Paint the Town: 6 Paint Places for Kids to Get Crafty

by Phebe WahlMarch 16, 2015

Whether it’s made with Mod Podge or maybe just mud and sticks, anything your kid crafts is a work of heart. With Mother’s and Father’s Day around the corner, we wanted to brush up on some spots where kids can create a keepsake worth keeping. Check out these six spots where your whole gang can get fired up about art.

Art and Soul Pottery Studio
Art and Soul offers up everything from glass painting to canvas, mosaics and tie-dye. Note that their prices for pieces range from $2.50 to $120 so be sure to pick your pottery carefully.

Address: 4920 Roswell Rd.
Phone: 404-303-9959
Online: www.artandsoulpotterystudio.com
Let’s Party: Art and Soul offers a wide range of project-based party packages ranging from Finger Painting ($13.50 per child) for the wee ones to tie-dye t-shirts ($17.50) for your tweens.

That Pottery Place
No appointment is needed for this open studio spot. Or, if you are searching for something more structured, try one of their pre-selected project classes. If you have a group of four or more, you can even schedule your own class and select from their portfolio of projects making for a perfect playdate.

Address: 2569 N. Decatur Rd., Decatur
Phone: 404-371-4557
Online: www.potteryplacedecatur.com
Let’s Party: Party packages include two hours of paint time in their private room (for a minimum of five painters) with a price of $15 per child. Each child gets to select one item to paint from their party shelf selection.

All Fired Up
If you are going to make this a regular habit then All Fired Up’s three Atlanta-area locations are the way to go with their punch cards that earn your a free piece to paint. With over 800 different items of pottery, they have something for everyone. Don’t miss their summer camp offerings that tackle a different project each day.

Address: 1563 N Decatur Rd.
Phone: 404-270-9048
Online: www.allfiredupinc.com
Let’s Party: Book their Van Gogh Party ($16 per painter) for an hour and a half of studio time, or their Picasso Party ($20 per painter) which includes higher priced items to select from and a birthday plate for guests to sign.

Just Kiln Time
As well as paint-your-own pottery options, Just Kiln Time also offers Kiln Time On Canvas classes that give step-by-step instructions working with acrylic paint where you leave with your own masterpiece.

Address: 27 Atlanta St., Marietta
Phone: 770-428-9699
Online: www.justkilntimeshop.com
Let’s Party: Twenty bucks per painter buys and hour and a half of paint time in their party room.

Sip and Stroke
Sip and Stroke’sSaturday morning kid’s canvas classes are a true stroke of genius. Two hours to run errands? Yes, please. We also love their mixed media approach to parties offering a variety of pottery, canvas, bead or mosaic themes.

Address: 4401 Shallowford Rd., Roswell
Phone: 770-641-9833
Online: www.sipandstroke.net
Let’s Party: Prices vary depending on theme ranging from $15 per child for pottery painting to $20 per child for a “Crazy Mosaic Party.”

Mud Monkey on Peachtree
This new neighborhood spot located in the Peachtree Battle shopping center is already abuzz with Buckhead bitties.

Address: 2385 Peachtree Rd. NE, #105
Phone: 7404-812-1750
Online: mudmonkeyonpeachtree.com
Let’s Party: Call for more information on party packages.

Did we miss a spot? Tell us where you and your kids like to get crafty in Atlanta!

—Phebe Wahl

Photos courtesy of Art and Soul via Facebook, That Pottery Place via Facebook, All Fired Up via Facebook, Mud Monkey via Facebook

7 Crafty NYC Summer Camps for Kids

by Anna KnoebelMarch 11, 2015

Ah, New York. So full of creative types — including, it turns out, your kid! If you’ve got a little one more interested in sewing than soccer, pumped for origami not overnights, or way into weaving instead of water sports, check out these summer camps for all kinds of artisans. With the right planning, June, July and August will each offer their own handmade project experience and by the time September rolls around, you’ll have a school year’s worth of unique birthday presents in your closet! Click on through to see our carefully-crafted picks!

