A Craft For All Seasons

I started back to work last week and got right back into the swing of being a working UES mom again. It went very smoothly, but was quite an adjustment after having a long hot summer off with a newborn. Needless to say, I didn't leave myself or my family much time to venture the "hood". This week, I will play it safe and familiarize readers with a place that I hold near and dear to my heart.....The Craft Studio.

My relationship with "The Studio" started a number of years ago. After numerous visits with my children, and many gifts purchased, a friend said that I was great with kids and I should take a shot at working in this child wonderland. It was the beginning of a long and beautiful friendship.....in more ways than I can count. While working there I met people who, until this day, are an integral part of my life!

Owner, Lindsey Johnson, and I started our journey with The Craft Studio on the same day(way back when!). I have since moved on with my next career and my children while she continues to cultivate and create a magical, comfortable, inviting experience for our Upper East Side inhabitants and beyond!

The Craft Studio is well into its second decade of business and with each year its fan-base extends considerably. You only have to visit once to know that the entire experience is one to appreciate. From birthday parties, to gift buying, to workshops and more, this place has something for everyone.

Birthday parties at The Craft Studio are unmatched. I have been to many parties on the UES and throughout New York City, and not one has beaten the ones thrown here! I know it seems I am partial, but take my word for it. When you have kids in different schools throughout the city, you can safely say you have been to a party place or two! I can't say enough about their parties. The energy of the staff alone is enough to keep you coming back year after year. There are now nearly 20 different themes of parties to choose from! That's actually part of the fun....choosing a theme with your little(or big) one! There's everything from painting a piece of plaster to building and decorating a chocolate house. Yes, that's right. A chocolate house. You have to take a look at their website to see it. Don't just take my word for it! In fact, they have a Halloween workshop coming up where you can do that exact craft. It always sells out, so call and make reservations soon!

Speaking of workshops, you must always be on the lookout for one whenever the seasons change or holidays are around the corner. They are all reasonably priced and a bunch of fun for the kids. And since the place has been so beautifully decorated, it makes for some fantastic pictures! P.S. The window decor also changes with the seasons and holidays. One window always outdoes the next and each time the decorations come down, passers-by await the new view!

Walk-in crafts are another thing they are famous for. Unless there is a private party in which someone has rented out the entire store, you can walk in and choose a project to paint. The selection of plasters seems endless, and there are also flower pots, boxes, and little odds-n-ends. One challenge we face when we come to paint is choosing WHAT to do! I suppose that is part of the whole experience. Another advantage of the walk-in crafts are that they do NOT charge for the time you spend on your project, as other places do. You can feel free to take your time! That alone, makes it worth the money!

I have found that The Craft Studio has saved my hide more than once or twice over the years. Not only do they do walk-in art, parties, and workshops. They are also a full-fledged toy shop! They carry a huge selection of educational toys and toys that inspire imaginative and creative play. More recently, I noticed they even carry a brand of "green" toys and organic baby toys. It is ALWAYS a good call to come here when I have to head off to a birthday party. I don't even have to know the child! I just need to know the gender and age, and any specific interests they may have. I can come in and tell the staff that info(and what I want to spend), and I have the gift! Not to mention they wrap....for FREE! Some items they carry may be a buck or two more than a chain toy store, but would Toys R Us wrap your gift in a beautiful copper wrapping paper with bountiful ribbons? I think not. I would take that beautiful wrapping and Craft Studio gift bag any day, over the alternative.

I could go on and on about all the great things The Craft Studio has to offer, but it would not do it justice. You have to take the trip in for yourself. Word of mouth, good business, beautiful decor, good vibes, and a concentration of some of the most pleasant, kind, funny, helpful, and energetic workers makes it worth the visit. I am not sure how she does it, but if you or your children are lucky enough to meet the owner, have no doubt that she will probably remember you when you come back. It's those little things that keep a big place in my heart, and in the hearts of my children, for "The Craft".