut them into strips to create a fun and
interactive Hanukkah menorah.

What you’ll need:Magnets, scissors, acrylic paint, glue, glitter.

Instructions:Cut the magnets into nine strips, each about half an inch wide and 3
inches long. Then cut out nine flame shapes. Paint the strips in a variety of colors,
and decorate as desired. Spread the flames with glue and cover with glitter.
Let dry. Arrange on the fridge or other magnetic surface.

Light Bulb
Ornaments

From Spacecraft
(spacecraftbrooklyn.com)

These fun and funky
ornaments are a great way to re-use what would otherwise end up in the trash.
Customize them with your family’s names, polka dots, snowmen, stripes, or
snowflakes. Recommended for ages 5-10.

What you’ll need:Lightbulbs, acrylic or glass paint, rhinestones, glue, felt,
ribbon or wire.

Instructions:Paint the lightbulbs with the paint and let dry. Paint additional words
or decorations after the first coat has dried. Glue on rhinestones or sequins.
Cut out a piece of felt the size of the lightbulb fitting. Make a loop the wire
or ribbon, poke a hole in the felt for it to fit through. Glue the ribbon or
wire to the tip of the lightbulb, and glue the felt to cover the fitting.

Crafts About Town

Feel like going out
to do your holiday crafting? The city offers plenty of warm and cozy spots to
curl up and great creative.

Color
Me Mine. This paint-your-own-pottery studio offers over 400 different
pieces—just pick your object and paint it, and then it’s glazed and fired. Ceramics
end up dishwasher safe and non-toxic. (116 Franklin
Street)

The Craft
Studio. This long-standing craft emporium is well-known for its inspiring
space—Brooke Shields and Tori Spelling even bring their little ones here.
Offers a great walk-in craft collection as well as seasonal craft workshops. (1657
Third Avenue)

Make
Meaning. This brand-new art emporium offers endless crafting possibilities:
ceramics, jewelry, glass, candles, soap, paper and even food. 329
Columbus Avenue (there’s also a mini-store at FAO Schwarz).

Moomah.
There’s no chance of overstimulation at this soothing Tribeca cafe and art
space (pictured above right)—it’s a place where kids and their parents can create things
inspired by nature (and enjoy a cappuccino or grilled cheese in the process). (161
Hudson Street)

— Katie Garton

Speakitaly NYC

SPEAKITALY NYC offers stimulating and entertaining lessons for children 0 to 16 years through a wide combination of activities based on the communicative approach anchored in the Common European Framework of Reference: active learning (group work, role plays, etc.) and practice exercises aimed to improve listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. Kids will start speaking and using Italian in a very natural way.&nbsp; Small classes capped at 6 students to make sure each one gets the needed attention and facilitate learners' progress.&nbsp; Our method is driven by a didactic method that is the result of constant updates, professional certifications and more than 10 years of experience in working with non-native speakers from different native languages and levels of knowledge. Our aim is to develop a range of Italian language skills while improving accuracy that will enable the students and participants to interact without stress or feeling rushed. We want to help those in the community really embrace not only the true culture in Italy but the Italian culture within New York City&hellip; Who doesn&rsquo;t love what Italy represents in the kitchen, in history &amp; in the arts? Speakitaly wants to support multilingual families who want to learn a new language or pass along their ancestor&rsquo;s heritage and culture. Raffaella, the founder said: "We see language awareness and intercultural sensitivity as the milestones for an inclusive society. Italian, like all other languages, is an enrichment and a growth in every way. Vi aspettiamo!"

Play On! Studios

Play On! Studios offers theater day camps and after-school classes on the UWS that are guaranteed to give kids a summer full of acting, music, and fun they won't soon forget! Young actors will rehearse and perform in a full production, work with professional NYC actors/teaching artists, build up their skills in a nurturing, non-competitive environment and play lots of drama games! Creative Drama Camps are perfect for kids entering grades K-4. Campers will work each week to put on a brand-new show! Each session, they will receive a script, rehearse a production, make a set and costumes, and perform their play. Kids will also play drama games, play outside (weather permitting), and have tons of fun! Musical Theater Camps are aimed at kids entering grades 4-9. In Musical Theater Performance Camp, campers put on a complete musical production in a professional NYC theater! Campers will stretch their skills with drama exercises and games, vocal coaching, field trips, and building a professional set. Our incredible teaching artists and campers come together to put on a truly remarkable show! During the school year, classes are great for beginners or more experienced actors - sing, dance, and put on a play! Whether your child is just starting out, or ready for Broadway, we&rsquo;ve got the class for them. Classes are available for grades PreK-8, after school or on Saturdays! Come play with us. &nbsp;

Young Actors at Strasberg

Young Actors at Strasberg&nbsp;offers a comprehensive array of acting programs for students in grades 2 &ndash;&nbsp;12. Classes provide kids and teens with a foundation in Lee Strasberg's Method Acting and the tools to succeed in the professional industry &ndash;&nbsp;all while maintaining a fun and playful environment. Programs are tailored to encompass students at all levels, from those just beginning their acting journey to Broadway veterans and professional child actors. Young Actors at Strasberg alumni include Lady Gaga, Sophia Lillis, Angelina Jolie, Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson and Rosario Dawson! Young Actors&nbsp;Programs are available online and in-person at our New York Campus, located in Union Square. Saturday, After-School and Online classes are offered during the traditional school year (Fall, Winter, and Spring) and Monday through Friday day camps and intensives are held in&nbsp;July and August. About The Lee Strasberg Theatre &amp; Film Institute: Founded in 1969 by Lee and Anna Strasberg, The Lee Strasberg Theatre &amp; Film Institute is the only school that teaches Lee Strasberg's work in its complete and authentic form. The Institute's goal is to provide students with a craft that will help them create a reality and respond truthfully in imaginary circumstances, regardless of the style or form of material being used. LSTFI is proud to have award-winning alumni from around the world working as writers, directors, and actors in all mediums.