For Those Who Like to Throw: La Mano

At La Mano’s Summer Pottery Course in Chelsea, experienced potters teach kids the basics of throwing on the wheel (like Demi Moore in Ghost) and hand building techniques (like pinching, coiling, and slabs). Project ideas are left up to the students and pieces will be fired and ready for pick up 4 weeks later. La Mano is a full service adult pottery studio, too, so by the time camp ends you might be ready to throw a few pots of your own.

What: Summer Pottery Course

Where: La Mano, 110 West 26th St, Chelsea

When: Two-week sessions begin June 22nd, 10a.m.–12p.m.

Ages: 11+

Cost: $300 for each 2 week session, plus $30 Materials Fee (per each session)

Put Down the Paint Brush! Kid Craft Classes You Didn’t Know Existed

by Ayren Jackson-CannadyFebruary 19, 2015

You know the importance of exposing your kids to creative endeavors, so you offer up drawing and painting, maybe even a little sculpture. But what do you do when your little ones says, “mommy, I’d like to learn how to knit an infinity scarf,” or “can I take a farm-to-table cooking class?” Don’t stress. With our list of quirky craft classes, you can help your little artist learn things like jewelry-making, photography, spinning and fused glass design.

Photo: The Art League via Facebook

Silk Screening at The Art League
The Art League offers classes and summer camps for ages 5 to 15 in everything from painting, drawing and ceramics, to photography, jewelry making, fiber arts (knitting and the like) and clay animation. Silk screening is a fave for the kid-set since it’s super actvie. They also have a basic summer art camp that exposes kids to a variety of different mediums, which is a great option if your little one is creative, but not quite sure what she wants to pursue.

Torpedo Factory Art Center
105 N. Union St. Room 216 (Alexandria, Va)
Online: theartleague.org

Cooking (for Toddlers!) at Creative Kids Kitchen
Yes, cooking is an art and involves a huge amount of craftsmanship. It also involves a whole lot of mess, which is why many of us find so many reasons why we can’t do it with our little ones at home. The solution? Outsource it! Creative Kids Kitchen offers food crafting classes for kids as young as two. Yep, you read that right.

Lorcom Ln. and Nellie Custis Ave. (North Arlington, Va)
703-664-0922
Online: creativekidskitchen.com

Fashion Design at Bits of Thread
If you have an aspiring seamstress or fashion designer on your hands, Bits of Thread is the place for you. Featuring all things sewing related, the shop offers children’s classes in beginning sewing where they learn how to safely use a sewing machine, practice design skills, and complete simple projects such as garments, bags, accessories, stuffed animals, and other toys. They also offer fashion design camps.

1794 Columbia Rd., NW #6 (Adams Morgan)
202-642-9622
Online: bitsofthread.com

Spinning at Fibre Space
Your little yarnista will find a home at Fibre Space, which offers introductory classes and private lessons for kids in knitting, crocheting and spinning. And if you have no idea what spinning is, listen up: it’s learning to spin yarn on a drop spindle. If you learn to spin, you can make your own yarn!

1219 King St. (Alexandria, Va)
703-664-0344
Online: fibrespace.com

Fused Glass Design at All Fired Up
While your little ones won’t get to sit down at the pottery wheel and create something magical out of clay at All Fired Up, they will choose from a huge selection of pottery to paint, ranging in prices from $2 to $60. They can also learn to mosaic just about anything, from animals, to boxes, to mirrors and tables. A newer option that is popular among kids is fused glass. Choose from hundred of colorful glass pieces to help create your own design. Then fuse it together in the kiln for a gorgeous piece to take home.

3413 Connecticut Ave. (Cleveland Park)
202-363-9590
Online: allfiredup.com

Do you know of any cool craft classes around the DMV? Tell us about them in the Comments section below.

