If you’re visiting New York state and looking for a way to enjoy some good old-fashioned gluing, painting and crafting together, here are five drop-in craft workshops worth the visit.
The Craft Studio
This unique space will make children feel as if they’ve been transported to a magical, far-off place. Walk-ins are welcome every day (when the studio isn’t closed for private parties). Seasonal workshops range from crafting haunted chocolate houses to making Mother’s Day terra cotta pot herb gardens. Kids can paint on terra cotta pots, plaster, ceramics, canvas and wooden items. When they’re done crafting, kids can pick up a candy treat or toy from the Craft Studio’s vast selection.
craftstudionyc.com
1657 3rd Avenue, New York, NY 10128
Thousand Islands Arts Center & Handweaving Museum
This center, which houses a nationally renowned collection of textiles, conducts arts and crafts classes, has an active weaving studio with demonstrations every Wednesday, and hosts special events. More than 60 classes are available, ranging from painting, beading and working with recycled material to sewing, weaving and soap making. These drop-in classes offer an opportunity to see artists in action and to be inspired by the works of others.
tiiartscenter.org
315-686-4123
314 John St.,Clayton, NY 13624
Adirondack Folk School
Workshops here are dedicated to the arts, crafts and traditions of the Adirondacks and aim to get kids crafting in a hands-on, non-competitive environment. Classes include rustic furniture making, pine needle basket weaving, traditional braided rug making and canoe paddle making. The “Stick and a Hike” course offers families an opportunity to create a walking stick, then follow a map for a hike. Saturday evenings, children are welcome to engage in musical programs, listen to Adirondack storytelling and take part in marshmallow roasting around a large open-pit fire.
adirondackfolkschool.org
518-696-2400
51 Main St., Lake Luzerne, NY 12846
Spacecraft
Families can walk in anytime here and choose a project. The staff is also happy to suggest age-appropriate favorites, discuss methods, and show samples of techniques used in the project. Then, they “serve” the supplies and materials essential to completing the project. Their “menu” includes projects such as picture frame, t-shirt and skateboard decoration, as well as sculpture, papier-mâché, jewelry-making and stamp-carving. They ‘ll facilitate any project that is not on the “menu” as long as they have the materials in stock to do so. Kids learn how products are made, where they come from, and how it all directly affects them. Spacecraft also has a play space/reading area for kids who need a little distraction while waiting for the paint and glue to dry.
spacecraftbrooklyn.com
718- 599- 2718
355 Bedford Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11211
Created By You
If your child loves to paint anything he can get his little hands on, Created By You is the perfect outlet for his passion. The studio carries an assortment of ceramic pieces such as cupcake boxes, fairies, sports banks, skateboards, handprint platters and every shade of paint imaginable. Kids also can pick from an assortment of mosaic pieces and create funky designs.
created-by-you.com
718-979-1841 332
New Dorp Lane, Staten Island, NY 10306
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