—Jamy Bond

Present Perfect: Holiday Gifts That Baby Can Make

by Gabby CullenNovember 13, 2014

Let baby have a hand (or foot!) in the holiday gift giving this year. We’ve found seven clever keepsake ideas that can be made or inspired by the newest member of the family. From garden stepping stones to modern silhouettes to classic tree ornaments, here are gifts you can make and cherish together.

Garden Stepping Stone
Treasure those toes forever when you and baby create a garden stepping stone. Gather all the gear needed, including cement, mosaic tiles, water trip trays and a willing little one! Be prepared to strike out a few times before getting it right, says Valerie of onesassyhousewife, the blogger and mastermind behind this DIY design. Grab the rest of the instructions here.

photo: Valerie via onesassyhousewife

Printed Platter
What cuter way to display little fingers and toes than a classic Christmas platter? Mama Erin of inbetweenlaundry went to her local make-n-take pottery studio and managed to get her little guys to slap down a print or two to create some adorable trees and elves. This cool craft is not only an awesome gift but a great way to get baby excited about art.

photo: Erin via inbetweenlaundry

Painted Snowflakes
A first lesson in art can be a lesson in gift giving too. Nana and grandpa would love to get a hand-painted masterpiece. Easy for babies, simply tape up a piece of paper and let your little one finger-paint over the designs. When finished, peel up the tape and there’s a beautiful snowflake design! Jessie K of playcreateexplore has the full tutorial.

photo: Jessie K via playcreateexplore

Baby Keepsake Ornament
When you think baby gifts you think salt ornament. This year, instead of just another lumpy looking ball of dough, have baby plop down a hand and foot print instead. It will be a classic addition any Christmas tree. Arts master Anna at theimaginationtree has the full instructions on how to re-create this craft.

photo: Anna via theimaginationtree

Handprint Calendar
From raindrops to christmas trees, who knew there were so many ways to display a show of hands? Little ones will have a blast making each “month” on a cool DIY calendar but don’t forget to give yourself some serious crafting time, this project will take a few sessions. Head over to eisforexplore for the how-to on this clever gift for anyone in the family.

photo: eisforexplore

DIY Baby Silhouette
This is a gift you may end up wanting to give yourself. Skip the expensive sitting session and check out an amazingly easy but super adorable DIY baby silhouette. They never get old and they always remind you of when your kiddo was a little one. Allie at elevenyellowdandelions offers up some good-to-know tips like getting the lighting set, picking the best cardstock and how to get the eyelashes just right.

photo: Allie via elevenyellowdandelions

Sunshine Art
Brightly colored and full of light this totally simple but oh-so sweet project would be a great gift for an auntie. Yellow paint, canvas and ten little piggies are just about all you need to make a wall shine. Jackie, mama blogger at blessingsoverflowing, whipped up her canvas in just one afternoon.

photo: Jackie via blessingsoverflowing

Got any ideas on how to let baby give gifts this year? Share with us in the Comments!

— Gabby Cullen

Gilman Village: A Specialty Shopping Center with History

by Myriam Gabriel-PollockAugust 14, 2014

If you’re looking for a happy, easy-going place to spend a few hours with the fam, consider heading to Gilman Village in downtown Issaquah. For almost 50 years, the small buildings and former houses from Issaquah’s historic past have served as a local landmark and make up this charming enclave of over 40 shops, restaurants and services. From a pottery painting studio to a preschool for music lovers to a family tea house, this quaint shopping center is the perfect place to visit with the wee ones.

What to Do

Mudhouse Pottery Painting
A variety of fun pottery shapes and sizes to choose from? Check. Plenty of paints, stamps, and stencils to use? Check. A welcoming and super kid-friendly atmosphere? Check. If your kiddo enjoys indulging their inner Picasso, an hour or two at Mudhouse Pottery Painting is just the ticket. They do not charge by the hour, so you pay for your pottery (from $12 on up) and spend as little or as much time with the paintbrushes and stampers as you’d like. The look on your child’s face when they later see their finished, glazed masterpiece will be worth it. Mudhouse also offers parties, summer and day camps, and painting classes.

Gilman Village, Suite 40
425-677-7334
Online: mudhousepottery.com
Hours: Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sun., 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

White Horse Toys
This expansive, multi-level toy store carries over 17,000 items in their 3,000 square foot store. No joke! Trust us when we say they’ve got you covered, whether you are a newborn or 99. There’s a super cool train table to occupy your little one’s hands, but the whole store is pretty friendly for exploring and touching. They’ve also got plenty of the basics, such as LEGOs and Barbies, but what they really excel in is their selection of unique, beautifully made toys and games.

Gilman Village, Suite 13
425-391-1498
Online: whitehorsetoys.com
Hours: Mon.-Fri., 9:30 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sat., 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun.,, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Musik Nest
Operating year-round, Musik Nest offers classes for newborns to eight-year-olds. Dancing, singing, listening, and playing instruments — it’s all about fun, engaging, and nurturing music for your kiddo’s developing mind and body. The teachers, all licensed music educators, teach Kindermusik, the world’s leading program for music and movement. Sign up for a free trial class, and get ready to dance with your wee one.

Gilman Village, Suite 50
425-427-0984
Online: themusiknest.com
Hours: Check their online calendar for class schedules.

Where to Eat

Issaquah Coffee Company
High-quality Stumptown coffee, knowledgeable baristas (go ahead, order a ristretto), a mouth-watering selection of locally baked pastries, free Wi-Fi, and a play area for the kiddos — this place scores the max on the parent+kiddo coffee shop meter. Plenty of comfy seating, whether you want a big armchair or a sturdy table and chairs. And gluten-free and vegan pastries from Flying Apron, so everyone has a happy tummy. Sweet!

Gilman Village, Suite 46
425-677-7118
Online: issaquahcoffee.com
Hours: Mon.-Fri., 6 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sat., 7 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun., 8 a.m.-6 p.m.

Boarding House Restaurant
Since 1973 this haven of homemade, comfort food has been known for its hearty soups, salads, and sandwiches, but its the mind-blowing Macaroni and Cheese, and their house-made pastries and crisps, that people just can’t get enough of. Inside, the wood floors, comfy furniture, and warm fire give a cozy ambience, while the patio beckons on a warm day. The Kids Menu will give your little ones plenty of options, but don’t leave without their signature dessert: Apple Crisp (eat it there or take home a ready-to-bake one). Delish!

Gilman Village, Suite 7
425-392-1100
Online: boarding_house.webs.com
Hours: Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sun., 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Mom & Me, Crépes & Tea
Both parents and kiddos give this family tea house a major thumbs up! Parents can sit back and enjoy a nice cuppa something sweet or savory from the menu, while their kiddos have a grand time in the enclosed bright, spacious play area filled with toys, books, and games. The menu offers great deals, such as the “Mom & Me Breakfast” (a filling one for $19.99), but there are plenty of à la carte options like crépes, soups, salads, and yogurt cups. Bonus: The walls feature kid-related works by local artists, and various events are scheduled throughout the year.

Gilman Village, Suite 3
425-270-3921
Online: mommecrepestea.com
Hours: Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sat. & Sun., 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Who can play: Kids 0-6 years old; $5/child for all-day play; free play admission with $20 food/beverage purchase.

Have you spent time with the fam at Gilman Village? Share your insights with us in a comment below.

– Myriam Gabriel-Pollock

Photos thanks to: Stacia S. via Yelp, Rachel M. via Yelp, White Horse Toys, Issaquah Coffee Company, Musik Nest Facebook page, and Yana M via Yelp.

All Fired Up: Six Spots to Paint Your Own Pottery

by Erin CranstonAugust 5, 2014

So far this summer you’ve splashed in the spray parks, mulled over museums and frolicked at farms, and now the kids need hands-on down time. How about an art project? We’ve rounded up our area’s best places to paint your own pottery (with some glass fusing and crafting thrown in for good measure). Click through the gallery to find out where to get your art on this summer.

Paint the Town

How it works: This ideally located paint your own pottery place in U Village offers up a wide variety (as in 250!) do it yourself painting options, from mugs to bowls, figurines to picture frames, in prices ranging from $6 to $60. One price includes the piece you choose, and all paints, glazing and firing of your piece. Best of all, you can drop in anytime during business hours to create your masterpiece, and when you’re done, they’ll glaze and fire it for you—just return in seven days to pick up the finished product.

Camps and classes: This place is summer camp central. Running almost weekly through August 29, 2014, (Mon.-Fri. 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.), these camps will thrill your little artist, with fun creations like fairy houses and tote bags, dragons and pirate ships. Drop your kiddos ages 6-9 or 9-13 off and spend your mornings perusing the shops in the Village, getting a mani-pedi at nearby mommy-friendly Julep or having an early lunch. Price: $192/week.

Time to celebrate: Paint the Town’s party room is ready for a gaggle of partiers who want to paint. Choose your theme, pick you pieces and prepare to have fun! You can bring any food, drinks and decorations you’d like, and Paint the Town will provide a staff member dedicated to your party, as well as goody bags, pretty ceramic party plates and a signature plate for the party kid. You’ll also receive a coupon for 10% off goodies from Village kid-friendly shops like Menchie’s, Trophy Cupcakes and Elemental Pizza when you book your party. And best of all, they do the clean up! Could it get any easier?

Important party details: You must have a minimum pottery total of $130, goody bags extra. Minimum of 6 people, maximum of 20 (seating for 12). Parties run 1.5-2 hours.

Good to know: Paint the Town offers daily specials, from Muggy Mondays (15% off all mugs) to Tiny Tot Tuesdays (all painters 15 and under get 15% off), January-October. Combined with their nearly monthly Village Playdates (none in July and August because of Summer Camps), this painting place is sure to keep your Littles busy all summer long!

4611 Village Ct. N.E.
Seattle, Wa 98105
206-527-8554
Online: ceramics-painting.com

Where is your little artist’s favorite spot to paint pottery? Let us know in a comment below!

-Erin Cranston

Photos courtesy of: Allison Sutcliffe, Studio2You website, Emerald City Fired Arts, Color Me Mine-Mill Creek Facebook page, Mudhouse Pottery Facebook page & Paint Away Facebook page

Connect Your Kids to Their Communities at Multilingual Connections

by Tina LyFebruary 6, 2014

Connect your kids with their communities and world! Multilingual Kids’ week-long language camps are designed to immerse children in language and culture through fun, hands-on activities and are offered in Spanish and Mandarin Chinese for kids 5-9.

Camps are held in their bright and sunny West Bucktown center, and each day will include a trip to one of our partners (Penguin Foot Pottery, Easel Art Studio, Bucktown Music) and play time at nearby Lucy Flowers Park (weather permitting).

Half-day options are available, and they will also be offering a separate half-day camp for kids 3-5 during select weeks this summer.

Multilingual Connections
2518 W. Armitage Ave.
Chicago, Il 60647
Phone: 773-292-7676
Online: getmultilingual.com

July Hot List – Sales, Discounts & Free Stuff

by writerredtriJune 29, 2010

Whether you’re hitting up the Appel & Frank Sale for cool kids clothes and gear, taking advantage of the 25% discount at Brushstroke Studios (can you say “Moms Night Out”!) or enjoying a FREE DAY at SFMOMA, there are many a deals to be had in the Bay Area from our favorite local businesses.

Shopping, Deals and Events
Appel & Frank’s “Babes and Babies” Shopping Event

Childcare
Affordable AuPairCare, Live-In Childcare, approx. $7.50/hour!

Playtime and Summer Camps
Get Shipwrecked! Bay Area Discovery Museum open late!
25% off Mom’s Group Pottery Parties at Brushstrokes Studio
Target Arts & Wonder @ SFMOMA: A Free Family Day

Shopping, Deals and Events

Appel & Frank’s ‘Babes & Babies’ Shopping Event
Don’t miss the hottest MOM & BABY shopping event in the Bay Area! Modern moms are invited to shop at Appel & Frank’s ‘Babes & Babies’ event because their little ones should look as stylish as they do! The event features over 50 designers and companies offering merchandise including baby and toddler clothing, gear, accessories and more, all at discounted prices! Appel & Frank’s Babes & Babies event will be held on July 18th from 9:00am – 2:00pm at the JCC in San Francisco (3200 California Street @ Presidio). The first 300 guests to arrive will receive Appel & Frank’s lush reusable gift bags, stuffed with a number of fabulous goodies. In addition, shoppers can enter to win amazing raffle gifts!
Appel & Frank
appelandfrank.com

Childcare

Affordable AuPairCare, Live-In Childcare, approx. $7.50/hour!
AuPairCare, a leading au pair agency with a BBB rating of A+ providing dependable, affordable, flexible LIVE-IN childcare at approximately $320/week. Since 1989, AuPairCare has successfully placed over 30,000 au pairs from 40 countries with caring American families.

AuPairCare provides families with a dependable, personalized childcare solution by matching each family with a carefully screened and experienced au pair. A surprisingly affordable option, AuPairCare, offers reliable, flexible childcare in the comfort of your own home. Infant specialized program also available.
1-800-4AUPAIR /1-800-428-7247
Save $350 NOW, code RMZEROAPP
www.aupaircare.com

Playtime and Summer Camps

Get Shipwrecked! Bay Area Discovery Museum open late!
Open late by popular demand from 5 – 8 pm Friday, July 25 for Summer Sunsets: Shipwrecked! Arrgh matey, it’s the Bloody Scupper Plunder Club, here to sing songs of piracy and general mayhem at 6 p.m. Meet our own Dread Pyrate Gregory and swap tales of the sea all through the night. Buy dinner in our cafe or bring a picnic. Tickets $5 – $8 available at http://www.BayKidsMuseum.org/sunsets.
Summer Sunsets: Shipwrecked
Buy tickets online.
www.BayKidsMuseum.org/sunsets

25% off Mom’s Group Pottery Parties at Brushstrokes Studio
Brushstrokes Studio is a beautiful, light-filled paint-your-own-pottery studio in the Fourth Street Shopping District of Berkeley. With plenty of parking and easy access to the freeway, it’s a great destination for your mom’s group outing. Your group of 5 or more can reserve our upstairs studio, equipped with nursing chair, changing table, bouncy seats and toys. Our experienced staff will help you to create beautiful ceramic baby keepsakes: your baby’s handprints and footprints on pottery and impressions in clay. We’ll help you with design ideas and anything you need to make beautiful gifts and keepsakes. Brushstrokes makes a great Mom’s Night Out activity too!

Call for reservations at (510) 528-1360. Mention this ad and receive 25% off the price of the pottery for your group of 5 or more people!
Brushstrokes Studio, Inc.
Fourth Street District, Berkeley
www.brushstrokestudio.com

Target Arts & Wonder @ SFMOMA: A Free Family Day
Sunday, July 18th
11:00am – 4:00pm
Museum admission is free!
Join us for Target Arts & Wonder day, when museums nationwide celebrate art and family. At SFMOMA, think BIG, GIANT, ENORMOUS, and you’ll get an idea of what we’ll be exploring through family-friendly art activities and special presentations. You can also join the Mods, a club for kids.
SFMOMA
http://www.sfmoma.org/families

ML Interest Tag: pottery

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